KNP visitors must adhere to quotas
Day visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) are requested to take note of gate quotas when planning their visit, as these will strictly be enforced during the school holidays which started on Monday June 29 and finish on Friday July 17.
SKUKUZA – Visitors are advised to either arrive at the gate early in the morning, because the service is on a first-come-first-served basis, or pre-book their entrance with central reservations office on 012-428-9111.
“We urge individuals planning to come to the park as day visitors to please make the necessary arrangements ahead of time to avoid unnecessary disappointment,” said the general manager: Communications and marketing in the KNP, Mr William Mabasa.
Pre-booking for entrance comes with a non-refundable deposit of R36 per adult and R18 per child and must be paid in advance. Day visitors with advanced bookings are expected to arrive at the applicable gate on the date before 13:00, otherwise the booking will be cancelled.
A pre-booking does not exempt the day visitor from paying the normal conservation fees upon arrival at the gate, but secures entry. All visitors are also reminded to bring along their identity documents or alternative form of identity to avoid problems at the gates.
Mabasa also reminded day visitors not to bring liquor with them as the alcohol ban on public areas in the park is a permanent rule which is enforced at all times.
Visitors can report any infringement on rules and regulations which they witness, to the emergency call centre on 013-735-4325 / 013-735-0197 or 076-801-9679.
Day visitors, who may not be able to gain entry because the quota shall have been reached, can if they wish, make use of the park-and-ride facility which is available at some gates. The park-and-ride will cost visitors extra money but should be better than having to turn around.
“We request visitors to plan their trip by observing gate opening and closing times so that they do not find themselves either speeding or arriving late at the camps and gates on their way in or out of the park. People must please read their permits which they receive at the gates because all the rules and regulations of the park are clearly stipulated in those documents,” concluded Mabasa.
KNP has 10 entrance gates, Pafuri, Punda Maria, Phalaborwa, Giriyondo, Orpen, Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Malelane and Crocodile Bridge. Although quotas do not affect the occupancy rate as it only applies to day visitors, the park is almost fully booked with limited availability, mostly in camping sites, at some of the camps.
The camps are more than 98 per cent occupied. Those with access to Internet who would like to keep an eye on accommodation availability can refer to our website at https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/tourism/availability.php
