I hope this is in the right place.

So its been many years since I have been top the Kruger National Park, I was a kid last time my parents took me.

Now I have some money saved up and want to take my 2 little kids and wife next month but I have no idea how it works...

Im looking at a half decent hotel right by the Phalaborwa gate, 4-5 nights at a decent price, now my main question is, is it worth staying just outside Kruger Park and doing daily self drive game drives through the park for a few days?
Will I be wasting diesel and money by not even seeing anything because I have no clue were to drive and were to look ect, or do I take an expensive game drive through a tour company?

Is it better to stay Inside Kruger National Park at a more expensive place and use their game drive facilities?

Any advice would be appreciated, I have no idea were to stay and were to drive.

Thanks in advance!!