Basic Requirement: Height Needed
When renting a vehicle for your self-drive safari in KNP, we recommend choosing a rental category with height. Here’s why:
Better Visibility for Spotting Wildlife
- Vehicles with higher ground clearance provide a better vantage point for spotting wildlife.
- In the wild, grass isn’t mown to improve your view.
- During the dry winter months (May to October), grass in Kruger averages around 0.5 metres (1.5 feet).
- In the wet summer months (November to April), it can grow to an average of 1 to 1.5 metres (3 to 5 feet).
- A taller vehicle helps you see over the tall grass and spot animals more easily.
- Safari tour operator vehicles are designed with height in mind for this very reason.
Comparing Vehicle Height to Seasonal Grass
These figures are average estimates. For precise specifications, please contact a local rental company.
Standard Sedan
- Ground Clearance: 140mm -160mm / 5.5in – 6.3in
- Height: 1.4m – 1.5m / 4.6ft – 4.9ft
Standard SUV
- Ground Clearance: 180mm – 200mm / 7.1in – 7.9in
- Height: 1.7m – 2m / 5.6ft – 6.6ft
People Carrier MPV
- Ground Clearance: 170mm to 200mm / 6.7in – 7.9in
- Height: 1.8m – 2m / 5.9ft – 6.6ft
The graph below demonstrates the relationship between vehicle height and seasonal grass height. While it’s a grossly oversimplified view of Kruger National Park’s ecology, the general idea is to expect denser vegetation during the wet season.
This side by side picture clearly shows the height difference between an SUV and a smaller vehicle.
Height Summary
- For self-driving in KNP, opting for a taller vehicle will always improve your visability.
- Although a sedan may be acceptable in the winter wet season, the added height of an SUV or taller vehicle greatly enhances visibility and ground clearance, especially during the wet summer season.
Navigating Rougher Sections of Roads
- High ground clearance is useful for navigating the park’s rougher sections, especially the S Roads, which are gravel or dirt roads.
- While these roads are generally in decent condition, a vehicle with good ground clearance makes the drive more comfortable and allows you to handle less well-maintained sections with ease.
- You’ll be better equipped to navigate around ditches and uneven terrain that can occur from time to time.
→See Driving in Kruger National Park for more on what kind of road conditions to expect.
Choose an “unlimited mileage” rental
- Driving through KNP involves covering large distances.
- You don’t want to worry about mileage limits.
- Unlimited mileage ensures you can explore without incurring extra charges.
Manual Vehicles
- Be aware that a significant portion of rental fleets in South Africa comprises manual transmission vehicles.
- If you’re more comfortable driving an automatic, make sure to specify this when booking to avoid any surprises.
Breakdown and Accident Coverage
Ensure you thoroughly check the breakdown and accident coverage provided by the rental company.
- Verify what’s included in the policy and consider any additional insurance options to cover all potential scenarios.
- Since you’ll be travelling on gravel roads, it’s highly recommended to choose an insurance option that covers glass and tyre damage. Otherwise, every small sound on your windscreen might concern you.
- This precaution can save you from unexpected expenses and stress during your trip.
Rental Company Hours
Confirm that their opening and closing times align with your travel schedule, especially if you have early morning or late-night flights.
- This ensures you can pick up and return the vehicle without any hassle.
Luggage Space
- Consider the amount of luggage you plan to bring and choose a rental car with sufficient space to accommodate your bags comfortably.
- Overloading a small car can make your journey to Kruger National Park unpleasant.
- Loading your car in a way that obstructs the rearview window is illegal. Police have pulled over tourists for violating this rule on the highways to KNP.
Space for Kids
Travelling with kids requires extra space for their comfort and entertainment. Generally, you’ll want at least 1.5 seats per child to ensure they have enough room to move, play, and stay happy during long drives. For example:
- If you are two adults and three kids, a 7-seater vehicle would be suitable.
- If you are two adults and four kids, an 8-seater should provide the necessary space.
Automatic Car Locking
In South Africa, cars often auto-lock after a few seconds as a security feature. Always take your keys with you whenever you exit the vehicle. Tourists have found themselves locked out after stepping out briefly, only to have the car lock itself.