Driving to Kruger Park This Holiday? Here’s How Much You’ll Spend

From petrol to tolls: Budgeting for your Johannesburg–Kruger road trip this December. Picture Credits: Finding Our Adventure

By Aisha Zardad

With the holiday season upon us, many South Africans are making plans to visit the country’s iconic national parks, with the Kruger National Park topping the list. Stretching across Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the park attracts locals and international visitors alike.

For those driving from Johannesburg, a trip to Kruger’s Malelane entrance will cover roughly 392 kilometres along the N12 and N4, taking about four and a half hours one way. According to calculations by TopAuto, motorists should budget at least R1,430 for a round trip, depending on their vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Fuel Costs

With petrol 95 currently retailing at R21.41 per litre, here’s how much commuters can expect to spend on fuel for the return journey:

• 5.0L/100km – R840
• 6.0L/100km – R1,008
• 7.0L/100km – R1,174
• 8.0L/100km – R1,342
• 9.0L/100km – R1,510
• 10.0L/100km – R1,678
• 11.0L/100km – R1,846
• 12.0L/100km – R2,014
• 13.0L/100km – R2,182

Toll Costs

In addition to fuel, motorists will encounter three toll plazas on the route:

• Middelburg – R81
• Machado – R122
• Nkomazi – R92

This totals R295 for a one-way trip, meaning the minimum cost including fuel and tolls is about R715. For vehicles with higher fuel consumption, drivers can expect to pay up to R1,386 for a single trip.

Factoring in the return journey, the total cost for a Johannesburg–Kruger road trip this festive season ranges from R1,430 for fuel-efficient vehicles to around R2,770 for less economical cars.

Planning ahead and budgeting for both fuel and tolls can help ensure a smoother, stress-free holiday trip to one of South Africa’s most cherished natural destinations.