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South African visas are not required for citizens of the UK, US, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and most other countries for stays up to 30-90 days. Check your specific country on the South African Department of Home Affairs website before travel.

You must have a valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and 30 days validity beyond your departure date.

On arrival at OR Tambo (JNB) or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MPM), immigration is straightforward. No pre-clearance required for visa-exempt countries.

Travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation cover is a condition of booking. South Africa has excellent private hospitals, but medical evacuation from remote areas can be expensive without cover.

We recommend World Nomads, SafetyWing, or any UK-regulated provider. Cover must include at minimum: emergency medical (R500k+), repatriation, and trip cancellation.

Proof of insurance is required at vehicle pickup. If you arrive without cover, we can arrange a short-term policy on the day at your cost.

Most international travellers fly into OR Tambo International (JNB), Johannesburg. From there, it is a 4-hour drive or a short domestic flight to the Mpumalanga region.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MPM/Nelspruit) and Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) are the closest regional airports to our operating area. Domestic flights from JNB run several times daily.

We strongly recommend arriving the day before your trip starts to avoid delays affecting your vehicle collection.

South Africa drives on the left side of the road. An international driver's licence (IDP) is recommended for international visitors alongside your home licence.

The N4 and R40 are the main routes in the region. Roads are well-maintained. Inside Kruger, all roads are gravel or tar and suitable for 4x4 or high-clearance vehicles.

Speed limits: 120km/h on highways, 100km/h on secondary roads, 60km/h in towns. Speed cameras operate throughout the region. Drink-driving limit is 0.05g/100ml blood.

Kitted Africa provides a full vehicle briefing at pickup, including a map of the park, gate timings, and emergency numbers.

Kruger National Park is a managed wildlife reserve. All animals are wild. Stay in your vehicle unless at designated rest camps or on guided walks. Elephants, lion, hippo, and buffalo are responsible for the majority of wildlife incidents globally.

Respect park rules: do not leave your vehicle outside designated areas, do not feed animals, observe gate closing times. Violating park rules results in fines and possible ejection.

Camp security: rest camps in Kruger are fenced. Do not leave food outside. Lock your vehicle. Do not walk between camps at night.

The Lowveld region (Hazyview, Hoedspruit, Sabie) is generally safe for travellers. Exercise standard precautions: don't display valuables, use ATMs in secure locations, secure your vehicle.

The Greater Kruger area is a malaria zone. We strongly recommend anti-malarial prophylaxis (start before arrival, as directed by your GP). Consult a travel health clinic.

Routine vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid are recommended. Yellow Fever vaccine is required if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country.

Drinking tap water is generally safe in South Africa, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas and inside the park. The Kitted Africa welcome pack includes a water filter.

Sun protection is critical in the Lowveld. SPF50+ sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and long sleeves are essential, particularly during game drives.

Clothing: khaki, brown, or muted green tones for game drives. Bright colours and white clothing are not suitable in the bush. Light layers for cold mornings (May-August can be very cold at 5am).

Footwear: comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking and sandals for camp. Flip-flops for evening.

The Kitted Africa vehicle includes bedding, pillows, towels, a camping kitchen, fridge, and cooking equipment. You do not need to bring any camping gear.

Power: South Africa uses Type M plugs (3 round pins). Bring an adaptor or universal plug. The vehicle has a 12V socket and USB charging.

Tech: binoculars are the best investment for self-drive game drives. Available to hire from Kitted Africa if not bringing your own.