SANParks.org Forums

Hi Mites, The suggested route from Pretoria to NKP via the above gates is as follows

Does anyone have any info on the conditions of these roads/ routes?

Help will be appreciated. We normally travel via Phalaborwa but there seems to be may
conflicting stories on those road condtions Tnx again.

Hi Johan
We recently travelled the route. From Nelspruit to White river is a 80 kmph stretch with traffic lights and heavy traffic. Afer that we preferred to take the R40 to Hazyview, because the area is not as rural as the R536. I've driven the R536 route long ago and was not impressed. I have an impression of livetock, pedestrians, taxi traffic etc. It might have changed, so I can't give you an update on that. The R40 to Hazyview is only a few kms longer. I prefer to enter at Phabeni. Its a nicer gate in my opinion. The R40 was posted with road work signs and 80 kmph speed limits but there were no ongoing roadworks when we passed there a week ago. There are some nice dams and plantations, and it is a bit more scenic I think. Hope this helps!

don't know the road numbers but we like the scenic routes and going in at Phabeni so we usually do Dullstroom - Lydenberg - Sabie - Hasyview - Phabeni

Tnx Ruth and "mel123". Appreciate the quick response.
I was in KNP over the Xmas period and remember the sun in the eyes as dawn breaks on the N4.
I then entered at Malelane on way to Lower Sabie.
But I think I will just have to do it agn tomorrow morning.
Staying at Olifants so we will have a nice long slow drive from Phabeni..

So R40 it will be.

Tnx all Mites fr the advice. I travelled to Nelspruit and R40 al the way to Hazyview and entered at Phabeni.
It was great then and no problem like returning via Phalaborwa to Polokwane on the return. My those
roadworks was really killing. Tnx agn

Pleasure johan! Hope you had a great trip!

Done the R536 as well last year
not so many potholes but very hectic

why not via Mpumanga airport
R538
Done that one in november and it was fine
(donno about the riots at the moment from the locals)

Hi Bert,
Tongue in cheek suggestion??

Quote "Kruger National Park visitors warned not to use R538 to Numbi Gate
South African National Parks (SANParks) is warning visitors not to use R538 road to Numbi gate because of the community strike which is taking place at the moment. Visitors are advised to use R40 to Hazyview and enter the Park either through Paul Kruger or Phabeni Gate."

"Please contact Tourism Manager, Heather Cranko at 013 735 4388 if you have any queries." Unquote

Cheers! ------ and then "123" I need to post 2 TR's , one for the 10 days over Xmas and then this short one to see the damage.. Must get cracking

May I give you and update. Report as of Monday 5th March

The Road via Numbi is still not good - many potholes, erratic drivers on the road and lots of road damage where there were fires and broken glass on the road.

Apparently there are also times when the gates are not even open.

The report I have is from people who went in Via Numbi (for old times sake) despite advice to use Phabeni.

Report was also that staff were unhelpful and had what they called a "bad attitude" They confirmed they will never use Numbi Again

They exited via Phabeni and had nothing but good things to say about the staff at the gate.

They were asked if they had a Leopard in the boot - which at first they did not understand - then when asked again everyone had a good laugh - shows how the staff at a gate can leave lasting good impressions.

I've used Numbi many times and the staff are as helpful and friendly there as they are anywhere else. A smile gets you a long way sometimes...

Update for today - there were two road stops on the R40 today - traffic was not to bad and the waits were not too long.

Friday will be busier due too the weekend.

Reports from locals - although the unrest has stopped there may again be some action as the promised water has not yet been received !! (this report fro staff who live 15 km from Numbi)

Thunderbird - you have clearly not seen the news of the last weeks

KR

Hi did the R40 a week ago and there are 2 stop and goes on it.... Otherwise quite a good road to travel on...

Last time I went via Numbi was in 1968! Prefer the R40 to Hazyview although Hazyview can be very busy with taxis during a month end weekend. Just drive carefully. Phabeni is the preferred entrance gate