Kruger to Maputo to Durban

Thorn Tree forumCountry forumsAfricaMozambique
Enter custom title (optional)
This topic is locked
Last reply was
3.6k
…
Send as an e-mail
Send as an e-mail
ebozigar
ebozigar

Hi World Travelers!

My brother, friend, and myself are planning a grand tour of southern Africa next summer! We are planning on experiencing Kruger National Park (suggestions about visiting the park??) for 3 days or so before making our way to Maputo. From Maputo we are playing with the idea of visiting Ponto du Ouro (if possible) then entering South Africa again as we make our way southward to Durban.

Any insight into these plans would be greatly appreciated, especially pertaining to road conditions and modes of transportation (besides air that is) between locations. Thanks!

View last reply
Report
1
rudik
rudik

By "next summer", you presumably mean "next winter" - mid-year during the World Cup when the rest of the world will be looking at doing something similar. The Kruger Park is going to be difficult to get into as much of it is already fully booked for that period. However, I would recommend that you access the Kruger web-site at [www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger], read up as much as you can and book accommodation (if there is any available) without further ado.
The only ways in which to visit Kruger are through hiring a car and doing a self-drive safari (which I would wholeheartedly recommend) or go on a safari with a tour group. You could try [http://www.livingstonetrails.co.za/} or see what Nelspruit Backpackers has available.
Maputo should be no problem. but to get to Ponta du Ouro you will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle - deep sand tracks are the only way through.
After that there is no problem.
I would rather head south from Kruger through Swaziland to avoid having to hire a 4x4 which would probably be very expensive.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
2
ebozigar
ebozigar

Thank you so much for the response!

You are correct: I meant next winter, right smack in the middle of the World Cup hoopla. We have tickets, but are hoping to spend most of our time in areas not overrun by crowds. I realize everyone will have Kruger on the brain, but we have to see it (!!!) and your comments have helped. Thanks for the website tip, we can't afford to wait any longer in booking, but we were just overwhelmed with the decisions.

Also, thanks for the Swaziland tip, I will mention this to the group. I think Ponto du Ouro is just something we are enticed by; I don't know how realistic it is on our budget. So, you think after Maputo, we should head back towards Kruger (to avoice 4WD) and hang a left southward via Swaziland? Anything else you recommend before Durban?

I really appreciate your insight.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report
3
talya
talya

I've heard that the backpackers in Ponto offers shuttles to/from Maputo twice a week for around R250pp. They also offer shuttles across the border to Kosi Bay from where you can get minibus taxis down to Durban. It might just require a bit of planning...
For more info see: http://www.kaya-kweru.co.za/

If you go from Ponto to Durban, I suggest stopping at Kosi Bay, St Lucia or Sodwana if you can get bookings.

Copy and paste the url below to share the link.
Permalink to this post
Report

This topic has been locked by a moderator.

Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner