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Planning a self-drive safari through Kruger National Park? Well, Europcar has great news for you! The Drive South Africa partner has unveiled a brand-new car rental reservations office at Malelane Airport in Mpumalanga – just minutes from both the Malelane Gate and the Crocodile Bridge Gate.
That means you can choose from a wide range of rental vehicles with the option to collect and return just outside Kruger National Park. In fact, you’ll be able to collect your ideal safari vehicle as soon as you land at Malelane Airport! Let’s take a closer look at the new branch and how it’ll help you plan the perfect Kruger self-drive safari.
Photo: Unsplash
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s best and most popular Big Five reserves. It’s huge, spanning almost the same land area as the entire country of Wales, and it’s home to hundreds of remarkable wildlife species, including lions, leopards, elephants, African buffaloes, rhinoceroses, and giraffes.
Birdlife is abundant, with over 500 species recorded, making Kruger a haven for birdwatchers. The park’s ecosystems range from open savannah and grasslands to thick riverine forests and rocky outcrops, each supporting distinct species and offering stunning scenery.
Around the park, you’ll find plenty of private game reserves that offer luxury safari experiences. However, Kruger National Park’s biggest draw is that it’s perfect for self-drive safaris. That means you can hire a car just outside the park and then spend as many nights as you want exploring it. You’ll have the freedom to go where you want when you want to, without having to share game vehicles with other travellers.
Plus, the roads are excellent, so you don’t even need a 4×4 to get around – most of the time. Numerous trails and roads criss-cross the park, providing ample opportunities for game drives, both self-guided and guided, as well as a number of eco-adventure activities like 4×4 trails and wilderness walks.
The park is committed to conservation, playing a critical role in protecting endangered species, promoting biodiversity, and educating visitors about the importance of sustainable tourism and wildlife preservation.
It also boasts excellent accommodation facilities ranging from basic campsites to full-on guest lodges. Many of the rest camps have swimming pools, shops, and restaurants, so you’ll have everything you need without having to leave the park.
Need more convincing? Check out our article on why you should definitely visit Kruger National Park!
Photo: Unsplash
You can find Europcar’s Malelane Airport reservations office at the airport itself, with friendly staff on hand to get you on the road in no time. From here, it’s just a few minutes to either the Malelane Gate or the Crocodile Bridge gate – it all depends where you’ll be spending your first night in Kruger National Park.
Or, if you’re missing out on the wildlife and heading straight for Mbombela (Nelspruit) or Mozambique, you simply need to turn onto the N4 freeway in whichever direction you’re going. Either way, you’ll be all set with your excellent rental vehicle, whether you’re in the market for a hatchback, sedan, SUV, 4×4, or luxury car.
When you’re ready to book, visit our Malelane Airport page and take your pick. Remember: you really don’t want to skip Kruger National Park on your next visit to South Africa!