stevenchaikin

We are traveling to Kruger In the beginning of October and are staying at two different lodges(Tanda Tula and Nottens). Our tour agent is recommending getting a private driver and car - but we would like to drive ourselves. Are there any reasons why we shouldn't drive from Nelspruit to Tanda Tula, drive from Tand Tula (Timbavati) to Nottens (Sabi Sand) then from Nottens to Hoedspruit ? What kind of car should we rent - what are the petrol costs. Is it a good or bad time of year to drive around Kruger? Thank you all for your assistance.

Steven

cary999

We (from USA) have three times rented an Avis car from Avis at JNB airport. Driven around/into Kruger then left the car at the Avis office at Hoedspruit office, HDS airport. Rental cars (Avis) are more $$$ than USA, about twice the cost I'd say. And we always use Avis because they are USA company so any problems we can handle directly at home. You are from ??? That might make a difference in rental car company you choose.

Not sure about October, we have always been there in Sept and was great. You will love the Kruger area. If you have a rental car, drive into Kruger for a few days. Completely different experience than private safari camps. We love both, Kruger and camps in the Timbavati and Sabi Sand.

regards - tom
ps - only problem driving is that the drive on wrong side of the road!!!

christabir

Does it make sense to rent a car and leave it parked all that time? You won't see anything different than what you will with a driver for those short transfers. Renting a car under your circumstances makes little sense to me. But if you have a few days to go to Kruger like tom suggests, rent a car.

LewRood

Just remember Nottens is closer to Nelspruit Airport as it is in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve whilst Tanda Tula is in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve closer to Hoedspruit Airport

stevenchaikin

Thanks for your responses - we are looking at a rental car due to the high cost of a private driver - We know that we have to rent the car at Nelspruit and return the car at Hoedspruit. We are not sure how long of a drive and what the road conditions are from Tanda Tula to Nottens. If we could save 3-400 US dollars, it would be worth it for us to drive - any thoughts?

cary999

Driving from Nottens, Sabi Sand, to Tanda Tula, near HDS, I'm guessing would take you about 4 hours? The drive itself will be easy, good highway - once you get out of Sabi Sand reserve. Have you looked at a road map?

What does a private driver cost? Have you looked at a road map? Have your priced rental cars? You might save 3-400 USD or even more. Maybe even less? Your $$$$ figures presented here are rather obtuse. To help you decide about rental car here is link to Avis JNB. NOT taking car back to pick up office will mean an additional cost.
https://www.avis.com/car-rental/rese...lace-submit.ac

How much is it worth to you to us a road map and find your way? While driving on other side of road. If doing that saves you $200, take the private car. Sit back relax, enjoy the ride. And does $3-400 really mean a lot in the total cost ($10,000?) of the trip?

regards - tom
ps - I hope you are staying in South Africa, or neighboring country(s) for minimum of two weeks. Too make it worthwhile flying to Africa from USA. That is, when I fly from LAX (Calif) to JNB it takes me 30-34 hours from when I close my front door to arriving first JNB hotel.

stevenchaikin

You make a good point about relative costs of transfers against the total cost of the trip. The company is charging $700 for the transfers (incl. 2 of us.) Just seemed a bit high for the amount of travel. Also, it felt a bit more intriguing to drive ourselves at our own pace.
We're comparing car companies now. And also checking what the individual camps would charge for transfers. We don't totally trust the tour operator who is based in S. Africa. We're also going to Botswana for a few days but won't need a car there. THanks for the advice!