Auto Rental advice needed

[saraf]

I've used Avis for the past few years and all the cars have had an e-Tag. It gets added to your bill and if you have already pre-paided they will take it from the credit card, usually within a month of returning the car.

They should tell you this when you pick the car up, if not then ask for an explanation on how the system works.

[lindah]

Hi would like some advice about driving around Kruger in a minivan, especially around cat sightings when traffic is busy. We are 5 adults with luggage so can’t seem to think of any other way of getting around.
Thanks for any help.

[Stark]

Hi lindah!

I rented a Fortuner this past month (the biggest SUV type vehicle Avis carries at Skukuza) and the luggage space is TINY. We originally were going to be a party of 4 and we would have been hard pressed to fit everything without having suitcases in the seating area. Even with just 2 of us, we used 70% of the storage space.

I think a minivan is your best option overall and I don't think you'll have problems at sightings from one. I saw plenty of them in the park and didn't see any issues with them navigating around, even at busy sightings.

[lindah]

Many thanks for advice Stark. We are trying to get a VW Tiguan at Skukuza airport as hoping this will be big enough for us all and luggage.

[BirgitJo]

Hallo lindah,

I think a Tiguan will be much too small for 5 persons with luggage
Maybe you should think about a VW Bus, that one will have enough space for you.

Have a great trip

[Grumpy Mole]

Has anyone had any experience hiring a VW T6 kombi?
I have booked one,as we will be four adult men, and don’t want to sit on the arch other’s laps.
I want to know if the rear sliding windows are adequate for photography ?

[Melaka]

I don't know about the newer VW but we have used an older model on several occasions. It's fine for four adults.

[FinMari]

Just learned -do not leave rental for last minute or last month
That is the reason I decided to write

We booked SUV for twelve nights trip from Avis Skukuza some four months ago - luckily
The price was with extra insurances a bit over 1100€ (almost R 18 000). I know, it is a lot of money but prices have increased after COVID.

But now I have learned, it was a good deal.

Qatar Airways cancelled our return flight from Johannesburg to Doha on Saturday evening some four weeks ago (so about six weeks before the trip). They offered us return on Friday or Sunday. We thought, okay one more night at Kruger NP, it sounds great. I went to change our rental agreement and add one more day -> the price jumped up over 450€ extra (over R 7 000) Quite pricey one day

My hubby was yelling "Do not confirm anything" "Return"

Luckily I did not made any changes to the original agreement. We made a new deal with Avis about VW Polo for one night (about 80€ / R 1300). We are going return to Skukuza airport with that SUV and drive for the last night to Lower Sabie with Polo. If all our luggage does not fit to trunk of Polo, we will put then to the back seat. I would not put anything on the back seat at home / somewhere else, but I trust we will manage H4-1 from the airport to Lower Sabie and next day back.

[Melaka]

It is my understanding there is an acute shortage of rental cars. Most were sold off during Covid and it has not been easy to replace them because of the shortage of chips which means production is well down. On our trip over the past fortnight we got a higher grade car (AWD RAV4 instead of 2WD) at no extra cost. One of our party ran into problems with the car they had booked and eventually were given a higher grade one as well. The parking area by Avis at O R Tambo is normally pretty full of cars but was noticeably empty when we got there.

[suntime]

Given the current cost of car rental I am thinking of renting a Nissan Almera to transport 5 adults around for two weeks. Is this completely impractical ?
The Almera is no longer sold here in Europe so it is difficult to judge the size.

[Grit1962]

Is this a serious question, 5 adults plus luggage…

I would take at van for a nice trip where you can all sit comfortably and have a good view. Depending on where you go a large Toyota will also be an option.

We always rent a Hilux for just 2 adults…

[Melaka]

I agree with Grit1962. Whenever we've been three or more we've opted for a van/minibus. That way you get plenty of space for luggage, cameras, maps, etc and everyone gets a window seat. The extra height of eye also helps.

[Hippotragus]

I agree with Grit1962 and Melaka - you should think about hiring a kombi (minibus) or a bakkie (pick-up). The Nissan Almera, as far as I know, is quite a small saloon car with a boot. I think you will definitely have a problem fitting in all the luggage and food etc. for 5 people for 2 weeks.

Having said that, in 1983, we took my parents from England on part of our honeymoon. We were 4 adults in a small VW Golf. I still don't know how on earth we fitted in all our clothes, food, etc. for a trip around South Africa!! Maybe we didn't change our clothes very often, or eat very much??

These days, my husband and I fill our Ford Ranger 4x4 bakkie to the hilt when we go away - back seat and load area under the canopy at the back - food, drink, gas bottle, skottel, chairs, clothes bags, picnic equipment, first aid kit, charcoal, wood (bought just outside the Park), coats, hats, binoculars, lots of wildlife books, etc. When we go to Kgalagadi, we have 3 Jerry cans of water, one of diesel, firewood and charcoal on the roof rack, too!!

Whatever you choose in the end, have a fabulous trip!!

[amecullen]

Hi All

Very excited to be planning our 6th trip to Kruger, but our first since 2018. Just booked the flights and I am now sorting out car hire. We are limited in our time this visit, so for the first time we have decided to fly from JNB to skukuza airport and pick up a car there.

Car hire costs are astronomical at the moment, so looking to keep costs reasonable.
We usually take the unlimited mileage option, but this trip the limited mileage is considerably cheaper.
But, I have never really kept track of how many km we use driving around Kruger.
Just wondering if any of you guys have any rough estimates?
Over 14 days the limited mileage is 2800 km.

Also we have managed to pick up a booking for two nights in the river view safari tent in Lower Sabie, we normally stay in the BD2U, #81 and have been very happy there. Not sure what to expect?

Any advice much appreciated

So good to be dreaming of Kruger again.

[Elsa]

amecullen I would say 200kms per day is fine and doable.
You might find that on a couple of days you drive slightly more and then on others less.

Sure you will love the safari tents at Lower Sabie
Have a look at some pics of the various tents Accommodation photos LOWER SABIE

Enjoy your count down.