Kate Webster While you can drive from Johannesburg out to Kruger National Park, it will take around 6 hours. A flight with Airlink from Johannesburg to Skukuza (one of the gateways to Kruger National Park) is just one hour, allowing more time for your African safari experience.
Airlink has a network of 37 destinations across 9 African countries and St Helena. Within South Africa, Airlink can connect you to Skukuza Airport with direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Skukuza Airport is situated in the Kruger National Park, one of the largest natural wildlife reserves in the world. The direct flights provide easy access to adjoining legendary private game lodges and the SANParks lodges and camps within the Kruger National Park.
Kate Webster recently flew from Johannesburg to Skukuza in South Africa with Airlink. Here is the verdict.
Flight: Johannesburg to Skukuza (Flight SA8861)
When: 21 April 2019
Aircraft: Avro Avroliner (RJ-85) (quad-jet) (RJ85)
Class: All seats are the same class
Seating: 3-3
Flight time: Approx. 1 hour
CHECK IN
Check in for your flight to Skukuza at Johannesburg Domestic Airport. This is located within the same terminal as the International Airport, so if you are flying in on an international flight, connecting is easy. On arriving into Skukuza Airport, I was pleasantly surprised to see it has had an overhaul. The airport is beautiful and you instantly feel that your African bush experience has begun.
THE SEAT
The configuration is 3 seats – aisle – 3 seats. Being a smaller aircraft, I am delighted to find that the seats are still comfortable and sizeable. It is only a short flight, but it does still help to be comfortable.
FOOD AND WINE
For such a short flight there is no meals needed, however you are still served a light snack with a drink, which are complimentary.
ENTERTAINMENT
There is no inflight entertainment, however if you keep your eyes peeled outside the window, you can often spot wildlife upon arrival in the game reserve. To just soak up the excitement and atmosphere on this flight is all the entertainment you need. If you do get bored on flights, even the shorter ones, I suggest taking a book. There is an inflight magazine which I flipped through and was pleased to see the airline promoting sustainable and ethical travel practices.
THE VERDICT
If you are a nervous flyer, you may struggle, as the plane is smaller than normal. This is worth it however, as you get the thrill and excitement of seeing the spectacular scenery and wildlife from your window. It is like a game safari experience from the air. It certainly is worth flying to Kruger instead of taking the long drive.
For more information or to book your flights, visit https://www.flyairlink.com
Kate flew as a guest of Airlink.