Cape Town vaca- Is Getting to Kruger worth it?
 

Hi.. any advice would be so appreciated.

My husband and I have been planning about a 10 day stay in South Africa, mostly in cape town.

I just started looking into a safari in Kruger for about 2 days and 3 nights of our trip.. it appears to be very expense even getting there. Could anyone give me a price estimate who's done it? Flying.. as we dont have much time.

Then I've read staying at private reserve will be better if we only have two days.. that also seems expensive.

I'm wondering if maybe its best if we just stay in Cape town and see one of the (yes I know they are zoo-like) reserves nearby?

Does anyone have any tips on making the trip from CT to Kruger more affordable? We were looking into Elephant Plains lodge. But are open to anything that's more accessible. No concerned with luxury at all.

Thanks so much for any help you can provide.

I find it a pity to travel all the way to SA and miss one of the premier safari destinations in Africa, the Greater Kruger National Park. If you'd been before, great, then spend all your time in CT or CT plus Garden Route.

But is it worth it? It's not uncommon in my experience to get feedback from visitors who stayed ~4 nights saying that they wished they'd spent more time there.

Cost run down in very broad figures:

-First, Fly to CT, home from JNB, that'll likely save some money over the round trip to CT

-Flight CT to MQP (Nelspruit, ~ 1.5 hrs drive to Sabi Sand), ~$230 pp, you'll arrive in time for p.m. game drive

-Flight MQP to JNB, ~$120 pp

-MQP to lodge, ~$100--200/car each way for transfer service. Maybe half that if you rent and drive yourself.

-Lodge, ~$330-1000 pppn, depending on which you choose.

If you opt for Kruger, I'd adjust plans to have at least 3 nights in a lodge so you can relax into the place. You wouldn't be sorry.

Hey

Thank you. I think we will take your advice and stay 3 nights. For some reason I was coming up with higher prices.. but that all looks pretty reasonable.

You're right. That would be crazy to go all the way to SA without getting to Kruger. I was initially overwhelmed by the planning of a safari. but the more I read it really seems worth it!

Thanks again!

More than welcome! BTW, the road transfer would be ~$150-200/car each way. Was thinking 150 but typed 100.

I just returned and I would say it is 125% yes you should make every effort possible to go to Kruger. We stayed at Lion Sand River Lodge and it was worth every penny that we spent. We flew from Cape Town into the new airport Skukuza which saved us time and money since it is very close to the lodge. This for us was a trip of a lifetime and I can't even put into words how great it was seeing the wildlife up close and personal.....off road without huge crowds.
Can't miss in my opinion

Liz, have2 makes a good point. South African Airways recently started flying into Skukuza in Kruger Natl Park. Flying from CT to Skukuza would save time over MQP.

Hi!
With only a few nights, I'd fly into the reserves so that you can get there in time for a game drive. On the back end, you can get the morning drive in before you have to leave. You will want every chance to be in the presence of such amazing animals.
There are so many incredible lodges to choose from. One for every budget, size and style that fits your interests and needs. I would recommend a private reserve as with only a few days, you would want to maximize your time in the bush with guides that communicate with the other jeeps so that you can share in the incredible sightings going on.
Elephant Plains Lodge would be a good pick. Another one to consider would be Notten's Bush Camp. Family run lodge, gets great reviews, and well regarded. Enjoy!

While CPT is a 'winner' of a city, I cannot in my wildest dreams if never having gone on a real safari, why you wouldn't go to Kruger. Otherwise, all you're doing is visiting 'a city' regardless how high I rate CPT. Even if while there visiting the Winelands for a day or two, you can find wine locales I personally found the architecture and landscapes more interesting. A vineyard is a vineyard and I've seen many, but viewing game in their natural habitat is 'special.'

Unfortunately, regardless the African country, flights don't come cheap, but in the end it's worth what you pay. Find yourself a responsible/reputable tour operator/outfitter to arrange all as they are provided discounted rates and can coordinate all the flight connections between the southern and northern parts of the country, along with transfers as needed.

good tips!