We booked all the accommodation online through Sanparks and booked a 7-seater car with Hertz Car Rentals from Johanesburg airport.
The trip to Heathrow was reasonably straightforward, we checked in, went through security and we were on our way. We had a 6 hour flight to Cairo then an 8 hour flight to Johannesburg with around 2hr 30 wait over, which gave time to get a drink and stretch the legs with no hassle.
We arrived in Johannesburg and left the plane around 7.45 and it took a while to get the luggage and then find and sort out the car hire so it was later than we expected before we were on our way. Getting out of the airport was quite stressful as the signs weren't helpful but we were soon on the right road.
We headed west along the N12 then the N4, which was a toll road. The scenery was interesting and we managed to see a few birds as we went. We had two stops, one at for a burger, where we saw our first Swallows and and one at Millys at Machadorp for a comfort stop and to stretch our legs. It was a lovely stop with a lake and a 'hide' to sit and watch the birds. The temperature was very hot but this didnt seem to affect the wildlife. There was colony of Cattle Egrets and **** plus Swallows flying around which we eventually identified as Wire-tailed and **** as well as a Great Kingfisher. there were Yellow Bishops in the reeds and fish and dragonflys around the water's edge.
The time seemed to go quickly and there were lots of roadworks and slow moving lorries that held us up. We managed to take the northern loop which was specatacular scenery but a little slower. As we approached Komatiport to turn left towards Kruger, there was a huge build up of lorries parked on the side of the road which, we later learned, were parked up to enter Mozambique but the paperwork etc meant it could take weeks for them to get in.
We realised we would we would get to Crocodile Bridge Gate OK but we would be a bit late for getting into Lower Sabie. The girl at the gate said she gave us permission to be driving after 6.30 and we were to GO! and not stop for lions. The drive was an hour, depending how you drive, but we made it in half an hour. The gatekeeper at Lower Sabie told us we were late but as it was our first night she just waved us through. We checked in at Reception, and weren't the last as a couple followed us in. They had planned to go to Malelane Gate but were sent to Crocodile Bridge as the time was too short. We were given our map of the camp and shown how to get there. We manage to interpret the directions and found our first bungalow accommodation.
The Bungalows were self contained with a fridge, hot plate and Kettle. Plus en-suite shower and toilet. The beds were very comfortable. We settled in, had a quick look round and then headed to the restaurant for dinner.
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