The SANParks Week in the Kruger National Park (KNP) will take place from September 22 to 26, allowing all South Africans access to the park for free.

According to KNP spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli, the purpose of this initiative is to encourage citizens to know their parks and enjoy their natural heritage.

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“The free entry at KNP is also specifically for communities bordering the protected areas, since they might not ordinarily be able to afford the general entry fees. We are inviting them to take advantage of this opportunity and visit the park,” he said.

“However, the KNP will only open its gates on weekdays and implores people to make online bookings, as quotas will be implemented to avoid congestion at the gates and in other public areas within the park,” he added.

Visitors must note the following:

• Free entry: Applicable to South African citizens, who must present their IDs when making bookings.

• No alcohol: No alcohol will be allowed, and the free access is only for entry and no other tourism activities.

• Entry requirements: Access will only be granted to day visitors upon presentation of a SA ID. Only children below the age of 16 years gain entry without proof of identity.

• Exclusions: Groups regarded as commercial ventures, such as private open safari vehicle operators, tourists who come to the park on tour buses, and overnight visitors, are not included in this free access arrangement (except on September 24, which will be a public holiday).

• Park rules: Visitors are urged to plan their trips accordingly to avoid having to rush back, as there are speed limits within the park. Park rules will be enforced as always to ensure that visitors enjoy their visits.

• Alcohol and noise: No alcohol may be brought into the park. No loud music or alcohol consumption will be allowed in any area. Braais will only be allowed at designated areas in the picnic sites.

• Drone policy: The use of drones in the KNP is strictly prohibited in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and SANParks regulations. Unauthorised drone use poses safety risks to visitors, disturbs wildlife, and compromises security operations.

Thakhuli concluded that anyone who does not adhere to the rules will be arrested and barred from entering the park.

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WATCH: A SANParks helicopter flagged down a speeding motorist on a road near Tshokwane Picnic Site today, August 24, while busy with the annual conservation census. > Video: Sourced/Zaheer Ali

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