Is it safe to drive in Cape Town?

Yes, renting a car is the best way to see the Peninsula. Just stick to well-lit main routes and use secure parking lots at tourist sites.

Do I need malaria pills for the safari?

The Kruger region is a malaria zone. Consult a travel clinic 6 weeks before your trip to discuss prophylaxis options.

How to plan a Cape Town and safari combination trip

Spend 4 days in Cape Town to cover the city and Peninsula, then fly directly to Hoedspruit or Skukuza for a 3-night private game reserve safari. Book your internal flights at least 4 months in advance to avoid price spikes on regional carriers like Airlink.

Sequence your trip correctly. Start in Cape Town to recover from long-haul flights. Safaris require 5:00 AM wake-up calls and physical energy; do the city sightseeing first so you can relax on the bush drives later.
Book internal bush flights. Do not attempt to drive from Cape Town to Kruger. Fly from CPT to Hoedspruit (HDS) or Skukuza (SZK). Use Airlink, the primary carrier connecting these hubs. Book these 4-6 months early.
Select your safari style. Choose a private game reserve (like Sabi Sands or Timbavati) bordering Kruger National Park. These allow off-roading to get close to wildlife, whereas the public park gates restrict you to paved/dirt roads.
Arrange airport transfers. Most lodges in private reserves provide 'road transfers' from the local bush airport. Confirm this with your lodge at the time of booking, as it is rarely included in the base rate.

Is it safe to drive in Cape Town?: Yes, renting a car is the best way to see the Peninsula. Just stick to well-lit main routes and use secure parking lots at tourist sites.
Do I need malaria pills for the safari?: The Kruger region is a malaria zone. Consult a travel clinic 6 weeks before your trip to discuss prophylaxis options.