Travel Information

Airports

OR Tambo (Johannesburg)

OR Tambo (Johannesburg)

When you are ready to leave OR Tambo for your accommodation, by Hotel Shuttle, Uber, Bolt or Rental Car onward domestic flight, proceed to one of the areas on te map below

marked in this colour.

Shuttle
Hotel Shuttle Pick-up Point
Car Rental_1
Parkade 2_1
Parkade 2 (P2) – Level 0 (Gound Level)

  • Car Rental Offices

  • 🚖 Ride-Hailing (Uber/Bolt) at OR Tambo International Airport

    Please use only the Uber or Bolt driver assigned in your app.

    Important:

    • Proceed to the official Ride-Hailing Pick-Up Zone before meeting your driver.
    • Do not accept rides from drivers who approach you inside the terminal or parking areas, even if they say they are Uber or Bolt drivers.
    • If you cannot locate your driver, call or message them through the Uber/Bolt app rather than accepting another vehicle.
    • Cancelling a confirmed trip may result in a cancellation fee, and you may still have to pay the other driver separately.
    • The official ride-hailing collection point is signposted. Allow a few extra minutes to find it rather than accepting an unsolicited ride.

    If you have difficulty finding the pick-up area, please ask an airport information desk or airport staff for directions to the Ride-Hailing Pick-Up Zone.

Domestic Terminal_1
Domestic Terminal

If you are travelling to Skukuza or KMI by air, head over to the Domestic Terminal
(Terminal B).

Cape town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport

When you are ready to leave Cape Town International Airport for your accommodation, by Hotel Shuttle, Uber, Bolt or Rental Car onward domestic flight, proceed to one of theareas on te map below

marked in this colour.

Car Rental_1
Car Rental Offices
Shuttle
Transport Plaza
Parkade P1
Parkade 1 (P1) – Level 0 (Gound Level)
  • Uber and Bolt Pick-up Points:
    Once you exit the arrivals hall into the main public concourse, follow the overhead signage for “E-Hailing” or “Parkade P1 / Pick & Go”
  • Head to Ground Floor P1: Cross the covered pedestrian walkway into Parkade 1. The e-hailing zone is located on the ground level.
  • App Instructions: Once you request your ride inside the app, it will display the specific bay or column number where your driver is waiting inside P1.
Domestic Terminal_1
Domestic Terminal

If you are catching a connecting flight to another airport in South Africa, head over to the Domestic Departure hall.

Getting to Skukuza

Arrival Times

Arrival Times

  • 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.

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.

  • Phabeni Gate (near Hazyview): approximately 50 – 60 minutes to Skukuza due to a gravel detour.

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.

Accommodation near OR Tambo

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

Flying

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 ZAR450 per person (ZAR900 for two one-way trips). Delegates who want to make use of this service will have to indicate this on the Registration Portal.

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.

Driving

Driving from OR Tambo to Skukuza

Tips on Car Rental in South Africa

  • Most international car rental companies and quite a few home grown ones are represented at major South African airports and city centres. Usually you can make arrangements to pick up at one point and drop off at another, with the major car rental companies. A valid credit card is almost always needed and driver’s license for all proposed drivers.

  • Take your own Sat Nav and child seats if you have them and need them. Otherwise hefty additional charges will be levied at a daily rate for both of these items.

  • Watch out for fuel charges and establish the companies ‘re-fuelling policy’ before leaving the building. Some car hire companies use a fuel-empty policy when you pick up your car but you are not offered any refund if you return the car with unused fuel. Others operate on a fuel-full policy meaning your hire car should come with a full tank of fuel and you are expected to return it in a similar state or you will find a surcharge added to your credit card later. Always establish the nearest re-fuelling point to your car rental drop off and retain a receipt for the petrol re-fuelling.

  • Shop around or use a service such as rental Cars.com which will shop around for you and get you the best price according to the category of car you need. And always check if the car is manual or automatic – whichever your preference.

Tips on Driving in South Africa

  • Driver’s licences: Any valid driver’s licence is accepted so long as it has a photograph and signature for the holder and is printed in English. If your license isn’t in English it is easiest to obtain an International Driving Permit before arrival. Legally any driver has to have their license with them when driving. Fines are issued if you do not have your driving license with you.
  • Rules of the Road: Drive on the left, wearing a seat belt is compulsory, speaking on a cell phone or mobile whilst driving is illegal and all distances and speed limits are in kilometres. Your hire car will also indicate km/hour on the speedo. Drinking and driving is best avoided.
  • Speed Limits: Speed limits are in kilometres per hour. Always watch out for the indicated speed limits which can be dramatically reduced as you approach a built up area. If you are not used to driving long distances then plan carefully and ensure day time and overnight stops are planned.
  • Petrol Stations: Re-fuelling at petrol stations isn’t self service. A petrol attendant will fill up and check your tyre pressure and clean windows. A small tip is usually in order. In country areas there will be far fewer garages and the ones there probably only take cash payment so be prepared.
  • Driving Safety: Don’t pick up hitchhikers – it isn’t worth risking whether they are genuine or not. Be careful when approaching animals in the road – it is their home. If you do hit an animal you will be expected to pay cash for it. It is also safest to drive with doors locked and valuables out of sight in the boot.
  • Car Parking: If there is street security or car guards on hand outside your hotel, shopping area or when parking on the street – it is customary to offer a tip when leaving your car. R5 should suffice for a couple of hours.
  • Emergency Contacts: Rescue: 10177, Police: 1011
  • Finally: Renting a car in South Africa can be an extremely rewarding experience for the traveller. It offers the opportunity to explore the country at your own pace and to your own itinerary. Following simple common-sense rules explained here and using reputable rental car companies will ensure a safe and memorable trip to South Africa that would not be gained without having your own car through car rental. Also, it is easy to collect your rental car at OR Tambo International Airport and drop off the vehicle at the end of your stay at Cape Town International Airport of any other location in South Africa.

Directions and Map Link

Drive time:

  • Distance:  425 km, 264 miles
    Driving Time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours (excluding stops)

  • Tolls: 3 toll plazas along the route (credit cards accepted)

  • Recommended Gate: Paul Kruger Gate

  • Please Note: The distance from Paul Kruger Gate to Skukuza Rest Camp is 12 km. At the park’s tar road speed limit of 50 km/h, it technically takes about 15 minutes to drive. However, official SANParks guidance recommends allowing 20 to 30 minutes to account for check-in admin at the outer gate and potential animal sightings blocking the road!
Step-by-Step Directions & Exits

1. Leaving OR Tambo Airport : Exit the airport terminals and follow signs for the R21 South toward Brakpan / Boksburg. After roughly 3 km, take the exit onto the N12 East toward Witbank (Emalahleni).

2. Joining the N4 (Middelburg Highway): Merge onto the N12 East, which takes you through the Highveld. Near Witbank (Emalahleni), the N12 merges into the N4 Highway. Continue straight on the N4 East toward Middelburg and Mbombela (Nelspruit).

3. Transitioning to Lowveld (Near Mbombela / Nelspruit): Continue past Middelburg, Belfast (eMakhazeni), and down the picturesque Schoemanskloof Pass (N4) or main N4 via Machadodorp. Both meet back up before Mbombela. As you approach Mbombela (Nelspruit), take the bypass toward R40 / White River (Nsikazi).

4. The Final Stretch to Kruger National Park: Turn left onto the R40 North toward White River (Witrivier). Continue through White River on the R40 toward Hazyview. In Hazyview, turn right onto the R536 East (signed for Paul Kruger Gate / Kruger National Park). Drive straight on the R536 for approximately 44 km until you reach Paul Kruger Gate.

5. Inside the Park: Once through the gate, follow the paved main road (H11) for about 12 km straight into Skukuza Rest Camp.

Open Live Route from OR Tambo to Skukuza on Google Maps
Important:

1. Timing Is Crucial: You should leave the OR Tambo area no later than 11:00 AM to allow time for vehicle rental, rest stops, and gate entry and slower drive within Kruger Park.

2. Recommended Rest Stops:

  • Alzu Touros / Petroport (N4 near Middelburg): A popular stop with clean restrooms, food options, and a view of wild animals (rhinos, ostriches, buffalo) right behind the facility fence!

  • Hazyview: Ideal for last-minute snacks, fuel, or ATM cash before entering the park.

3. Tolls: Keep a physical South African bank card or Visa/Mastercard handy for the N4 toll gates. International contactless/tap payments usually work, but swiping is seamless.

Toll Gates between OR Tambo and Skukuza

If you are renting a car and driving from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Skukuza along the N12 / N4 highway, you will pass through 3 mainline toll plazas:

  • Diamond Hill Toll Plaza (~R51)
  • Middelburg Toll Plaza (~R84)
  • Machado Toll Plaza (~R126)


Toll Cost Summary (Standard Car / Class 1 Vehicle)

  • One-way: ~R260 – R270

  • Return trip: ~R520 – R540


Payment Methods

  • Credit/Debit Cards: All major Visa and Mastercard cards (including contactless tap-and-go) are accepted at all toll lanes.

  • E-Tags: Many South African rental cars come equipped with an automatic SANRAL E-tag. If your rental car has one, you can use the dedicated E-Tag / Fast Lanes. The toll fees will simply be added to your rental car bill.

  • Cash: South African Rand (ZAR) cash is accepted, but card payments are much faster and preferred.