South African National Parks (SANParks) reminds day visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) that gate quotas will be in place during the festive season. Visitors are urged to book online ahead of their visit.

Lowvelder reports pre-booked day visitors are prioritised at the gates but must arrive within their booked time slots. Late arrivals will be treated as non-booked and will not receive preference. Wild Card members are also required to pay the pre-booking fee.

KNP spokesperson Isaac Phaahla said the day visitor quota is a management tool to prevent overcrowding of roads and facilities. “It is applied throughout the year, although we mostly reach capacity during long weekends and school holidays,” he said. He emphasised that pre-booking is crucial, as it ensures first priority for day visitors within the quota per gate.

Once the daily quota is reached, only pre-booked visitors will be allowed entry. Others will have to queue and rely on visitors exiting the park to enter. Overnight guests are not affected by this system.

Day visitors who have pre-booked must still pay conservation fees or use a valid Wild Card. SA residents and those from Zimbabwe and Mozambique must produce an ID or passport to verify their status. Fees are R128 per adult and R64 per child aged two to 11.

For Eswatini nationals and other SADC residents, conservation fees are R257 per adult and R128 per child. For all other visitors, fees are R535 per adult and R257 per child.

Cash-free payment systems are operational at the Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Malelane, and Crocodile Bridge gates, ensuring smooth entry and exit.

Vehicles without licence plates will not be allowed to enter or exit the park. Any vehicle found inside the park without front and/or rear plates will be impounded, and the driver will face charges under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003.

Gate operational times for quotas:

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

For online bookings, contact 012 428 9111 or visit www.sanparks.org.