With the festive season fast approaching, the Kruger National Park (KNP) remains one of South Africa’s premier holiday destinations.

However, to ensure a pleasant experience and prevent overcrowding on roads and at facilities, gate quotas will be strictly enforced during this period, Lowvelder reports.

If you are planning a day trip, here is everything you need to know to ensure your entry is guaranteed and your visit is stress-free.

SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw, said to safeguard 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.

This fee is separate from the conservation fee which remains payable at the gate unless a valid Wild Card is produced.

The conservation fee for South African (SA) residents as well as Zimbabwe and Mozambique nationals is R134 per adult and R67 per child from ages two 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.

“To this effect, SA identity documents or driver’s license will be required for with all other guests needed 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,” he said.

Louw also said, the quota system does not apply to overnight guests, but is specifically relevant to day visitors.

“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. Special attention is, therefore, drawn to operational times as it pertains to entry of pre-booked visitors,” he said

The quotas are as follows:

• Time slot 1: 05:30 to 08:00
• Time slot 2: 08:00 to 10:00
• Time slot 3: 10:00 onwards.

Louw said once daily quotas are reached only pre-booked visitors will be allowed entry. Queueing will then apply and access will be dependent on number of visitors exiting the park.

Wild Card members are reminded that they are not exempt from the pre-booking administration fee.

“Vehicles without license plates or display of a valid temporary license 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, the police and the South African National Defence Force will be deployed throughout the festive period to ensure compliance and prevent poaching,” he said.

Louw indicated that guests should also be reminded of the secure and convenient cash-free payment system applied at the gates Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Malelane and Crocodile Bridge as well as fuel stations in the southern part of the park. This system ensures a smooth and hassle-free entry and exit from the park.

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 the 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.

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