KNP to prioritise pre-booked visitors

Kruger National Park (KNP) has announced that pre-booked day visitors will be prioritised during the busy festive season, as gate quotas are implemented to manage congestion and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Day visitors are strongly advised to book online in advance via the SANParks website to secure access to the park. An online booking requires a non-refundable administration fee of R59 for adults and R29 for children, which is separate from the conservation fee payable at the gate unless visitors present a valid Wild Card.

Conservation fees remain unchanged. South African citizens, as well as nationals of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, will pay R134 per adult and R67 per child aged between two and 11 years. Visitors from SADC countries will pay R275 per adult and R137 per child, while the standard international conservation fee of R602 for adults and R300 for children applies to all other guests. South Africans are required to present a valid identity document or driver’s licence, while international visitors must produce a passport. Failure to provide valid identification will result in the standard international fee being charged.

The quota system applies only to day visitors and not to overnight guests. Pre-booked visitors will receive priority access but must arrive within their allocated time slots. These are from 05:30 to 08:00, 08:00 to 10:00, and from 10:00 onwards. Late arrivals will be treated as non-booked visitors and may lose priority access.

Once daily visitor limits are reached, only pre-booked visitors will be allowed entry, with access thereafter dependent on vehicles exiting the park. Wild Card holders are reminded that they are not exempt from the pre-booking administration fee.

Strict vehicle compliance will be enforced, with vehicles without licence plates or valid temporary numbers denied entry or exit. Security will be heightened during the festive period, with Ranger Services, SAPS and SANDF deployed to support law enforcement and anti-poaching efforts.

Visitors are also reminded that the park operates a cash-free payment system at key gates and fuel stations in the southern region. SANParks urges guests to observe park rules, plan their trips carefully and allow enough time to enjoy the bush safely.