SANParks.org Forums

Hi Forum Folk

The different rates are all about loyalty. The simple rule of thumb is the more you spend with us, the cheaper it will be.

In other words, someone who is staying at a camp within the KNP is paying us a lot more in total compared with someone who is only coming in for the day. We therefore would like to give a saving for those that are staying at our camps for a product like a game drive or a morning walk.

Basically, we are trying to encourage everyone to stay in the park rather than to stay outside.

It is your choice though but I feel this is fair.

Kind regards
KNP Spokesman

Hi

I know that at camps such as Crocodile Bridge, which is situated at a gate, outside people are allowed on night drives. I am not sure whether it would be available from Phabeni or Numbi since they are not next to a camp.

Pretoriuskop camp is near to Numbi gate, so I think that would be your best chance of success. Contact the duty manager there at: margaretj@sanparks.org

However, practically speaking it would be better to do a trip from Phabeni gate. Here I am thinking about having to drive back after dark. The road to Numbi goes through heavily populated areas, with lots of possibility of domestic animals etc. on the road and it is not well lit. The road to Phabeni is much less risky. Could only find a tel. nr. for Phabeni: +27 (0)13 735 5890. Maybe ask at Pretoriuskop for more info!

weesy, I do know that you can do a sunset drive from Kruger gate as friends of ours did one in Sept last year. The lodge outside also offers them, but they did a KNP drive (booked at the gate) for a fraction of the cost.

Hiya.

I've stayed in hazyview and gone on night drives in the park a few times. Your closest gate is Phabeni and you can book night
drives with the gate staff direct.

Phabeni Gate: +27 (0)13 735 5890

If your daughter is renting a car anyway then don't bother booking through one of the tour agents as they will just transport her to the gate and back to where she is staying.

Once at the gate she will be met by a Kruger Park ranger who will take her and other guests on the night drive.

However if she does need transport to the gate then this is the best way to go.

Booking direct with the gate is the most cost effective option. (From my experience anyway)

Whatever she decides, she's gonna love it

There are night or sunset drives from some entry gates, Phalaborwa being one.

.....and both Crocodile Bridge and Malelane gates!

We are debating whether to do a night drive or sunset drive and would like to hear others views on this.
I am keen on photography, so imagine the sunset might be better from that point of view but there are 5 of us in the party and if the night drive is going to add a whole new dimension to the trip then I would happily go with it.

We will be staying just outside of Crocodile Bridge at Ngwenya so also need to know if they are even available to us.
If anyone can advise to cost that will also help us budget.
Do we still pay the usual day entry fee if we are paying for one of the above drives?

Thanks in advance to all of you who will take the time to help us out with answers

Hi Granny B

As you are staying at Ngwenya, you will be able to go on the drive, need to book at Croc Bridge. Am not sure if they have both sunset and night drive.

http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/to ... drives.php

There is a bank at Skukuza and a few in Komatipoort. Would suggest you use a credit card and cash.

As you don't mention where you live, it would appear that you are an international visitor.

Hi everybody

My wife and I are going to the Kruger for our first time in August 2011. We will be staying at Kruger Park lodge (outside the Kruger park, close to the Phabeni gate).

How do I go about booking game drives and should this be booked in advance? Can anybody recommend companies we can use for the game drives?

Hanrick

We booked our Games Drives and Guided Walk by sending an email to the general email-address: reservations@sanparks.org. It only works if you stay in a Rest Camp.
It took a lot of patience but finally we got confirmation that we are able to join a group.

greetings,

Gert-Jan

I have stayed out the park and did a sunset drive from phabeni gate. So you can do some game drives from the gates

my second last visit to Kruger, my father took myself and my sister on a night drive from crocodile gate, and it was something like R480.00 PP and when I checked at BnD it was R 230.00 PP and the drive was a full hour longer.
this must be because (like Sheenaugh-Lee said, its a gate where people don't have to be staying in Kruger over night to go on the drive.

that night drive from CB was amazing though! good sightings.

thank you for your in put guys!

If you go on a drive from outside the park, i.e. if you are staying in one of the surrounding lodges etc. even if the drive starts from right at the outer gate at Croc Bridge then the price is much higher.
I think another conservation fee is added on as well.
but if staying inside the park then the prices should all be the same throughout.

I am considering staying outside the park as I have a timeshare but would like to go on early morning drives. Can anyone tell me what times the gates open and if there is any way to get into the park in time to attend the early morning game drives. (I seem to think that they start at 4am or 4:30 but am not sure.
Maybe someone can shed some light on this as well.

Thanks for the help

Gavin

Gate times vary according to season.

Morning drives are available from all gates, usually starting 30 mins before official opening, for people wanting to book from outside the park.

Your best option is to call the gate nearest to you and ask them what drives they offer and prices.