The Kruger National Park (KNP) has reported a strong festive season comeback, recording visitor numbers that are 93% of those seen in 2018/19. Between December 16, 2022 and January 8, 2023, almost 180 000 visitors entered the Park, compared with the 194 000 recorded between December 13, 2018 and January 8, 2019. 

According to statistics provided to Tourism Update by South African National Parks (SANParks), South African residents accounted for 85.5% all visitors to the world-famous attraction, while 12.5% of visitors were from overseas, with the remainder coming from SADC countries.  

The leading international markets for the Park were Germany (26% of all overseas visitors), the UK (11.3%) and the US (10.7%).

Overall, there were 132 102 day visitors (86%) and 21 855 (14%) overnight visitors.

Domestically, the majority of visitors came from Gauteng (31%); Mpumalanga (30.4%) and Limpopo (22.3%).

More high-end tourists

With regard to trends, Ivan Spies, owner of Africa Spear Safaris, said compared with the high seasons experienced over COVID, there had been a significant uptick in high-end tourists.

“We had a lot of visitors over Christmas and New Year from higher-end markets. We were very busy with tours from Ndhula Luxury Tented Lodge. The mid-market was more interested in day visits,” Spies said.

Kurt Schultz, owner of Kurt Safari Co, said operators had been delighted with the significant boom in numbers following several difficult years. 

“We were extremely busy this holiday season. We noticed more high-end tourists and also more couples going on safaris.”

High occupancy rates, busy gates

Camps in the park recorded high occupancy rates for the period, with Letaba having the lowest occupancy rate at 80.3%.

Crocodile Bridge stood at 98.7% full, followed by Balule (97.2%), Berg-en-Dal (95.2%), Lower Sabie (93.7%), Talamati (92.1%), Satara (91.1%), Skukuza (87.5%) and Pretoriuskop (87.1%).

SANParks spokesperson, Ike Phaahla, attributes the park’s healthy holiday statistics to successful marketing campaigns conducted both locally and abroad.

“We had an absolutely successful holiday season. Our numerous marketing and promotional campaigns throughout 2022 encouraged tourists to enjoy their natural heritage. All the hard work certainly paid off.”

Crocodile Bridge Gate was the busiest entrance point, recording 10 015 vehicles for the period.

This was followed by the Malelane Gate (8 183); Phabeni Gate (7 189); and Paul Kruger Gate (7 031).