Basic Rules For Driving Within KNP
Always stay inside your vehicle!
- Keep all parts of your body inside the vehicle. Don’t hang out the windows or open doors to get a better view.
- The exception to this rule is if you are at a designated get-out point clearly marked by park authorities.
- Even then you should still be aware of your surroundings before getting out of your vehicle.
Driving Near Wildlife
- Wildlife are used to the shape and presence of vehicles, but can be frightened by humans, causing them to react unpredictably.
- Predators are used to cars. They see them as larger animals. A person outside of a vehicle can be seen as smaller prey.
- Always yield to wildlife. This is their home, not yours. Don’t pressure animals on the road to move.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially larger animals. This is discussed in detail in other posts.
- Please see Driving Near Elephants in KNP.
Speed Limit & Roads
Stick to the speed limit! The police like to camouflage their speed traps.
- 50 km/h on tarred roads.
- 40 km/h on untarred roads.
- 25 km/h is the recommended speed for game spotting.
Stay on designated roads and routes at all times. No excuses. Even if you have a 4×4. If a route is closed or has a No Entry sign, there is a reason for it.
All other road rules and laws apply.
Driving Conditions
H Roads = Main Roads
Type: These are tarred roads. with the following exceptions:
- The H5 in the south of the park connects the H4-2 to the S114.
- H15 connects the H15 to the Giriyondo border with Mozambique.
Driving Conditions: The road is well-maintained and suitable for all types of vehicles, including standard sedans and SUVs.
- Towing a caravan or trailer is allowed on these roads.
S Roads = Secondary Roads
Type: These are gravel or dirt roads branching off from the main roads, with the following exceptions:
- The S1 from Phabeni to the H11, connecting to Skukuza.
- The S110 section south of Berg-en-Dal, connecting to the H3.
- The S63 between Pafuri Border Camp and the H1-8.
Driving Conditions: These roads are dusty and can be corrugated, making for a bumpier ride. Some may be closed after heavy rain. However, they offer a more intimate safari experience due to lower traffic.
- A 4×4 vehicle is recommended but not necessary for these roads, (expect a bumpy ride regardless).
- We advise against towing a caravan or trailer on these roads.
- While towing is technically allowed on all routes unless specifically restricted, it’s a headache waiting to happen.
- If you’re considering a gravel road as part of your route, keep in mind that even without a trailer, your speed will be significantly reduced. If you think it’s a shortcut, think again!
Examples Of What This Looks Like
Be Considerate of Others
Animal Viewing and Information Sharing
- When viewing wildlife without congestion, park on the side of the road where the sighting is located.
- Officially, one side of any road should be available for other drivers to pass a sighting.
- In practice, this rule is not enforced, but is a courtesy that should be followed when possible.
- In cases of heavy congestion, try keep the lane opposite the sighting clear for those who want to pass, and avoid parking diagonally across the road.
- If your car has the best view, move on after a few minutes to give others a chance to see the sighting. Again, this is a courtesy that would be appreciated.
- If you spot something interesting further down the road that others might not see (e.g., hyenas in a concealed den or lions sleeping), flag down drivers coming in the opposite direction and let them know what to look for.
- Sharing information about sightings and discussing what you saw with others during breaks is part of the fun! Everyone is there to enjoy their time, so exchanging tips and advice benefits everyone.
- Check sighting boards located at camps, picnic spots, and gates, and contribute your own sightings to help others.
Karma has a way of balancing things out in Kruger. The more information you share and help others enjoy their experience, the more likely they are to share their own insights and advice with you.
Crossing Single Lane Bridges
When crossing single-lane bridges, don’t stop on the bridge if other vehicles are trying to cross from the opposite direction.
Examples Of What This Looks Like
Driving Speed, Distances, Timing
- The 25km/h rule of thumb is conducive to good game viewing.
- KNP is vast, and trying to cover ground should not be a goal unless you specifically want to see the different ecozones.
- Slow travel and regular stops yield better wildlife sightings than rushing through the park.
- Early morning and late afternoon are generally the most productive times for game viewing.