There are two routes: from the Pafuri border post in the far north of the Kruger Park to Vilankulo on the coast; and from the Giriyondo border post near Letaba travelling south east to Xai Xai.

You don’t have to spend any extra nights in the Kruger Park to use the border posts, just pay the park fees to transit and don’t speed. It’s about a three-hour drive from the Phalaborwa gate to the Giriyondo border post and about one hour from the Pafuri gate to the Pafuri border. But a night or two in the park is always nice!

The Pafuri route is about 600 km: two solid days of off-road driving. There are no official camps – you just pitch your tents at the side of the road. Always camp where there are signs of people and cattle tracks and avoid the old Portuguese homesteads as there could be mines nearby.

The Giriyondo route is about 350 km and can be done in a day, but you need to be through the border by 10 am at the latest. It’s a much better route for unguided first timers as there are no rivers to cross and the distance is shorter.
 

Both routes can be done in a 2x4 with good ground clearance, but a 4x4 is recommended. Crossing the Limpopo on the Pafuri route is sometimes difficult but there is an enterprising Mozambican guy who has built a rough bridge out of Mopani logs and charges a fee of about R50 per vehicle to cross.
 
There is fuel in the Kruger Park and when you get to the coast. Don’t travel alone.
I recommend two cars minimum for the Giriyondo route. And a bigger convoy for the Pafuri route.
 

March to October for the Giriyondo route and July to October for the Pafuri route. Doing either trip in the rainy season could be hazardous.

A satellite phone on the Pafuri route is recommended as there is very little passing traffic if you get stuck. Also pack an extra tyre as well as your regular spare wheel, a pump and tyre repair kit, extra fuel and a good tyre pressure gauge. 


(Note: Prices accurate in June 2010)