Getting to Marloth Park from Joburg/Pretoria — Shuttles, Buses, Self‑Drive & Airport Transfers

Heading to Marloth Park for a volunteer stay, safari, or a peaceful bush escape? Whether you’re coming from Johannesburg, Pretoria, or flying into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA/MQP), getting here is easy — and incredibly scenic. This guide covers every transport option, including airport transfers we provide, long‑distance shuttles, bus combos, and the best self‑drive route with an unforgettable wildlife stop along the way.

OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg — Opttions of getting from O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Kruger Park Hostel in Marloth Park

🚐 1. Shuttle Services (Easy, Comfortable & Popular)

Shuttles are one of the most stress‑free ways to travel to Marloth Park. They’re safe, reliable, and ideal for travellers or volunteers who don’t want to rent a car.

JSL Shuttle Bus — JSL operates daily shuttles between Gauteng and Marloth Park and drops you off directly at Kruger Park Hostel

✔ JSL Transport & Tours (Daily Shuttle)

JSL operates daily shuttles between Gauteng and Kruger Park Hostel in Marloth Park. Pickup points include:

Pretoria (Menlyn)
Centurion
Johannesburg (OR Tambo Airport)
Witbank / Middelburg / Belfast
Nelspruit (Mbombela)

Arrival in Marloth Park is normally late afternoon. Perfect for volunteers and international travellers landing at OR Tambo.

✔ Africa Moja Tours (Door‑to‑Door Service)

This Sandton‑based company offers private, comfortable, door‑to‑door transfers from:

Johannesburg
Pretoria
Sandton
OR Tambo Airport

Air‑conditioned vehicles, professional drivers, and the option to bundle in Kruger safaris.

Giraffe in Road in Marloth Park — Traffic in Marloth is a little slower, and taller

✔ Shuttle King (Private Group Transfers)

A popular long‑distance shuttle option for small to large groups wanting direct travel to Marloth Park.

✈️ 2. Our Transfers: MQP Airport → Marloth Park

If you're flying into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA / MQP), we’ve got you covered.

We offer direct transfers from MQP Airport to Marloth Park and Kruger Park Hostel.

Nelspruit Airport — Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, one of the cutest airports in the world

This is ideal for volunteers and international guests avoiding the 5‑hour road trip from Joburg.

Travel time: 1h 30–2h
Meet‑and‑greet at arrivals
Direct drop‑off at your accommodation

🚖 3. Transfers: Malalane ↔ Marloth Park

We also provide transfers to and from Malalane — perfect for:

Long‑distance bus arrivals
Car rentals collected in town
Shopping trips for groceries and essentials

Malalane is the last major town before Marloth Park and has large supermarkets, pharmacies, tyre shops, and fuel stations.

Map between Johanneburg and Marloth Park

🚌 4. Bus + Taxi Combo (Best for Budget Travellers)

While no direct bus runs to Marloth Park, you can take a long‑distance bus from Gauteng to Nelspruit (Mbombela), then grab a shuttle/taxi to Marloth Park.

Step 1: Bus from Joburg/Pretoria → Nelspruit
Step 2: Taxi / shuttle from Nelspruit → Marloth Park

Total time: approx 5h 20m
Estimated cost: R1,300–R1,800

🚗 5. Self‑Drive from Joburg / Pretoria (Freedom & Adventure)

Self‑driving is incredibly popular — it gives you the freedom to stop, explore, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Distance: ±440 km from Joburg / ±420 km from Pretoria
Driving time: 4.5–5 hours

✔ Recommended Route (Fastest & Safest)

N12/N4 → Witbank (eMalahleni)
N4 → Middelburg
N4 → Belfast
N4 → Machadodorp
N4 → Nelspruit
N4 → Malalane
Turn toward Hectorspruit → Marloth Park

⭐ MUST‑STOP: ALZU Petro Port (Halfway to Marloth Park)

Azul Petroport is the best petro (Gas) Stations in the world, and if you missed seeing the rhino in Kruger and are self driving back to Johannesburg, then this is a must stop.

ALZU Petro Port is one of the best petrol stations in the world — and a full wildlife experience before you even reach the bush.

Right off the N4, roughly halfway from Joburg, ALZU is famous for:

Rhinos, sable, roan antelope, buffalo, and ostriches housed in massive open paddocks
A variety of restaurants (Wimpy, Mugg & Bean, etc.)
Clean bathrooms, great shops, safe parking
Panoramic viewing decks overlooking the wildlife

It’s the perfect halfway break, especially for first‑time visitors — and a brilliant place for photos.

🎯 Which Transport Option Is Best for You?

Traveller Type	Best Option
Shy solo traveller	Shuttle or our MQP transfer
Volunteer	JSL Shuttle or our MQP transfer
Families	Private shuttle or self‑drive
Budget traveller	Bus + taxi combo
Time‑pressed	Fly to MQP + our transfer
Adventure lover	Self‑drive (stop at ALZU!)