SANParks implements gate quotas to manage influx of festive season visitors at Kruger National Park
To tackle overcrowding during the festive season, SANParks has announced gate quotas for Kruger National Park.
Image: Ian Landsberg / Independent Newspapers
SANParks has announced that in a bid to address overcrowding of visitors to Kruger National Park (KNP) during the festive season, gate quotas will be implemented.
SANParks advised that to ensure entry, visitors are advised to book online ahead of their visit at www.sanparks.org for which a non-refundable administration fee of R59 for adults and R29 is payable. Wild Card members are not exempt from the pre-booking administration fee.
It added that this fee is separate from the conservation fee, which remains payable at the gate for entry.
The conservation fee for South African residents as well as Zimbabwe and Mozambique nationals is R134 per adult and R67 per child between ages 2 to 11 years. For nationals of SADC countries, the conservation fee is R275 per adult and R137 per child. The standard conservation fee of R602 for adults and R300 for children applies to all other guests.
As a result of the fee pricing, South African identity documents or driver’s licenses will be required for South Africans, with all other guests needing to produce a passport.
“These apply to both drivers and all passengers. Failure to produce valid identification will result in the payment of the standard conservation fee of R602 for adults and R300 for children.”
SANParks also explained that the quota system does not apply to overnight guests, and pre-booked day visitors are prioritised at the gate but must arrive within their allocated time slots.
Late arrivals will be treated as non-booked and will not receive priority access. The following time slots apply:
- Time slot 1: 05:30 to 08:00
- Time slot 2: 08:00 to 10:00
- Time slot 3: 10:00 onwards
Once daily quotas are reached, only pre-booked visitors will be allowed entry. Queueing will then apply, and access will be dependent on the number of visitors exiting the Park.
Regarding vehicle regulations, SANParks said vehicles without licence plates or displaying 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 be charged and fined. Ranger Services, South African Police Services, and the South African National Defence Force will be deployed throughout the festive period to ensure compliance and prevent poaching.
“Visitors are urged to observe the Park’s rules, which are primarily intended to ensure safe and pleasant experiences. We also urge visitors to make use of the 24-hour emergency number on their entrance permit to report any incidents (013 735 4064 or 076 801 9679). By respecting these rules, visitors contribute to the preservation of the Park’s natural beauty and the safety of all its inhabitants. Visitors are urged to plan their trips and allow sufficient time to enjoy the bush, relax, and arrive safely at their destination.”