Travel

By Air

The closest airport to Skukuza is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), situated between Nelspruit and White River. KMIA is about 100 km from Skukuza (entry into Park via Paul Kruger Gate).

There are daily scheduled flights between KMIA and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, with less frequent flights from Cape Town International Airport.

Buses will transfer delegates from KMIA to Skukuza. Car hire is available at KMIA for those wishing to self-drive.

By Road

The distance from Johannesburg to Skukuza is about 450 km (5.5 hours travelling time). Car hire is available at OR Tambo. Roads are in good condition.

Visa Requirements

If you are subject to visa requirements, you must apply and receive your visa BEFORE your departure for South Africa.  Visas are NOT issued at South African ports of entry and if you arrive without a visa, immigration officials will refuse you entry to South Africa.

Please consult the following website to clarify whether or not you require a visa:
www.home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/countries-exempt-from-sa-visas 

To enter South Africa, you will need the following: a valid visa, if required, sufficient funds, return ticket.  Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
http://www.southafrica-newyork.net/homeaffairs/visas/yellowfever.htm

1)     Check the validity of your passport.  All travellers will need a passport for at least 6 months following your departure date from South Africa

2)     Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages in the visa section

3)     Confirm if you need a valid visa

For more information about applying for South African visas, please visit 
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa

 Keep a photocopy of your passport with you in a separate place to your passport.

Malaria

Anti-malaria prophylactics are recommended for visitors for Kruger. The PPTR2014 meeting will be held outside the highest risk period, which is between December and April (end of the rainy season). A 24-hour malaria hotline is available on +27 (0)82 234 1800 to give detailed explanation on risk and advice on precautionary measures.

Visitors wishing to take prophylactics should consult a knowledgeable medical practitioner or recognized travel clinic about recommended medication, as certain products cause nausea, hallucinations or other negative side effects with certain people. Consult your medical practitioner before departure for South Africa.

Very often (particularly after periods of low rainfall) the malaria risk in Kruger is very low. Many people decide not to take prophylactics and rather try to avoid getting bitten. The most vulnerable times are between dusk and dawn. People are advised to stay indoors during these periods, or cover exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellents. The ankles are the most critical area. Burning anti-mosquito coils or mats, and ensuring that netted screens on doors and windows are kept closed are other preventative measures.

While malaria prophylactics are recommended, no prophylactic is foolproof and any person developing flu-like symptoms 7 to 20 days (or even longer) after being in malaria areas should be tested immediately for malaria, until the symptoms clear or an alternative diagnosis is made. It is important to advise medical practitioners that you have been in a malaria area to avoid incorrect diagnosis.

The threat of malaria should not affect your decision to enjoy and experience the Kruger National Park, but is something you should be aware of and take precautions for exposure.

What to bring with you

Bring comfortable closed shoes and sandals, casual clothing for warm days and cool nights, long pants for nights, a warm jacket for night drives, a swimming costume, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, camera, flashlight, spare batteries, insect repellent, toiletries, medicines you may need, and binoculars.

Bird and wildlife reference books, and Kruger Park maps can be purchased at the Skukuza Rest Camp shop. The Skukuza shop is well stocked with food, drinks, clothing, and souvenirs. Tap water is safe to drink.

Safety tips for travellers in South Africa

Crime in South Africa, like many other places in today’s world, can be a concern. Visitors need to take the usual sensible precautions. Know where you’re going before you set off, particularly at night, watch your possessions, lock doors at night and don’t walk alone in risky areas.  Keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras and phones out of sight. Do not change large sums of money in busy public areas.

As elsewhere, thieves operate at international airports. Keep your baggage with you at all times and keep valuables in your carry-on luggage.

There have been very few reports of crime within the Kruger National Park.