Drive from Johannesburg to Mbombela (Nelspruit)

The 350-kilometre drive from Johannesburg’s international airport to Mbombela (or Nelspruit) takes just under 4 hours via the N12 and N4 highways. It’s quite a trip, but it gets you really close to Kruger National Park, so you’re all sorted for an early start to your first safari the next morning. A great pit stop is Milly’s Café on the N4 – famous for its extensive lunch menu, fresh bakes, barista coffee and lovely vistas over the trout-filled dam (try the smoked trout, it’s supposed to be divine!). Once in Mbombela, all you need to do is check in, unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening – perhaps with a traditional South African braai to get you in the safari mood!