How to Travel Between South Africa’s Game Reserves

A Complete Guide to Getting Around the Wild

South Africa’s game reserves offer unforgettable safari experiences, from Big Five sightings in Kruger to conservation safaris in Madikwe and Phinda. But with vast distances and different ecosystems to explore, many travelers ask: How do you travel between South Africa’s game reserves?

At Mandari Travel, we make multi-reserve safaris simple, safe, and seamless. Here’s your guide to navigating South Africa’s top safari regions.

By Air: The Fastest and Easiest Option

Chartered or scheduled flights are the most efficient way to travel between game reserves, especially when time is limited.

From Johannesburg or Cape Town: Major airports like OR Tambo (JNB) or Cape Town International (CPT) connect to safari airstrips in Kruger, Madikwe, Phinda, and Addo.
Inter-lodge flights: Many private reserves offer direct lodge-to-lodge charters (e.g., from Sabi Sands to Madikwe), saving hours of overland travel.
Light aircraft land on private airstrips, often just minutes from your lodge.

Pro Tip: Flying allows you to pair different ecosystems, like bush and beach, or add Victoria Falls or Botswana to your South Africa trip.

By Road: Scenic and Budget-Friendly

Overland transfers can be cost-effective and offer a deeper look into rural South Africa. Mandari Travel can arrange private 4×4 transfers or chauffeured shuttles between major safari destinations.

Approximate drive times:

Kruger to Madikwe: ~7–8 hours
Johannesburg to Madikwe: ~4.5 hours
Durban to Phinda: ~3.5 hours
Port Elizabeth to Addo: ~1 hour

Road travel is best when reserves are within a region or when you’d like to stop at cultural or scenic points along the way.

Trains & Public Transport: Limited but Scenic

Long-distance trains like the Blue Train or Rovos Rail offer luxury rail experiences that connect cities and safari hubs, ideal for a romantic or relaxed journey. However, they don’t connect directly to remote game reserves.

Public buses and minivans are not recommended for accessing reserves due to safety, reliability, and lack of direct routes.

How Mandari Travel Makes It Easy

Planning multi-reserve safaris in South Africa can be logistically tricky. That’s where we come in. Mandari Travel organizes everything:

Airport pickups
Domestic or charter flights
Private road transfers
Baggage handling across lodges
Internal lodge-to-lodge connections

Whether you’re combining Kruger with Madikwe, Phinda with the coast, or Addo with the Garden Route, we’ll create a smooth, worry-free itinerary.

Plan Your Journey Between Reserves

Let us help you create a multi-reserve safari that blends adventure, diversity, and comfort.

Email us: info@mandaritravel.com
Call/WhatsApp: +255 750 900 811

Use the form below to request a quote for your custom safari across South Africa’s best game reserves.