Kruger National Park Enforces Festive Season Gate Quotas and New Entry Rules for Day Visitors

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has introduced strict gate quotas for day visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) during the festive season, aiming to prevent overcrowding and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all. These measures are in response to the park’s growing popularity and the surge in visitor numbers expected over the holidays.

Under the new system, once the daily quota for day visitors is reached at any gate, only pre-booked guests will be allowed entry. Those without a pre-booking will have to queue and will only be admitted as other visitors exit the park. This policy does not affect overnight guests, who are exempt from the quota system and can enter as usual.

To guarantee entry, SANParks strongly advises all day visitors to book online in advance via the official SANParks website. A non-refundable administration fee of R59 for adults and R29 for children is required at the time of booking. This fee is separate from the standard conservation fee, which remains payable at the gate unless a valid Wild Card is presented .

It is important to note that Wild Card members are not exempt from the pre-booking administration fee. All pre-booked day visitors must arrive within their allocated time slots; late arrivals will be treated as non-booked and will not receive priority access. This ensures that the flow of vehicles and visitors is managed efficiently, reducing congestion at entry points .

The conservation fee for South African residents, as well as Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals, is R134 per adult and R67 per child (ages 2–11). For nationals of other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, the fee is R275 per adult and R137 per child. All other international guests are required to pay R602 per adult and R300 per child. South African citizens must present a valid ID or driver’s licence, while all other guests must show a passport. Failure to provide the correct identification will result in the payment of the standard international conservation fee .

Vehicle regulations are also being strictly enforced. Vehicles without licence plates or a valid temporary licence number will not be allowed to enter or exit the park. Any vehicle found inside the park without proper plates will be impounded, and the driver will face fines and charges. These measures are designed to enhance security and ensure compliance with park regulations.

To further support safety and conservation efforts, Ranger Services, the South African Police Service, and the South African National Defence Force will be deployed throughout the festive period. Their presence will help maintain order, ensure compliance with park rules, and prevent poaching activities.

For added convenience, SANParks has implemented a cash-free payment system at all major entry gates—including Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Malelane, and Crocodile Bridge—as well as at fuel stations in the southern part of the park. This system is designed to streamline entry and exit, making the process smoother and more secure for all visitors .

Visitors are reminded to observe all park rules, which are in place to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for everyone. SANParks encourages guests to use the 24-hour emergency numbers provided on their entrance permits to report any incidents or emergencies. By adhering to these guidelines, visitors help preserve the park’s natural beauty and contribute to the safety of its wildlife and fellow guests.

With these new measures, SANParks aims to balance the high demand for access to Kruger National Park with the need to protect its unique environment and maintain a world-class visitor experience. All guests are urged to plan ahead, book early, and allow ample time to enjoy the park’s renowned bush landscapes and wildlife during the festive season.