How to Get to DAKTARI — Directions, Flights & Transport from Johannesburg

Planning your trip to volunteer at DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage? One of the most common questions we receive is: how do I actually get there from Johannesburg?

DAKTARI is located in the South Africa bush near Hoedspruit, reaching us takes a little planning — but don’t worry, it is very straightforward once you know your options. In this guide, we break down the best ways to travel from Johannesburg to DAKTARI, including flights, shuttle transfers, self-drive options, and possibly an overnight stay in Johannesburg or Hoedspruit.

Whether you are coming from overseas or already in South Africa, this article will help you organise your arrival with confidence.

Where is DAKTARI?

DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is located in Limpopo Province, a 1-hour drive from Hoedspruit and not far from the Kruger National Park region. Our camp is set in the bush on a private reserve, which is part of what makes the volunteer experience so special — but it also means that getting here is a little different from arriving at a city accommodation.

The good news is that most volunteers travel through Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International Airport) first, and from there you have a few reliable ways to reach Hoedspruit and then DAKTARI.

Step 1: Arrive in Johannesburg

If you are flying internationally, you will most likely land at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. This is the main gateway for most volunteers travelling to DAKTARI.

From Johannesburg, you have two main options to reach Hoedspruit:

• Take a domestic Flight
• Book a Shuttle from Johannesburg 
• Rent a Car and drive on your own

Once you arrive in Hoedspruit, DAKTARI can pick you up on Saturdays only from either Hoedspruit Airport or Hoedspruit town, depending on how you arrive.

Option 1: Fly from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit

For most volunteers, flying is the easiest and fastest option.

There are frequent domestic flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit every day, and the journey is much quicker than travelling by road. If you are arriving from a long international flight, this is often the most ideal way to continue your journey.

Why choose taking a flight?

• It is the fastest route, just a 1-hour flight
• It is comfortable if you are arriving with luggage after a long-haul flight
• DAKTARI can collect you from Hoedspruit Airport on your arrival day if it is a Saturday

Good to know

When booking your flights, keep in mind that DAKTARI arrivals and departures are on Saturdays only. It is therefore important to plan your domestic connection so that you arrive in Hoedspruit on a Saturday, or stay overnight in Johannesburg or Hoedspruit if needed before joining us.

If your international flight lands too late to catch a same-day domestic connection, it may be safer to spend the night near Johannesburg airport and continue the next morning.

Option 2: Take a Shuttle from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit

If you would rather avoid an extra flight, a shuttle transfer from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit is another popular option.

This is a good choice for volunteers who want a more economical option or who do not mind a longer travel journey. The shuttle usually departs from O.R. Tambo International Airport and travels directly to Hoedspruit.

Why volunteers choose the shuttle

• It is the cheapest way to arrive Hoedspruit
• It is a practical option if you are travelling with a large suitcase

Things to consider

The shuttle journey is 7 hours, obviously longer than a domestic flight, so it is best suited to volunteers who are comfortable with a full day of travel. If you arrive in Johannesburg late in the day, you may need to stay overnight near the airport and take the shuttle the following morning.

Once you reach Hoedspruit town, DAKTARI can arrange your Saturday pick-up from there.

Option 3: Rent a Car and Drive to DAKTARI

Some volunteers prefer the flexibility of hiring a car in Johannesburg and driving to Hoedspruit themselves. This option can work very well if you are planning to travel around South Africa before or after your time at DAKTARI, or if you simply enjoy road trips and want to explore more of the country at your own pace.

Why this option can be great

• Full flexibility with your travel schedule
• Ideal if you plan to visit other destinations before volunteering at DAKTARI

Driving in South Africa is manageable for many international travellers, but it does require preparation. The drive from Johannesburg to the Hoedspruit area is long, so we strongly recommend travelling during daylight hours only. If your flight lands late in Johannesburg, it is much safer and less stressful to stay overnight and begin the drive the following morning.

You should also make sure you have:

• a valid driving licence accepted in South Africa
• a phone with maps downloaded offline
• enough time and money for rest stops and fuel

Staying overnight near O.R. Tambo International Airport is usually the simplest option. Many airport guesthouses and lodges offer airport transfers, which makes the transition much smoother after a long-haul flight.

Do I Need to Stay Overnight in Hoedspruit?

Sometimes, yes.

Depending on your travel schedule, you may arrive in Hoedspruit before your DAKTARI pick-up time or on a day when pick-up is not possible. In that case, an overnight stay in Hoedspruit can be the easiest solution.

The advantage is that Hoedspruit is much closer to DAKTARI, so once Saturday arrives, the final leg of your journey is simple. It can also be a nice way to ease into bush life before arriving at camp.

Important: DAKTARI Pick-Up Days

This is one of the most important things to remember when planning your travel:

DAKTARI welcomes arrivals and departures on Saturdays only.

We can pick up volunteers from:

• Hoedspruit Airport
• Hoedspruit town

This means your Johannesburg-to-Hoedspruit travel should ideally be planned around a Friday or Saturday arrival.

Our Best Advice for Volunteers

If this is your first time travelling to South Africa, our recommendation is simple: keep your route as easy as possible.

For most volunteers, that means:

1. Fly into Johannesburg
2. Take a domestic flight or shuttle to Hoedspruit
3. Let DAKTARI pick you up on Saturday

This is usually the least stressful option and helps you arrive at camp rested, safe, and ready to enjoy your experience.

Final Thoughts

Travelling to DAKTARI may take a little more planning than a typical holiday destination, but once you arrive, you will understand why it is worth it. Nestled in the South African bush, surrounded by wildlife, local children, and a close-knit volunteer community, DAKTARI is far more than just a place to stay — it is an experience that begins the moment you decide to come.

If you are unsure which travel option is best for your dates, feel free to get in touch with us before booking. We are always happy to guide volunteers through the journey and help you find the most practical route to camp.

We cannot wait to welcome you to DAKTARI.