You’ve booked your safari in the Kruger. Now what? We share some practical hints and tips to ensure you get the most out of your self-drive safari experience in the Kruger.

Driving on unfamiliar roads in a foreign country can be a daunting thought, but just following these simple guidelines will help to make your driving experience a more pleasant and relaxed one.

• We recommend driving during daylight hours when it is easier to navigate unfamiliar roads. Some South African rural roads may not have street lighting and its therefore particularly important to take note of potholes and wild animals, especially when navigating roads in the Kruger.
• Take note of gate opening and closing times allowing adequate travelling time to avoid arriving at your entry gate after closing time.
• Always take note of posted speed limits and park regulations.
• Stay on designated roads and tracks
• Do not off-road.

If you find that you are still travelling at sunset or after sunset, and feel unsure, contact our Customer Care Centre on +27 275 3500 for assistance.

Going on safari?

Although there are pro’s to doing a self-drive game drive, including doing the drive at your own leisure, and not having to travel with strangers, there are also a number of reasons we recommend you book a professional game drive with us.

Going on a game drive or walk with a ranger can be a highly rewarding and educational experience. Rangers are trained experts who can enhance your wildlife safari experience in several ways:

• Game rangers have extensive knowledge about the local flora and fauna, including animal behavior, habitats, and migration patterns. They can help you spot and identify animals that you might have missed on your own.
• Game rangers are trained in wildlife safety and are skilled in reading animal behavior. They can keep you safe by ensuring you maintain a safe distance from potentially dangerous animals and by providing guidance on how to react in various situations. They know when it is safe to approach animals for a better view, including how to best position the vehicle for the best viewing experience.
• Many rangers are skilled trackers who can follow animal footprints which can significantly increase your chances of encountering elusive animals.
• If you’re staying outside of the Park, you’ll be driven into the Park by your ranger maximising your game drive time experience.
• If conservation is important to you, by participating in a game drive or walk with a ranger, you are indirectly supporting conservation efforts, as the fees you pay for guided tours often contribute to wildlife conservation and habitat protection. rangers will also often share information about conservation efforts, threats to wildlife and teach guests about the importance of preserving natural habitats.
• In addition to conservation contributions, many of the game drive suppliers have reciprocal initiatives with local communities ensuring that local people are employed and supported.
• If you’re an avid birder, rangers are often skilled bird watchers and can help you identify and observe various bird species, enhancing your birding experience.

Overall, a game drive or walk with a game ranger can turn a wildlife safari into an enriching and memorable adventure, providing you with a deeper understanding of the natural world and an opportunity to connect with nature in a meaningful way.

If you’d like to know more or book a safari with Thompsons Africa, please be in touch on email info@thompsonsafrica.co.za or contact your Thompsons Africa consultant.

THOMPSONS AFRICA

20 The Boulevard
West End Business Park
Westville, KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa

Tel: +27 31 275 3500
Email: info@thompsonsafrica.com