The roads are definitely very good and well paved. You should have no issues in either country; but still, add at least 30 minutes to each of your estimates — just in case.

Many of the national highways in South Africa are toll roads — some of them only electronic tolls — and they can be quite expensive. I managed to avoid most of the tolls — but be prepared just the same. Ensure that your rental car is equipped with a transponder, just in case. You will hear it beep every time you pass under a toll gantry.

If driving during the day, take advantage of stopping along the way for a few minutes to nibble on a snack at a rest area and enjoy the scenery, if you have time. I embarked on a road trip to five countries in southern Africa; and it was one of the better road trips I have ever taken.

As many of the main roads outside of the Johannesburg metropolitan area are only two lanes wide, keep in mind that the breakdown lane is temporarily used by drivers to pull over and slow down to allow drivers behind them to pass safely. Once passing you, the passing driver will usually activate the yellow flashers of the vehicle three times as a courtesy of thanking you. Return the gesture by flashing your lights. I have found the drivers in South Africa to be quite courteous; and I also adopted their courteousness while driving there.

Watch out with Hertz in South Africa by ensuring that your contracts and terms of payment are clear to you; and their service is not the best — but I was satisfied with their cars. Keep in mind that they do not participate in the Gold Rewards program, as they are essentially a different company than Hertz in the United States. Otherwise, you should have no problem with them.

Because it is up on a hill, Mantenga Lodge has a nice view from the area where guests eat a buffet breakfast, which was included in my room rate. You can dine either inside or outside. There is also a nice view from the parking lot. If you want a souvenir, you can purchase one of the wooden carvings used on their keys, as they are made right there.

There is a small shopping center a few miles down the road from Mantenga Lodge on the way back to the main highway if you need currency exchanged — at a good rate, I might add — as well as groceries or other items. There is at least one petrol station across the street from the shopping center if you need fuel.

The uphill driveway of Mantenga Lodge will most likely be the only unpaved road on which you will drive, which is not a problem. I found the staff there to be friendly and helpful.

I have never entered Kruger National Park — I had just recently completed a safari with Nomad Tours in Kenya which would have been quite difficult for someone to do by himself or herself — but I understand you can drive through it yourself.

Helpful to me is Miles To The Wild, which is a weblog written by Tara. Do a search there on Kruger, as she has been there. I believe the results will be helpful to you.

By the way, I receive no compensation of any type with my recommendations. If you have any other questions, please post them.