To rent or not rent a 4x4 for Kruger

No, you do not need to rent a 4x4 car to enjoy the Kruger Park. The tar roads are in good condition and although the dirt roads can be hit or miss especially after heavy rains, for the majority of the time the dirt roads are in good enough condition to not need a 4x4. If a road is very bad, it is usually closed off. 

However, what alot of 4x4 cars give you is the height. We would highly recommend renting a car like an SUV that gives you high-ground clearance to prevent scrapes on the dirt roads. The difference in game-viewing between a high car vs a low car is significant and will allow you to see animals you would have otherwise have missed. Our advice is to get the biggest car your budget will allow- you will not regret it.

Cars can rented at the Kruger International Airport as well as OR Tambo International Airport, Hoedspruit Airport and Skukuza airport.