Drivers keep left to let an elephant pass near the Satara Bush Camp in the Kruger National Park

• A guided game drive in the Kruger National Park is a must. Book when you check in. Choose a sunset drive over all others because you go out in daylight, watch the sun set as the game drink at waterholes, then, as darkness falls, you experience a thrilling night drive by spotlight.

• Satara Rest Camp in the middle of Kruger is not the most beautiful camp, but it sits in the middle of the best game-viewing areas of the park. All the main camps are child-friendly with pools.

• Early booking for the Kruger National Park is essential. Bookings open 11 months in advance. If you can, try to avoid school holidays (July, August, December, early January) as accommodation is more difficult to obtain. Book by phone rather than online.

• Malaria medication is a must in the Lowveld. Check with your doctor prior to your visit.

• Safari essentials – whether self-drive or guided – are a good pair of lightweight binoculars, camera, sunhat, sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable walking shoes and water.

• If the budget allows, for your self-drive safari, rent an SUV or combi/van. You’ll have more legroom and an even better chance of spotting game because you sit high up. Book well in advance.

• Choose individual specialised field guides on mammals and birds rather than a general one. Camp shops sell them, or do some homework before your trip.

• If you want that ‘special’ gift or souvenir, buy bead-craft from roadside vendors or curio shops. In Barberton, you can buy hand-designed gold jewellery made from the oldest gold in the world, next to the Barberton Museum.

• Fruit and nuts from roadside farm stalls are always a good buy.

• The standard universal greeting in South Africa is, ‘Hello, how are you?’

Mpumalanga has an excellent infrastructure with good roads and lots of different accommodation options.