When you are in your research phase of planning your Kruger Park safari, aside from Johannesburg, there is one other town that is likely to be frequently popping up in your search and that town is Hazyview.
Over the years, as Kruger Park safaris have grown in popularity, the small town of Hazyview, which sit right on the outskirts of the park and is home to Kurt Safari, has also seen itself grow, in more ways than one.
Traditionally a small farming town, Hazyview is now a tourist hotspot. Most travellers venturing to the Kruger will stay in Hazyview during their tour and the town also has a number of other fun things to do.
How far is it from OR Tambo Airport to Hazyview?
After landing at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you’re about 4.5 to 5 hours’ drive away from Hazyview, depending on how many times you stop to grab a coffee or snap pictures of the gorgeous Lowveld landscapes (and trust us, it’s hard not to!).
You’ll travel along scenic routes that wind through mountains, valleys and beautiful towns like Dullstroom and Sabie, if you take the extra-long way around. The shorter route has some equally stunning scenes, but the only town you are likely to travel through is Mpumalanga’s capital Nelspruit.
By the time you reach Hazyview, you’ll feel the air change.
Down here it’s warmer, softer, and scented with the smell of the bushveld.
If you’d rather skip the driving, Kurt Safari offers transfers straight from Johannesburg to Hazyview, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
How far is Hazyview from the Kruger National Park?
Hazyview is just a short drive from the Kruger National Park gates.
The Phabeni Gate is only about 10 minutes away, which makes Hazyview one of the most convenient places to stay before and after your safari adventures.
The town’s close proximity to the park means early morning, before the sun rises, game drives.
With an early start, you’ll be right there, ready to spot lions stretching in the dawn light or elephants strolling down to the river.
When you stay in Hazyview, you basically get more time for wildlife and less time on the road.
Where in South Africa is Hazyview?
Hazyview sits snugly in Mpumalanga Province, a region famous for its lush green valleys, tropical fruit farms, and the spectacular Panorama Route.
It’s part of South Africa’s Lowveld, a warm, subtropical slice of heaven bordered by the towering Drakensberg Mountains to the west and the Kruger National Park to the east.
This little town might be small, but it’s big on personality.
You’ll find friendly locals, markets bursting with handmade items on the weekends, and even a few cheeky vervet monkeys hanging around the banana plantations.
It’s the perfect place to start your safari.
What can guests expect at the Kurt Safari Lodge in Hazyview?
Oh, where to start!
The Kurt Safari Lodge in Hazyview, also known as Umbabha Eco-Lodge is a sanctuary.
The lodge has spacious, comfortable rooms surrounded by manicured gardens, a sparkling swimming pool to cool off in after a long day in the park, and hearty meals that taste even better after a day of adventuring.
Guests love the peaceful atmosphere; it’s close to town but feels worlds away.
The staff are friendly, welcoming, and always ready with a smile (and probably a few safari stories of their own).
And yes, there’s Wi-Fi for uploading those “Did I really just see a leopard?” moments, though you might be too blissfully relaxed to care about social media.
Is Kurt Safari the number one safari company in South Africa?
You bet!
Kurt Safari has earned its reputation as one of South Africa’s top safari companies, with thousands of happy guests, experienced guides, and an intense passion for sharing the beauty of the Kruger National Park.
Our guides are storytellers, wildlife experts, and your connection to the incredible natural world of the Kruger. They make every safari something you’ll remember forever.
Many travellers choose Kurt Safari in Hazyview as their go-to safari base. We’re reliable, professional, and full of everything you want in a safari experience.
So, now that you know all about Hazyview and why Kurt Safari is the ultimate base for exploring the Kruger National Park, what are you waiting for? It doesn’t matter if it’s your first safari or your fifth, the Kruger never gets old.
Start your adventure from Hazyview, book your safari today with Kurt Safari!
