PLANNING A SELF DRIVE SAFARI IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SOUTH AFRICA

If you are interested in wildlife and safari photography then think hard about planning a self drive safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa. It can be daunting to plan your own travel but South Africa is an ideal starter country, with good roads, accommodation and tourism infrastructure - it's also comparatively cheap. I'll explain how to visit Kruger Park and the desert regions of the Kgalagadi for wildlife photography. How to choose the best lens for safari, camera settings, what gear to take, how to find and approach wildlife and how to position and drive your car on safari to get the best shots of wildlife.
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My name is Will Goodlet. I am a wildlife, landscape and astro photographer working in the African Safari business. I spend my time exploring the dusty roads of Africa with my Land Rover, Basil.
I've been taking photographs for 40 years, first in Hong Kong, where I grew up and later to follow my dreams of a life photographing Africa.
📖CHAPTERS
#KrugerNationalPark #SafariTips #SouthAfrica
0:00 Introduction
0:44 RESEARCH YOUR SAFARI AFRICA IS A BIG CONTINENT
1:32 CAPE BUFFALO
1:44 SELF-DRIVE SAFARI CAN YOU SAFARI INDEPENDENTLY?
1:50 CHAPMANS'S PEAK DRIVE, WESTERN CAPE
2:35 AFRICAN ELEPHANT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
3:28 BOOKING ONLINE CAN YOU BOOK ACCOMMODATION INDEPENDENTLY
4:41 CAMERA GEAR WHAT TO TAKE ON SAFARI?
4:55 WHITE RHINOCEROUS LOCATION NOT DISCLOSED
5:10 HIGHVELD GRASSLANDS RIETVLEI MUNICIPAL RESERVE, PRETORIA
5:21 GIRAFFE SKUKUZA, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
5:36 LEOPARD OLIFANTS, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
6:03 SPRINGBOK NOSSOB VALLEY, KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK
7:02 ARRIVING AT THE PARK WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT THE PARK?
7:18 KRUGER PARK, MALELANE GATE
8:03 OLIFANTS RIVER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
8:32 THE CAMPS FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION
9:26 ACCOMMODATION NOTE THERE IS ALSO CAMPING AVAILABLE
9:59 MOPANE CAMP KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
10:32 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY HOW TO APPROACH AND PHOTOGRAPH ANIMALS
11:27 LETABA RIVER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
12:11 AFRICAN ELEPHANT OLIFANTS, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
12:32 EUROPEAN ROLLER BERG-EN-DAL, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
15:17 RED HARTEBEEST RIETVLEI MUNICIPAL RESERVE
15:27 BURCHELL'S ZEBRA KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
15:50 IMPALA KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

[@christiaangriesel8486]

The tip about speeds is very true. We stopped for a Steenbok and everbody sped past only for us to find a leopord all for ourselves 50 meters up the road in the Kruger

[@timothylinn]

This is just excellent! Wish I could give it more than one thumbs up.

[@WillGoodlet]

Great! Thanks :)

[@mareknovotny3005]

Great video, lot of useful info!

[@rhiwderinraytube]

Good tips, Will. People should also note that when out on a planned game drive that it will be slower going than usual due to potholed roads, wildlife sightings and wildlife blocking the road - like your female elephant ! Also go to the toilet before you set out. And no strong smelling food in the vehicle!

[@WillGoodlet]

Very true about the roads Ray! The toilet tip is a good one (I also carry a roll of paper, cigarette lighter and shovel for emergencies but one doesn't want to overshare!)

[@heartofaries]

OMG... I have been searching for clear and thorough information for almost a year and a half now and all I can find are safari companies and guides. This is the first proper piece of information that I have come across. I don't want to be tied down by companies and their itineraries. This is awesome. Thank you so much. If I want some additional information and/or guidance is there anyway to reach you. Don't worry, won't bug you. Thanks a lot for this as well. Cheers.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi, glad to hear you found the video useful and thanks for watching it! Yes of course you can contact me, just drop me an email at [e-mail] whenever you want. Look forward to hearing from you. Take care!

[@heartofaries]

Thanks for the contact information. I will definitely write soon. Love your videos.

[@robin_ruthgaming906]

wow. such a good guide. thank you very much man 😄😄

[@WillGoodlet]

Glad it helped!

[@o.d5337]

Great video with all the information I need to visit Kruger national park thanks

[@WillGoodlet]

Glad it was useful!

[@rugsack2005]

A recent subscriber devouring all of your excellent videos. One correction. South Africa does not have good roads. Compared to the US, it has great roads. Drove from J'burg to Sabi Sands and was delighted with the drive - smooth blacktop roads and highways, excellent rest areas..... what's not to like and a great way too see the country side.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Christopher, thanks for the sub and for watching the videos! Great to hear from you. Good to hear too that you enjoyed your trip. I don’t know what the roads in the States are like but sadly, some are deteriorating here. The main roads are ok as they have a different funding model. Hope to see you around in some other videos, take care!

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

This is an awesome video. I am glad to be subscribed to your channel. Continue to put out great video

[@WillGoodlet]

Thank you Felix! Great to hear that you enjoyed it and thanks for the subscription too :)

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

@@WillGoodlet I am planning my first safari next year not sure if June or May your video helped a lot. I am planning for 30 days hope to land in Johannesburg Airport and from there travel to KNP. Then either fly or drive to the Khalagadi not sure yet

[@WillGoodlet]

Sounds great! Don't forget the Natal national parks like Hluhluwe. Also Augrabies Falls on the way to the Kgalagadi

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

@@WillGoodlet got both of your books will read them by next week. Which vehicle do you suggest renting a sedan or an SUV? Should I rent a 4x4 with camping equipment or stay in a lodge?

[@oneoldgit]

RH drive in South Africa so that is something for people to be aware of!

[@WillGoodlet]

Yep good point!

[@ajss3756]

Very insightful. Thank you.

[@WillGoodlet]

You're very welcome Amit!

[@smurgy99]

Enjoyed this video (and the others) a lot. A lot of great information in this. Ive been meaning to revisit Kruger for a few years now, so we have no excuses now. Thanks for all your work.

[@dennisrodler9580]

Totally agree with your points

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Dennis :)

[@CAREY4084]

Hi Will, Just recently found your page. Been through all your videos. Really enjoy your work. Inspired me to get back into the bush again,Reitvlei & Pilanesburgh.

[@WillGoodlet]

That is awesome news Keith! Really good to hear and thank you for dropping me a line here too. Really appreciate it. Please say Hi if you see me out and about :)

[@jamesstubbs5651]

Another great video Will. Particularly loved the camera work on that shot of you crossing the Oliphant's river!

[@WillGoodlet]

Yes it was particularly good wasn't it!

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

AHV LOL 😂 I’ll add that to PTFD for my will acronym list 😂 great info there, I was lucky enough to have my 10 day trip/course organised but I’ll deffo do it myself next time with the contacts I made so I can take more time with my camera... thanks for sharing buddy,,, JP

[@WillGoodlet]

AHV is a proper technical term! ;) Self driving is an amazing way to see this country. You should think about driving up the west coast and finishing off in the Kgalagadi if you have a few weeks.

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Will Goodlet lol cracked me up that did 😂 I’ll be using that one for sure!.... I’m retired buddy, time is what I have, just can’t get anywhere at the mo due to this BS virus 😫.... soon as I can ill get out, I have so much I want to see 👌👍

[@TobiasWeberRSA]

So cool finding a fellow local wildlife photographer. Love the videos and your Images are outstanding, keep up the fantastic work!

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Tobias, thanks for watching and for the kind comment too! Nice to find a fellow tog close by :)

[@karynhonor5046]

this is great advice :) thanks!

[@malgosiak123]

This is the best video to watch for anyone who wants to know more about organizing a self safari in the future. So much great information , so helpful ! I am so thankful to be one of your subscriber. It makes my planning much , much easier. Thank you very much for your knowledge, time and passion. A big thumb up Mr.Goodlet:)

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Margaret! Really appreciate you taking a look and leaving a comment here! Does this mean you are thinking of visiting one day? You probably have your hands full in Canada though!!

[@malgosiak123]

@@WillGoodlet One day Mr.Goodlet:) One day ...till then I am learning all I need to learn and I keep dreaming:) Stay safe and enjoy what you do .

[@anamicha]

Hey Will, no new post from you....waiting for your next adventure vlog...

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Harish, sorry very conscious I’ve neglected to post and I am working on getting back into the rhythm. Hope to be back here soon

[@kenstav1]

Fantastic advice,

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Ken!

[@gileselliott]

Great information, you are very generous with your knowledge and in sharing your passion. Already looking forward to seeing your next video.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Giles! It's in the pipeline :)

[@LawrenceViljoen]

@Will Goodlet - Great video as always and some really good pointers. I recently came back from a fantastic 10 day trip to Kruger and had an amazing game viewing experience. The one thing I see all the time at busy sitings is vehicles parking on both sides of the road, in fact often 3 lanes are created with people moving vehicles in all directions. The rules of the park are printed on the brochure you are given on entry and available on the san parks website clearly explaining that vehicles may park on the side of the road closest to the animal sighting and the other lane should be used for people to pass by. personally I think san parks could communicate this more effectively. nothing more irritating than getting to a siting and there is gridlock. I also don't understand why the park doesn't have a rule that vehicles at a siting should only travel in the designated direction for each lane.if you are on the wrong side for the direction of travel then drive past the siting and do a u turn to drive past on the correct side.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Lawrence, thanks for watching and for the good advice. I guess one reason people like to face the wrong way is if the driving is also photographing the animal they can do so out the right window rather than with limited view out the left (would like a Left hand drive car for the bush!) I tend to avoid sightings with more than a couple of cars. I prefer to be on my own in these places as much as possible - I guess that's one reason I have so few cat photos! One difficulty with sticking a camera out the window is that people stop and peer into the bush anyway and one tends to make one's own traffic jam ;) I often stop to talk to the camera with no animals nearby (for these videos) and have had to get used to people rolling up to me and peering intently through the window while I try to continue talking to the camera LOL. I'm wondering if a sign in the back saying 'plant photographer at work' or 'Birder' might help :)

[@janm2473]

Real nice video, as always, Will. The bird on the monitor at 12;28 or so, looks like an American woodcock. We don't have them here in my province of Alberta. Thanks once again.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Jann thanks again for the kind comment and coming to the channel and taking a look :) The bird is a female African Snipe. It's a real beauty, one of my favourites. You are right, it looks really similar to the American Woodcock and even has a similar looking eye! Here's an old unlisted video - one of my earliest attempts ^-^. Anyway there is some nice footage of a snipe at 2:59 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2W3lnuYadp_sJo

[@rhiwderinraytube]

Another tip - look for vultures circling. That means a kill, so predators and/or scavengers.

[@magnusaskeland6964]

So many superb tips and fantastic advice, Will! I was in Namibia for three weeks in December renting a overland Hilux, and trying to see as much as possible. Both wildlife and landscapes. Saw a Lioness with four small cubs during sunset hour in Etosha which was a massive highlight. Stayed with them for a long as we could. Got some nice photos of a Cheetah with a kill in Erindi. Saw Leopard with two cubs, many many Elephants, Bat-eared foxes with pups, white and black Rhinos and the list goes on. Everything was self drive. Would also mention that its smart to travel with other people that have an interest in photography and wildlife. If one is not traveling alone. Also smart to have rest days. That you don't do very much, because constantly looking for wildlife, and trying to be creative and make photos will eventually take its toll. It doesn't matter how beautiful the location is after a while. So to get the best out of your trip and photography, take some time to charge both your own and your cameras batteries.

[@WillGoodlet]

Hey Magnus, thanks for taking a look and for saying Hi here :) Yes you are so right, I get totally exhausted on a photo trip - especially if I am combining astro. Basically, no sleep for days on end... I LOVE Namibia, it is a fantastic place to visit and that scenery, the loneliness and distances really appeal to me. It sounds like you had some epic sightings, wow! I am a sucker for bat-eared foxes, they are my favourites along with Honey badgers and I really want to photograph them more. I have not managed to get up to Etosha since I was a student (1993) when I travelled all through Africa in a 1968 Beetle we fixed up. I desperately want to go and photograph at Etosha again. I had to cut a trip to the Kaokoveld last November because of the robbery we had. But I will be back one day!

[@magnusaskeland6964]

My pleasure, Will. :) I've been following your videos for about I year now so about time. I shot a little bit of astro while in Namibia, and got some decent milky way photos. Will hopefully go back in not to long and shoot more when the core is more visible. Perhaps shoot some moving timelapses too. They look so cinematic and just frankly.. Epic! Up in the north we get the aurora borealis way more often than good milky way conditions. Also being that far north the core isn't visible. We were very fortunate, but it definitely helps driving slowly, and being three guys constant on the lookout hehe. The bat-eared foxes was amazing. We saw two honey badgers in Etosha and got some shots. Such cool creatures. Wow! How many countries did you drive through? I really hope you get up there again. I can only imagine the videos you could make up there.

[@WillGoodlet]

I'd love to see the Aurora Borealis. I could kick myself, when I was a student in Scotland I was obsessed with Africa, so never visited Scandinavia, Iceland, Faroes, even much of Scotland. We almost went to Iceland on Honeymoon but after all the planning I had a look on google Streetview at some of the locations and the number of tourists frightened me off. I just thought of the North of Namibia or days spent in western Zambia where I knew I would see no one and decided to save the money and explore my back yard instead. It's one of the things I find quite ironic about landscape photography. We all want the shot of the lonely epic landscape but we will queue up with hundreds of people to get it :) Before you visit again drop me an email, I have some good Astro spots for you! Also on my website.

[@magnusaskeland6964]

@@WillGoodlet I completely understand that. I have so much admiration and curiosity when it comes to Africa myself. Iceland is very popular with both tourists and photographers. The northernmost part of Norway is barely photographed in comparison. I much rather prefer like you the solitude, and not queuing up to get a photo. If you ever travel to the north to see and photograph the aurora borealis, I'd recommend northern Norway. I work as a guide and would be more than happy to help you get the best photos possible.;) Check my IG if you are interested @magnus.askeland When I travel south again I'll definitely send you an email beforehand. Keep doing what you are doing, Will. And your channel will do very well I'm sure of it. :)

[@WillGoodlet]

@@magnusaskeland6964 Northern Norway must be incredible. It's a much bigger country than I thought and I've often pored over the maps. My grandfather was incarcerated in a refugee camp in Archangel and escaped by sea around the Northern Cape. I've often wondered what he saw of the fjords and coastline up there. From the images I've seen, it looks incredible but also it seems like it's still wilderness and not fenced in (like most of Africa)? One big problem I have is that I can't get off the roads and into the bush out here - either the animals will eat me or the farmers will shoot me! :)

[@benpilkington4764]

Really enjoying all your videos. This one is so timely - Kruger next week fo us!

[@WillGoodlet]

Oh wow! Have an awesome trip!!

[@LieslHuddleston]

Nicely done, Will! I hope you're having fun out there, spring is about to begin here and we're all excited to see the end of winter.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Liesl, yes I am trying to! I saw Phil the groudhog on the news the other day, apparently he didn't see his shadow, so I guess your wildflowers are about to bloom! :)

[@paulaabbott5730]

Thank you for this. I'm coming from the states to Botswana and South Africa in two months, and this will help, as all you videos do. I had been wondering about the possibility/feasability of renting a car to do a drive out to Rietvlei based on your video of that park. It seems more doable now. Thanks again. :) Paula

[@WillGoodlet]

Hi Paula, thanks for watching and for the kind comment! Where are you going while you are here? Rietvlei is in Pretoria, so very easy to get to. I wouldn't want to present it as more than it is however! It is just a local municipal reserve that is close by. It's landscape and road network make it excellent for photos of Zebra, Wildebeest, Ostrich Eland and Buffalo (and Rhino without horns). It is by no means a jewel of Africa :) If you'd like to see a more representative safari park with Elephant, rhino, Lions, leopards etc... then the Pilanesberg is around 2.5 hrs drive from Johannesburg and the closest (www.pilanesberggamereserve.co.za/). You can book overnight accommodation there or even do a full guided safari or drive yourself in a hire car. The road has some potholes towards the end and you will definitely realise you are in Africa, but it is quite straightforward to visit. If you want to find out more about Rietvlei, I wrote a free guide here - willgoodlet.com/rietvlei-nature-reserve

[@paulaabbott5730]

Thanks for the info! I'm doing a photo tour in Botswana, but I've got a couple days in Johannesburg afterwards. I liked what I'd seen in your video of Rietvlei, and the fact it was so close was appealing. Additionally, because you're allowed out of the car, I thought it might be nice to have a little more freedom, maybe some landscape or macro, or simply just different angles on wildlife. I'll check out your guide. Thanks again! :)

[@WillGoodlet]

@@paulaabbott5730 Sounds good! To clarify, you can't get out the car. Just at a few spots. It's a problem over here. Always stuck in a car!

[@ozmid40scouple]

Wooohoo 1st...a new upload from a master of his craft.... Would love to get to your neck of the woods but Australia is sooooo far away and sooo much yet to see in my own country but I can dream......

[@WillGoodlet]

It’s a bit different to the norm - I hope it’s not disappointing and dry!!

[@philiphurst831]

Many thanks for this, Will. Another excellent video and especially useful as we're off to Skukuza next month. Would be cool to bump into you.

[@WillGoodlet]

Thanks Philip, really appreciated. Hope you have a fantastic time (I'm sure you will). Summer is hard work but is an amazing time of year for diversity in Kruger, especially good for birds. My next trip is possibly Lesotho but not for a while yet unfortunately :)

[@eugecoscarelli9745]

Excellent feedback Will, great information especially since you have been to most of the places. The amount of people I have come across who prepare poorly for trips is quite frequent, what about you? I look forward to the next vlog as always. As a suggestion it might be worthwhile telling us about the books or fieldguides you use when you prepare for a trip and maybe recommend some websites. See you out there! Euge

[@WillGoodlet]

Awesome feedback Euge! Thanks so much for the ideas. It's hard to know what value people are looking for so this really helps me. I'll be sure to include some info on how I've been preparing.

[@rhynosouris710]

Hint: Kruger Park lions like hanging around groups of 20 - 50 cars.

[@MrDaveB123]

Hi Will Just did 14 days in South Africa visiting Kruger for 8 days this past March with my son and it was awesome. Not the intensive photographic trip I would do on my own as there is only so much patience a 15 y/o has. It was a fantastic father son experience. So for next year I want to go on my own for a month strictly for the photography. Vehicle rental and camping mostly. What would your recommendation be my solo self drive experience anywhere in Africa ? Cheers in Advance and thanks for all your awesome videos

[@WillGoodlet]

So glad to hear that you two had an awesome trip and you are coming back! To answer your question, I need to ask some questions. How long? What time of year? And how adventurous? You are welcome to drop me an email and we can chat about it. Cheers

[@MrDaveB123]

@@WillGoodlet Thanks Will emailed you Cheers

[@Endgame392]

Look at that, I’m famous! Thanks for the info. I’m still struggling on what gear to take, other than that, I’m all set. So looking forward to this trip, it can’t get here soon enough. I’m sure I’ll continue to research until I land in Africa!

[@WillGoodlet]

Haha, thanks for the idea :) If I can help in any way just drop me a line ([e-mail]) Otherwise, bon voyage!

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Pls explain what you are struggling with so that we may try to help you. What are the gear-options that you are considering? And what do you like to photograph? Large mammals in their habitat or up close and personal. Small birds, stationary or in flight?

[@Endgame392]

@@dimitristsagdis7340 it was more of a struggle with weight and bulk, as I'm limited on the small plane. After a few emails with Will, I think we found my best options. I'll be there for just over 2 weeks, so wanted the best range of wide to long within my limitations.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

James Childress glad to hear you got it sorted.