Route guide
Kruger (Malelane) to Pretoria
Route N4 via eMalahleni, Middelburg and MbombelaAbout 430 kmDrive 4½–5 hours
The N4 Maputo Corridor: fast highveld freeway, then a winding descent through the Elands River valley into the Lowveld.
This guide was written for Pretoria to Kruger (Malelane). The same roads apply on your trip, but read exits, merges and lane tips the other way round.
From drivers, last 3 days
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Before you leave
- Have a card or cash ready for toll plazas: Diamond Hill, Middelburg, Machado and Nkomazi.
- Check Kruger gate closing times for your month and arrive well before; gates don't wait.
- Coming from Joburg, the N12 links to the N4 at eMalahleni.
- Expect heavy truck traffic all the way to the border.
Malelane to Mbombela
Kruger gates off the N4TipRoad know-how
Malelane Gate is near Malelane. Crocodile Bridge Gate is near Komatipoort, further east.
Single-lane sections with trucksSafetyRoad know-how
Overtake only with a clear view. Border-bound trucks are heavy and slow on climbs.
Nkomazi Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Just east of Kaapmuiden.
Mbombela to eNtokozweni
Mbombela northern bypassLane adviceRoad know-how
Keep to the N4 bypass unless you're stopping in town. For Hazyview and the Numbi or Phabeni gates, take the R40.
Schoemanskloof shortcutTipRoad know-how
The R539 is shorter but steep and slower behind trucks. The N4 is usually the easier drive.
Elands River valleyHazardRoad know-how
Winding road through Waterval Boven, including a short tunnel. Trucks are slow uphill and brake hard downhill.
eNtokozweni to eMalahleni
Machado Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Near eNtokozweni (Machadodorp).
Highveld mist around BelfastWeatherRoad know-how
Thick mist is common between Middelburg and eNtokozweni, especially early morning. Lights on, speed down.
Middelburg Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
Just before the first Middelburg off-ramp.
eMalahleni to Pretoria
Coming from JoburgTipRoad know-how
The N12 joins the N4 at eMalahleni.
Coal trucksHazardRoad know-how
Heavy truck traffic around eMalahleni and Middelburg. Watch for trucks pulling out slowly.
Diamond Hill Toll PlazaTollRoad know-how
On the stretch between Pretoria and Bronkhorstspruit.