The Kruger National Park (KNP) will be going cash-free at five of its entrance gates and fuel stations in the southern part of the park from December 1.

This is part of a broader cash-free digital drive that SANParks introduced in 2021 to improve customer convenience and reduce contact time at entry points, especially during peak times.

According to the KNP’s managing executive Oscar Mthimkhulu the payment system will be implemented in a two-phased approach at some facilities in the KNP, while the remaining gates and camps will go online in early 2024.

“The benefit of implementing a cash-free payment system is meant to reduce queues further and impact the time it takes to get into a park. The aim is also to reduce the risks associated with handling cash. We would therefore like to encourage clients to make use of either the online pre-booking payment system, which offers a no-hassle of having to transact on arrival, or speed point payment systems at the gates,” he says.

“Skukuza Rest Camp’s fuel station will also use the new card payment handheld devices.

“Guests are encouraged to support the phasing out of cash transactions in the KNP, assisting us to a step towards environmental responsibility,” says Mthimkhulu.

The KNP entrance gates that will be launching the cash-free payment methods are:

• Paul Kruger Gate
• Phabeni Gate
• Numbi Gate
• Malelane Gate
• Crocodile Bridge Gate.