Every now and then, you get to be a 'guest' in your own company. And what better way to do that than with a safari in the world-renowned Kruger National Park — this time, not behind the wheel.

For me, it was a first. Every other time I've visited Kruger, it's been self-drive all the way. But this time? A fully-catered, guided safari with Simon Vegter, Wild Wings Safaris' famous barefoot guide. Three days. Two nights. One very different experience.

And finally, I got to answer a question I've often been asked: Is a guided safari really better than self-driving through Kruger?

While I believe it comes down to personal preference, here's what I discovered...

6 Things I Found Better About a Guided Kruger Safari

Huge elephant bull crossing the road in front of a kruger national park safari vehicle

The guided safari experience in Kruger National Park

(Image: Simon Vegter)

1. The Journey to Kruger: No Driving, Just Enjoying

Normally, I'm focused on the road. This time, I could just sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery en route to Kruger. We had a couple of clean, comfortable stops along the way — time to stretch our legs, grab snacks, and take in the view. It made both the arrival and return journeys feel effortless.

2. Game Drives: An Open Vehicle Makes a Big Difference

There's something incredibly immersive about game viewing in an open safari vehicle. You're higher up than in a sedan, which improves visibility, and you can really feel the wind, smell the bushveld, and hear the sounds of nature.

We visited during impala rutting season, and the grunting and snorting filled the air — pure surround-sound bush theatre. At one point, we reversed for a bull elephant in musth, and the musky scent was something I'd never experienced from inside a car. It's just different.

3. Meals: No Planning, No Cooking

As a parent, I'm used to prepping meals — so having someone else do it all was a rare treat. Simon, our guide, whipped up tasty brunches, stir-fries, and desserts, all from ingredients he'd brought with him. No shopping, no clean-up (okay, I helped with dishes — he usually doesn't let guests do much!).

4. Wildlife Sightings: More Animals, More Insights

Here's the honest truth: I've never seen so much wildlife in Kruger as I did on this guided safari. We saw 12 rhinos, two separate cheetah sightings, and even puff adders, thanks to Simon's knowledge of the terrain and animal behaviour.

Guides like Simon share sightings with each other and with park staff — giving them insider info that most self-drivers miss.

5. Photos: Better Angles, Better Shots

I'm no photographer, but even my snaps turned out well! Without windows or car doors in the way, and with the added height, it's easier to frame shots. Simon also knows how to position the vehicle for the best light and angles — especially useful for wildlife and bird photography.

6. The Guide Factor: Your Own Bush Encyclopaedia

Simon was a wealth of knowledge — answering every question with patience and enthusiasm. Whether it was "Why do zebras have stripes?" or "When do owls sleep?", he always had an answer. In the bush, without Wi-Fi, that kind of real-time knowledge is priceless.

What I Prefer About Self-Drive Safaris in Kruger

Two male lions walking down a road in kruger causing a traffic jam with self drive visitors

A traffic jam to dream about

(Image: Simon Vegter)

1. Doing Your Own Thing

With a group safari, the itinerary is set — and tailored to the majority. So if you're into birding but the group's chasing the Big Five, you might feel a bit sidelined. Self-drive gives you the freedom to follow your own interests.

2. Setting Your Own Pace

On a three-day guided safari, there's a natural urgency to see as much as possible. With self-drive, you can linger at a waterhole, wait out a sighting, or just sit and watch impala antics for longer. It's a more flexible, slow-travel kind of experience.

3. Group Dynamics

This can go either way. With friends or family, you're relaxed. But with a mixed group, things like language barriers or jet lag can make evenings a bit quieter than you'd like. Personally, I love sitting around the campfire at night, soaking up the sounds of the bush.

Guided vs Self-Drive Safari: A Quick Comparison

Guided vs self drive safari in kruger a comparison

Comparison between a guided safari and a self-drive safari in Kruger

(Image: Wild Wings Safaris)

Final Thoughts

Kruger sunset Self drive or Guided Kruger Safari

Sunset stop on one of our Kruger Park safaris

(Image: Simon Vegter)

Whether you go guided or self-drive, just go.

Kruger National Park is a precious corner of the world — raw, untamed, and unforgettable.

As Simon says: "No two safaris are ever the same."

So, have you been to Kruger? Which did you prefer — self-drive or guided?

Let us know in the comments below. We'd love to hear your story.

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About the author

Alison
Alison

A 'word smith' or copywriter with over 25 years experience, love travelling, wildlife and conservation; fascinated by alternative energy, alternative building and alternative health. Consummate reader and traveller, both internationally and southern Africa. Have two remarkable daughters that continue to amaze and teach me daily. Consider myself privileged to live on the best continent on the planet.