Petrol is pleasingly cheap in South Africa — around R17 88p per litre. Even so, better not to need too much. A classic three-week trip to KZN, flying in and out of Durban, covers a relatively modest 1,km but notches up a diverse range of experiences: Indian Ocean beaches, wetland and river cruises, game drives, snorkelling, whale watching and horse riding. In the Kruger region the different ecosystems are further apart. And a lot of people: the park receives around 1.
Still tremendous but without quite the same total wilderness immersion ethic. Private reserves offer more intimate game viewing.
Sabi Sands, which abuts Kruger, is world-class, its 65, hectares packed with animals and around 40 gorgeous lodges. From June to November, thousands of humpback whales migrate along the coast, swimming so close you can see them for free from the shore. Not so much a financial saving as increased bang for your buck.
The Drakensberg range stretches for 1,km across eastern South Africa. The section near Kruger includes Blyde River Canyon and the Panorama Route and peaks at 1,m, and can be crowded and touristy. Walking trails run right from the door. You can find our Community Guidelines in full here. Want to discuss real-world problems, be involved in the most engaging discussions and hear from the journalists? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
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