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What's your favourite route to get from Gauteng or Bela-Bela to the Punda gate? Do you just go up the N1 to Makhado/Louis Trichardt then via Thohoyandu? Or is there another route you prefer to travel, and why?

Go in at Phalaborwa gate, early and you have more time in the park.

AnnieR. I have travelled the road you described a number of times and it is fine. But I have been told by regular travellers that the road over Giyani is better with less traffic.

I agree with Imberbe - the R81 through Giyani is much better. Problem with the other road is all the busses and taxis between Louis Trichardt and Thoyo.

Thanks Imberbe and WildThing, that's exactly the kind of input I was looking for. Last time we did the Thohoyandu road and didn't particularly enjoy the traffic. Would you say the Giyani Rd is ok for towing a caravan?

Yip OK for van - we did that August 2009 - no problems

thanks ruthp - Giyani here we come...

I also prefer Giyani. It is in good nick and has some wonderfuly scenic areas.

Life can be so unfair....

U guys living in Gauteng drive 5 hours en then u are at Punda.......

I live in Hazyview and have to enter phabeni gate and it take me almost 2 days to get up there Life not fair I tell you Do you know how bad the traffic is via this route

Live in Hazyview

Dirk.V.E. Neethling, that is just plain cruel!

Enter through malelane gate, sleep at Satara first night.

Day 2 - Drive to Olifants have brekkie. Stay over at Mopani (most underrated area of the park for predators).

Day 3 - brekkie at babalala and you will get to Punda.

Now that is my best route to Punda

I have the priviledge of auditing companies in Thoyohandou, Hazyview, Malelane, Tzaneen etc. Always get a good 3 days in the park each time.

The rd is good to Punda Maria, just look out for livestock.