Is it necessary to enter in the Kruger Park with an own car

[Unregistered]

My name is Roberta ,I'm from Italy.
We are going to visit Kruger Park at the end of September.
I'd like to have some informations.
Is it necessary to enter in the Kruger Park with an own car or it is possible to book car-tours inside with guide? What is more convenient?
How long the distance from Kruger Park to Johannesburg? Is there any local transport from the Park to Johannesburg?
Or also in this case it's necessary to have an own car?
Can you tell me something about malaria-risk?
The last question..What is the name of the nearest airport to the Kruger?
Thank you very much in advance.I'm waiting for your answer as soon as you can.
Best regards
Roberta

[Ming]

Hi Roberta
Its a lot cheaper to enter the park with your own car, or hire a car and drive around the park. Its NB to see see Kruger National park travelling times .
For distance see Kruger National park distances .
You can fly or drive to Hoedspruit,(the nearest airport) then hire your own car from the airport in Hoedspruit. Drive around the park.See hoedspruit.co.za.
There is a very low malaria risk but its NB to take Malaria tabs.
Enjoy your trip.

[Ming]

Day 1 of trip from Joburg to Kruger Park See Day 1: Joburg to Kruger National Park

Day 2: Berg en Dal
Rise early and leave camp early when the gate opens, at 04h30 in summer, set out on the first game drive of the day. Early mornings and evening time are the best times and most productive game viewing periods. Take your camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books and detailed map of the park.

Try the circular route to Afsaal Tea Room. The Berg en Dal area is frequented by white rhino, kudu, impala, giraffe, elephant, reedbuck, klipspringer, grey rhebok and Leopard are seen regularly in the region. Wild dog are also found in the area. Lions are usually found in the lower plains on the roads towards Skukuza and Crocodile Bridge.

Spend the day at relaxing before deparing on a Sunset safari in an open vehicle. The drive departs 2 hours before gate closing time and exposes you to the nocturnal activities of Kruger's secretive creatures. Return to camp for a late dinner and rest.

[Ming]

Day 3: Satara
Depart Berg en Dal head for Satara rest camp. Follow the H3 to Skukuza for breakfast and drive via the H1-3 to Satara. En-route you'll find many opportunities to view the game. Tshokwane on the H1-3 about midway between Skukuza and Satara is a great picnic spot with a small shop, pass the most southerly Baobab Tree.

Satara camp is situated in an region with the bush relatively open and the animals plentiful and diverse. The camp itself has a rustic charm, with the bulk of the accommodation set out in circles. Satara is well wooded and the bird-life is awesome.

Satara is one of the greatest game viewing areas in the Kruger and is particularly noted for the big cats, with sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah recorded regularly.

Satara offers an Eco Information Centre, Film Auditorium, the Nhuthwa Restaurant, a Cafeteria and a store.

[Ming]

Day 4: Satara
Satara offers various great routes around the camp with excellent opportunities of game viewing, plan your drives and consult the sightings map at Reception twice a day.

The N'wanedzi Picnic Site is 24 km from Satara and provides a viewing platform with an elevated view down on the N'wanedzi River. About 2 km from N'wanedzi on the S37 Road the Sweni Bird Hide which is well worth stopping to rest at.

There is another bird/game-viewing hide at Ratel Pan near the Timbavati Picnic Site and a picnic site at Muzandzeni.

Seek the following in the Satara region: Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Lion, Giraffe, Blue Wildebeest and Honey Badger. On safari you are likely to see lion, zebra, waterbuck, giraffe, rhino, buffalo, elephant, impala and other antelope.

Check out the Nhuthwa Restaurant.

[Ming]

Day 5:Onto Pilgrims Rest

Leave the Kruger National Park early the next morning via the Orpen Gate 30 km from Satara. Proceed via the R531 towards Swadini and at the intersection with Hoedspruit road keep left towards the Abel Erasmus Pass and stop at Echo Caves.

From Echo Caves turn-off to Blyde River Canyon (R352). Visit theCanyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and God's Window before proceeding to Graskop. From Graskop travel to Pilgrims Rest a old mining village.

Spend the afternoon exploring the old village and its variety of curio shops, retire at the Royal Hotel.

Day 6: Johannesburg
Return to Johannesburg.