Paul Kruger Gate
SANPark’s free week in the Kruger National Park (KNP) would be from September 22 to 26, allowing all South Africans with proper ID’s to access the Park for free.
Only children under 16 years of age would be allowed free entry without proof of identity.
According to the KNP’s spokesperson, Reynold Thakhuli, the purpose of this initiative is to encourage citizens to get to know their Parks and enjoy their natural heritage.
“The free entry to the KNP is for communities bordering the protected areas. As they may not be able to afford entry fees, we are inviting them to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
He urged the public to make online bookings for weekdays when the gates would be open. Quotas would be in place to avoid congestion at entry points or in the Park.
Free entry is only applicable to gate access fees for day visitors and no other tourism activities are included but would be for the visitor’s own cost.
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.
