South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that gate quotas will apply to visitors entering the Kruger National Park (KNP) during the festive season. Pre-booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment as the park often reaches capacity during school holidays and long weekends.
Visitors are reminded to consider the following time slots for gate access:
- Slot 1: 05h30-08h00
- Slot 2: 08h00-10:00
- Slot 3: 10:00 onwards
The day visitor quota is a measure to prevent overcrowding on roads and at facilities. Pre-bookings, which secure up to 80% of the quota per gate, are available via SANParks reservations offices and online at www.sanparks.org.
Entry fees and pre-booking requirements
Day visitors must pay a non-refundable pre-booking fee of R56 (€2.93) per adult and R28 (€1.47) per child. This fee is separate from the required conservation fees, which vary as follows:
- South African residents and Zimbabwe and Mozambique nationals: R128 (€6.71) per adult and R64 (€3.35) per child.
- Eswatini and Southern African Development Community nationals: R257 (€13.47) per adult and R128 (€6.71) per child.
- International visitors: R535 (€28.03) per adult and R257 (€13.47) per child.
Wild Card members must also pay the pre-booking fee.
Day visitors with pre-bookings will be prioritised at the gates but must arrive during their reserved time slot. Late arrivals will forfeit this priority and be treated as non-booked visitors. Once the daily quota is reached, only pre-booked visitors will be allowed entry.
Park entry rules and enforcement
All visitors must provide valid identification (such as a South African driver’s licence, identity document/card or passport) upon entry. Vehicles without licence plates will not be permitted to enter. Any found inside the park will be impounded with fines issued under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act.
Cashless payment systems are accepted at major gates (Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Malelane and Crocodile Bridge) and southern fuel stations to facilitate smooth transactions.
SANParks has emphasised the importance of compliance with park rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Law enforcement, ranger services and upgraded surveillance technology will support efforts to prevent poaching and maintain order.
KNP's entrance gates include Crocodile Bridge, Malelane, Numbi, Phabeni, Paul Kruger, Orpen, Phalaborwa, Punda Maria, Pafuri and Giriyondo Port of Entry.
