Skukuza airport, (SZK) is better described as an airstrip located within Kruger National Park, (KNP). It has a small terminal building, and a limited number of daily flights served by smaller aircraft.
You are already in KNP from the moment you land.
If you are not staying in Skukuza though, you will still have a decent drive to where you’ll be staying.
Reasons TO fly into SZK
- Immediate Start: As you transfer to your accommodation, you’re already on safari. (it’s unlikely, but you could see the Big Five en route.)
- Convenience You have 0 long-distance driving between another city and KNP. Flying into SZK completely bypasses the need to go through the KNP entrance gates altogether.
- Unique Experience: SZK receives very few flights a day. Landing directly in KNP is a cool experience.
Reasons to NOT fly into SZK
- Expensive: This is not budget friendly. Less options are available for everything, resulting in premium prices.
- Unnecessary: Pointless if you are staying in a resort town outside of Kruger. Your transfer may take longer than just flying into MQP.
- Tired: If you are travelling internationally, you may be more excited to see a bed than a Lion when you land.
Summary
- It’s neither budget-friendly compared to options from JNB, or time-saving compared to driving from MQP.
- Let’s be honest here, this gives you bragging rights, a cool story, and a few extra hours in KNP.
