In the category coolest airstrips in the world, this one should be on top of your list. If you like flying and travelling as much as I do, you will probably have a weakness for airports, airplanes, airstrips and everything that has to do with new destinations, adventures; the unknown! How convenient and luxury big airports as London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol or Paris Charles de Gaulle can be, I like special, small airports too. In October I was at Skukuza for the first time, and now I am hooked. Today I’ll show you why!

My unforgettable bush experience did end even more unforgettable as I was allowed to drive the 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Vehicle for a little while out in the African Bush. It sounds silly, but for me it was like a dream that came true. The ultimate out of Africa experience, I loved it!!
Then we arrived here…. I didn’t know upfront what to expect…. It felt like a luxury game resort, but: it was the airport. Welcome to Skukuza, little piece of heaven in the middle of the bush. What a surprise!
Rinus the Rhino is waiting for you at the entrance.
Luxury hotel lounge or airport? It’s an airport. It’s Skukuza.
You cannot really read it well but on this tree trunk there are the words: Nationale Kruger Wildtuin (Afrikaans for National Kruger Park).
Feels like a resort but in fact it’s customs and waiting area before boarding….
Have a seat, a coffee, a magazine and wait for the plane. How simple and relaxed travelling can be? I never had such a relaxed flight and ‘overall’ airport experience as here, at Skukuza.
Our little but fast airplane back to Cape Town. Nowadays it take you only 2 hours and a bit to fly to Kruger National Park from the Western Cape. No excuses anymore, it’s not far, it’s on your doorstep. 
A photo that has nothing to do with Skukuza or the airstrip in Kruger National Park I am crazy about, but this is Franschhoek from high up in the air. Do you recognise the Berg River Dam, Wemmershoek Mountain range, and houses built around the Main Road?

The Facts

Skukuza airport is situated in Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
The airstrip is right in the the bush and there are gates and fences around to keep the elephants, giraffes and other game out. From the airport it’s only a very short drive to all the magic Kruger (and other private parks, for example Sabi Sands) has to offer. ‘Airlink’ operates daily scheduled air services between Johannesburg and Cape Town to Skukuza. The airport is only open from June 2014 and is already now a great addition to the South African Tourism branch.

*Note: I have not been asked, paid or invited to write about Skukuza Airport or Kruger National Park. It was my own idea as I love game drives, the African bush and safari. All images are mine, made with a Canon EOS M3 camera.  

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