Travel Information

This page provides guidance on travelling to the conference venue  (Skukuza) in the Kruger National Park, including international arrival routes, onward flights, and alternative transport options.

Terminal transfer at OR Tambo
(International → Domestic)

OR Tambo International Airport has separate International (Terminal A) and Domestic (Terminal B) terminals.

All international passengers must:

  • Collect checked luggage at the international arrivals hall

  • Clear immigration and customs

 

After customs, follow signs to the Domestic Terminal, which is connected via a clearly marked indoor walkway (approximately 5–10 minutes’ walk).

Domestic flights (including flights to Skukuza) depart from the Domestic Terminal.

You can find your way around the airport by using this map

How to Reach Kruger National Park

Most international delegates will arrive in South Africa via OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). From there, several onward travel options are available.

  • Domestic flight + short transfer
    Fly from OR Tambo to Skukuza Airport, followed by a short lodge or camp transfer. This is the fastest and most convenient option but not the least expensive.

  • Self-drive
    Rent a car at OR Tambo and drive to Skukuza (~5–6 hours). A popular option for delegates who want flexibility and the chance to explore the Lowveld before and after the conference and also have their own vehicle in the National park for game viewing before and after sessions.

  • Flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) + road transfer
    Fly from OR Tambo to KMIA (near Mbombela/Nelspruit), then continue to Skukuza by shuttle or rental car (~2–3 hours).

  • Shuttle or private transfer (limited availability)
    Pre-arranged shuttle or private transfers from OR Tambo to Skukuza may be available on selected dates, though these are less frequent and should be booked well in advance. Estimated road travel time: ~7–8 hours (one way).

Estimated road travel times are approximate and depend on traffic and departure time

The recommended and most convenient option is to travel by air to Skukuza Airport, which is located inside Kruger National Park.

International Arrival at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)

Arrival patterns

  • Flights from Europe typically arrive early in the morning (approximately 05:00–07:00).

  • Direct flights from the United States usually arrive late afternoon or early evening (approximately 16:00–18:30).

  • Flights from the Middle East (e.g. via Dubai or Doha) typically arrive in the early morning or late afternoon, depending on the routing.
  • Flights from the East Asia, and Australia typically arrive in the late afternoon or evening, often between 17:00–22:00, usually via one connection.

These arrival times determine whether same-day onward travel to Kruger National Park is possible.

Important note

Kruger National Park and Skukuza Rest Camp operate under strict gate and access time regulations. Entry to the Park is not permitted after gate closing times, which vary by season and are strictly enforced.

Delegates arriving at OR Tambo International Airport late in the day may not be able to reach Skukuza or enter the Park on the same day due to strict gate closing times. In such cases, delegates are advised to plan an overnight stay near OR Tambo or along the route, and continue to Kruger National Park the following morning.

Standard SANParks gate hours (August):

Gate opening: 06:00

Gate closing: 18:00

 

⛔ Entry is NOT permitted after 18:00 — this is strictly enforced, even if someone is only a few minutes late.

Overnight Accommodation near OR Tambo (if required)

Hotels

Accommodation options are provided for guidance only; delegates are responsible for their own bookings.

A good place to start looking for accommodation is booking.com.

Walking-distance hotels

These are ideal for late international arrivals and minimise transport logistics:


Nearby hotels with shuttle services 

These are slightly further from the terminal but offer Free or scheduled airport shuttle service (confirm with the property when booking):

Both options are commonly used for conferences and provide comfortable overnight accommodation with on-site dining.

Guest Houses and B&Bs Near OR Tambo with Shuttle or Transport Options

Very Close to the Airport

These options are within a few minutes’ drive of OR Tambo and are convenient for late arrivals:

  • Dove’s Nest Guest House: Well-known guest house less than ~3 km from the airport with Free airport shuttle/collection included with accommodation, no extra charge reported
  • Airport Inn Bed and Breakfast: B&B close to the airport, providing scheduled free shuttle service to/from OR Tambo in many cases (check schedule on booking)

Guest Houses & B&Bs (Good Proximity, Varying Shuttle)

These places are close enough that ride-hailing / hotel shuttle / taxi is practical (tier options):

 

Transfers to and from the airport

Hotel shuttle services

  • Most airport hotels offer complimentary scheduled shuttles

  • Pick-up points are clearly marked at OR Tambo

  • Advance booking is recommended, especially for early-morning departures


Ride-hailing services

  • For your convenience and safety, we recommend using recognised ride-hailing services such as Uber or Bolt. Please avoid accepting transport from informal or unverified taxi operators.
  • Please book rides only through the official apps and use the well-marked pick-up zones at OR Tambo

  • Typical fares to nearby hotels: approximately R80 – R150

Flights from OR Tambo to Skukuza (Recommended)

The most convenient route to the conference area is a direct scheduled flight from OR Tambo to Skukuza.

  • Airline: Airlink

  • Flight duration: approximately 1 hour

  • Frequency: typically one morning flight and one early-afternoon flight per day

  • Booking advice: seat availability is limited; early booking is strongly recommended

  • Checked baggage up to 20 kg per piece is allowed.
  • Flight schedules may vary seasonally; delegates are advised to confirm timings when booking.


Skukuza Airport (SZK) is located approximately 4 km from Skukuza Rest Camp, a short five-minute drive. There will be a 13-seater shuttle leaving from the Skukuza Airport to the accommodation every 20 mins on August 9 and August 15, 2026 only.

The price (including luggage) is roughly ZAR200 p.p.p.d. (ZAR400 for two one-way trips); should there be a minimum of 50 delegates who want to make use of this (otherwise the price may be impacted). This service will be provided on a round-robin basis in view of luggage constraints. Delegates who want to make use of this service will have to indicate this on the Registration Portal.

Self-Drive to Kruger National Park

Self-drive* travel is an option for delegates already in South Africa, those extending their stay or want to have a vehicle for game viewing while in the National Park.  Driving time from Johannesburg to Skukuza is approximately 5 – 6 hours (depending on traffic).
*Please note that in South Africa, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Major rental companies at OR Tambo

Delegates will find all internationally recognised providers, including:

These companies operate to international standards and are widely used by academic, business, and safari travellers.

More information and price comparisons can be found here.

Driving conditions & practical notes

  • Automatic transmission vehicles are widely available and recommended for international visitors.

  • GPS navigation is reliable; Google Maps and Waze are commonly used.

  • Seatbelts are mandatory.

  • Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.

  • Speed limits are clearly marked and strictly enforced using radar and camera speed traps. Typical limits include 120 km/h (~75 mph) on major highways, 60 km/h (~37 mph) in built-up / urban areas. Lower limits apply on secondary and gravel roads, as indicated by signage. Inside Kruger National Park the limits are  50 km/h on tar roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads.

  • Major highways from Johannesburg are generally well maintained.

Park entry gates and travel times to Skukuza

Delegates travelling by road must enter Kruger National Park through an official gate. The most commonly used gates for travel to Skukuza are:

  • Numbi Gate: approximately 1.5 – 2 hours to Skukuza

  • Paul Kruger Gate: approximately 20 – 30 minutes to Skukuza

Travel times may vary depending on wildlife sightings, speed limits, and gate congestion. All travel within Kruger National Park must comply with park regulations and gate closing times.

Camp gate hours & night driving

In addition to SANParks entry gate times, Skukuza Rest Camp also has its own gate hours (06:00 – 18:00) in August.

  • Driving within Kruger National Park is not permitted after sunset.
  • All vehicles must be inside rest camps before camp gate closing times.
  • Camp gate times generally align with park gate closing times and are strictly enforced.


Delegates must plan arrival and onward travel to ensure they reach Skukuza Rest Camp before 18:00, as no movement within the park is allowed at night.

Flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) + Road Transfer

An alternative gateway to Kruger National Park is Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

  • Regular flights operate between OR Tambo and KMI

  • Flight duration: approximately 1 hour

  • Road transfer from KMI to southern Kruger or Skukuza takes approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours, depending on route.

This option may suit delegates staying outside central Kruger or those extending their travel itinerary.

Onward travel from KMI to Skukuza

Delegates arriving at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) can reach Skukuza via the following options:

  • Pre-arranged lodge or hotel transfers
    Many lodges and accommodations in and around Kruger National Park offer private transfers from KMIA. This is the most convenient option and is strongly recommended where available.

  • Car rental at KMI
    All major rental companies operate at KMI. The drive to Skukuza or southern Kruger gates typically takes approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours, depending on route and destination.

  • Private transfer services
    The conference will not be arranging organised bus transfers between KMIA and Skukuza. Delegates are kindly requested to arrange transport directly with their accommodation provider or a private operator in advance.

Private Road Transfers from OR Tambo to Skukuza

At present, there are no regular scheduled shuttle services operating directly between OR Tambo International Airport and Skukuza.

Any road transfers are typically private, pre-arranged services organised through lodges or private travel operators. Travel time by road is approximately 6 hours.

Private Road Transfers from OR Tambo to Skukuza

Car rental services are available at Skukuza Airport (SZK) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI); however, vehicle availability at these Kruger-based offices is limited, and rental counters typically close earlier (around 16:00). 


Delegates planning to hire a vehicle at Skukuza or KMI are strongly advised to book well in advance and confirm operating hours directly with the rental company.


For delegates arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), scheduled shuttle services operate between OR Tambo and Nelspruit (Mbombela), providing a convenient alternative to car hire for onward travel to the Kruger region.

View shuttle options here or Shuttle Sharing services here.

Practical Summary

  • For travellers from Europe & Middle East same-day connection to Skukuza is usually possible
  • For travellers from the USA & Far East (Asia-Pacific) overnight near OR Tambo is typically recommended before travelling on to Skukuza
  • Best route: OR Tambo → Skukuza by air
  • Alternative: OR Tambo → KMIA + road transfer
  • Self-drive: suitable for travellers seeking independence before, during and after the conference
 
Note a clear time versus cost trade-off: driving minimises expenses, while flying maximises convenience. Driving from OR Tambo to Skukuza is the most cost-effective option, being approximately R2,500 – R3,000 cheaper than flying. This option offers maximum flexibility but requires a significantly longer travel time of around 5 – 6 hours each way. Alternatively, flying to Skukuza and renting a car locally provides the greatest comfort and flexibility while on site, but it is also the most expensive choice.