Kruger and Kwazulu Natal Questions

Old Jul 4th, 2012, 01:33 PM
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Kruger and Kwazulu Natal Questions

Hi all,

Our group has 9 days to do a driving loop in early August starting and ending in Johannesburg. Currently, we are planning to start out with 5 nights in Kruger and then drive down to Kwazulu Natal to do a day of diving in Sodwana Bay. I have two questions that hopefully someone could help with:

1. What is the most economical car rental company in Joburg? My understanding is we do not need a 4x4 for Kruger, so I imagine any car will do. Should we go with one of the big companies (e.g. Avis, Hertz, etc.), or are there other options we should consider?

2. With the current itinerary, we have 4 days to kill and slowly make our way back to Joburg from Sodwana. Any ideas or recommendations for ways to spend the time? Are there any hikes in the Drakensberg mountains we could look into? We're generally pretty adventurous and like to do interesting/unique things that are non-touristy. Let me know!
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Old Jul 4th, 2012, 05:38 PM
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I use Avis with a coupon from the Entertainment book to save a little. You may need a 4x4 in Kosi Bay/Sodwana, depending on where you go.

What 4 days to kill? It's a full day to drive Kruger to KwaZulu Natal and a full day to drive back to JNB. So you have two days to dive and enjoy the Indian Ocean. If you have four days to kill, I'd look into an overnight walking safari in Hluhluwe-ImFolozi NP. Check the KZN parks website.

http://www.kznwildlife.com/old/index...ness-Area.html

Or try Tembe Elephant Park, Ndumo or Mkuze.
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Old Jul 4th, 2012, 07:02 PM
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Regarding car rentals, I've always gone with the lowest price. You can use something like Expedia and see what various companies charge (best deals are for manuals, which may not be to your liking if you usually drive on the right because you'll be shifting with your left hand). I also check out companies like Kemwel and Sixt before making up my mind.
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Old Jul 4th, 2012, 08:36 PM
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I've rented cars from Avis JNB three times. Most important for Kruger area are the windows. Too many compact cars, and even not compacts, have very racked back fronts with huge front/side pillars. Also small back windows that do not roll down. So try to get a car that sits high with big windows. And I like to rent from Avis because it is USA based and we are from USA so if any problems we can deal with them "locally", all at home. But never had any.

regards - tom
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Old Jul 7th, 2012, 03:03 PM
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You surely will rent but I would also consider going through Kruger in a vehicle with driver. My idea for sightseeing would be to explore the area north of J'burg, west of Kruger. The Blyde River Canyon is impressive. Possible lunch stop at Graskop. There is an old mining town called Pilgrim's Rest. Lunch there at Royal Hotel. A highlight in the area is Maropeng out M5 from J'burg with a fine museum based on prehuman discoveries. www.maropeng.co.za This is known as the Cradle of Civilization. Not far away is Sterkfontein cave where prehistoric remains were discovered. One evening we enjoyed a visit with evening dinner and performance around a bonfire with the Shanagaan tribe. www.shanagaan.co.za

Bill in Boston
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Old Jul 8th, 2012, 06:37 AM
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For driving yourself in Kruger, I'd suggest getting a vehicle that sits high off the ground -- a van or SUV or somesuch. You'll have a better view of what's lurking in the grass. Sometimes in a sedan, you're too low to see the leopard that might be hiding nearby. You could then change it for a regular car before driving to Kwa-Zulu.

We've done self-driving in Kruger and other SA parks many times, and we think a higher (taller) car is definitely worth the money.

Have a great time!
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Old Jul 8th, 2012, 06:38 AM
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Oh, I forgot to say that Tempest and Sixt are also reliable car rental agencies. We've used them both, as well as Avis and other international ones.

Celia
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