Day Visit to Kruger National Park from Hoedspruit — A Local's Guide

A day visit to Kruger National Park from Hoedspruit is the smartest single-day safari in South Africa. Orpen Gate is 60 km from town and Phalaborwa Gate 75 km — both deep enough into Kruger that a 6 am arrival puts you in lion country before breakfast. Self-drive any sedan, or take a guided shuttle. Best season: April–September.