Kenya is one of the most renown countries for an African safari – best known for the Great Migration and the Maasai Mara National Park, it has other amazing game parks including the Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Park, and Lake Nakuru National Park. Kenya is also home to Mount Kenya which can be found in the Mount Kenya National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Boasting ultra-luxurious accommodation, lavish facilities, and superb safari experiences – Botswana is any avid traveler’s dream come true. Accommodation in Botswana is set within the heart of the wilderness and positioned to provide true away-from-it-all indulgence. With panoramic views of its pristine wildlife and stunning savannah, the only ‘interruptions’ you’ll encounter are wandering elephants, curious giraffe or, if you’re lucky, a lion basking in the midday sun. When it comes to its spectacular array of exclusive and luxury accommodation options, Botswana offers guests a pristine level of privacy that is simply unparalleled and impossible to find in any other African safari destination. To ensure you experience the very best of what Botswana has to offer, here are some of the top 10 luxury safari lodges in Botswana that should undoubtedly be on your short-list when travelling to this incredible African wilderness destination.
Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “The Smoke that Thunders” in the Lozi language, is one of the world’s most famous and magnificent waterfalls. It is located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River, between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Scottish explorer David Livingstone, the first European to see the falls in 1855, named them after Queen Victoria.
Victoria Falls is 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles) wide and 108 meters (354 feet) tall, making it the world’s largest sheet of falling water. While it is neither the tallest or broadest waterfall, the combination of its width and height creates an unforgettable spectacle.
The UK government have announced that on Monday 11th of October 2021 they will reduce the countries on the UK travel red list to just seven countries. This means that international travel will become a lot more accessible to UK travellers, who will no longer need to quarantine for 2 weeks when returning to the UK from a number of countries.
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park and is home to some of the most famous luxury safari lodges in Africa.
With the global pandemic restricting world wide travel a number of Kruger National Park Game Lodges have announced and continue to run some amazing South African resident deals.
Visit the Kruger National Park during SANParks Free Access Week 2021! The annual South African National Parks Week is an initiative aimed at giving all South African citizens the opportunity to experience the incredible variety of National Parks our country has to offer.
This year SANParks will celebrate its 16th annual South African National Parks Week from the 22nd – 28th of November 2021, granting free access to day visitors to most of its National Parks across the country, including the renowned Kruger National Park (KNP).
While SANParks will be hosting its annual SA National Parks Week from 22 to 28 November 2021, the free access will only be valid until Friday 26 November at the following National Parks:
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Kruger National Park
- The Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park
As announced by SANParks Acting Chief Executive Officer, Luthando Dziba, the week-long campaign will be applicable to all the National Parks managed by SANParks, with the exclusion of the Boulders section at Table Mountain National Park (Boulders Beach & its African Penguin Colony) as well as accommodation facilities and tourist activities.
Total Energies and First National Bank (FNB) are official partners, helping SANParks achieve its vision to create a sustainable National Park System that connects society. The purpose of this amazing initiative is to familiarize and create awareness of the National Parks that exist in South Africa and foster a greater understanding of environmental conservation amongst South African citizens as well as cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage.
“The week is meant to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage and a deeper appreciation of biodiversity. It is important for South Africans to visit and know the importance of national parks.” – SANParks Acting Chief Executive Officer, Luthando Dziba
Luthando Dziba further emphasized the growing need and importance for all National Parks to be relevant and accessible to everyone, particularly to the young people and communities living adjacent to these parks.
“Through our Socio-Economic Transformation programmes and our Expanded Public Works Programme, we work closely with communities living adjacent to national parks in a quest to be more inclusive in our management of protected areas. This inclusivity encompasses providing access to parks for cultural use as well as exposing young people to the different career options in conservation and tourism.”- SANParks Acting Chief Executive Officer, Luthando Dziba
The SANParks Free Access Week celebration usually takes place during September (tourism month) but due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and concerns regarding the number of COVID-19 cases across the country, SANParks has moved the event to November with the hope that it will allow more people who ordinarily could not afford to visit the Kruger National Park, as well as all its other National Parks, to do so safely.
“SANParks is postponing the free access week which is traditionally held in September, to November due to concerns regarding the number of COVID-19 cases across the country. The safety of both guests and staff is of utmost priority and we, therefore, have to ensure that we are in a position to effectively implement the COVID-19 visitor management procedures in all our parks at all times.” – SANParks’ General Manager: Media, PR and Stakeholder Relations, Rey Thakhuli
Since the programme started in 2006, some 591 234 South Africans have been afforded the opportunity to enter National Parks free of charge. Every year SANParks aims to increase the number of citizens that are granted free access to its incredible range of National Parks. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of free access guests that the various National Parks are able to cater for will be highly subject to gate quotas. Extra visitor management procedures will also be in place to manage visitor volumes.
The Managing Executive of the Kruger National Park Gareth Coleman reiterated his excitement to welcome South African citizens to the Kruger National Park, while highlighting the importance of adhering to COVID-19 protocols and regulations including sanitizing, wearing of face masks, and observing social distancing.
Conditions for free entry into Kruger National Park
- All South Africans must produce a valid SA ID to enter for free during South African National Parks Week. No electronic copies of IDs will be accepted.
- Only children below the age of 16 gain entry without proof of identity.
- Groups regarded as commercial ventures: private open safari vehicles operators, tourists who come to the Park on tour buses and overnight visitors are not included in this free access arrangement.
- It should be noted that free access to parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.
- All members of the public visiting the Kruger National Park and other National Parks are requested to adhere to all the COVID-19 protocols and regulations including sanitizing, wearing of face masks, and observing social distancing.
- Due to COVID-19, all the parks will be operating under capacity constraints, and a first come – first serve basis principle will apply. Daily quotas will be implemented in all National Parks.
Click here for more information regarding SANParks 2021 South African National Parks Week. Visit the SANParks website for more information about the Kruger National Park.
Top attractions & experiences
- The Big Five: Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino.
- The Little Five: Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Ant Lion and Rhino Beetle.
- Birding Big Six: Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet- faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Saddle-bill Stork.
- Five Trees: Baobab, Fever Tree, Knob Thorn, Marula, Mopane.
- Natural/Cultural Features: Letaba Elephant Museum, Jock of the Bushveld Route, Albasini Ruins, Masorini Ruins, Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library, Thulamela.
Available activities
- Self-drives & game drives
- Wilderness trails
- Guided Walks
- 4×4 Trails
- Mountain biking
- Eco Trails
- Wildlife sightings
- Bird watching
“SANParks and their employees proudly look after National Parks for the people of our country and the world. During SA National Parks Week we encourage all South Africans; in particular those from communities that border the Park and may never have an opportunity to visit to make a turn and come and see for themselves. This is why during the SA National Parks Week we offer free access to all the citizens of South Africa. We would like to make the public aware however that entries are limited. Because we are a conservation area we must observe the normal daily quota for visitors at the gates so people must arrive early. Quotas still apply during that week and entry will be given on a first come first served basis.” – Managing Executive of the Kruger National Park Gareth Coleman
Visit the SANParks website for more information.
Issued by:
South African National Parks – Kruger National Park
To find out more about the Kruger National Park and all the reasons why you should go on a Kruger Park Safari check out our blog!
National Parks included in SANParks Week
- Kruger National Park
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Agulhas National Park
- Augrabies Falls National Park
- Bontebok National Park
- Camdeboo National Park
- Garden Route National Park
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- Karoo National Park
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
- Mapungubwe National Park
- Marakele National Park
- Mokala National Park
- Mountain Zebra National Park
- Namaqua National Park
- Table Mountain National Park
- Tankwa Karoo National Park
- West Coast National Park
- |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Great news for wildlife and nature lovers! It’s finally time to explore the nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled natural beauty and untamed wilderness and wildlife of the real African bush at the renowned Kruger National Park. South Africa National Parks (SANParks) announced on the 6th of June 2020 that self-drive excursions for day visitors will be permitted from Monday, 8 June 2020 in parks that cater for self-drives. While Namaqua National Park as well as Boulders Beach and Cape Point in Table Mountain National Park remain closed for the time being, most gates at Kruger National Park will be open except for Pafuri and Numbi gates. This means wildlife enthusiasts will once again be able to enjoy the authentic sights and sounds of the African bush by visiting one of the most sought-after wildlife destinations in Africa – the Kruger National Park!
**Disclaimer/Important note: This article was last updated on 18/06/2020 as per the current Lockdown Alert Level 3 Regulations and official SANParks regulations and statements. It is therefore subject to change in accordance with South Africa’s Lockdown Regulations.
Article Content:
- Lockdown Alert Level 3 Regulations & Guidelines
- Timeslots & Opening & Closing Times
- Lockdown Alert Level 3 Guidelines while in The Kruger Park
- Rest Camps, Restaurants, Shops, Petrol Stations
- General guidelines when visiting The Kruger National Park
- Entrance Gates telephone numbers
- Daily Conservation Fee
- About The Kruger National Park
Lockdown Alert Level 3 Regulations & Guidelines
Although the re-opening of the Kruger National Park is great news for wildlife and nature lovers, strict guidelines have been put in place for self-drive day visitors that are in accordance with the Lockdown Alert Level 3 regulations. SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni issued a statement in which he said that while they are very happy to announce the re-opening of some of their national parks for self-drive excursions, it is their top priority to ensure that it is done under the strictest health protocols to safeguard both their staff and guests.
For self-drive day visitors who intend to visit the Kruger National Park during South Africa’s Lockdown Alert Level 3, here are all the guidelines, regulations, and information you need to know. Additionally you can visit the SANParks website for all Level 3 Lockdown protocols and regulations.
- Gate quotas for the Kruger National Park have been revised to approximately one third (30%) of what they were prior to COVID-19. As social distancing in vehicles is paramount, all vehicles are allowed to carry only 70% of their capacity. Here is a general guideline provided by SANParks:
Vehicle Category | Seat Capacity | Max Occupants |
Sedan | 4 – 5 | 3 |
SUV | 5 – 7 | 3 – 5 |
Microbus | 10 | 7 |
Minibus | 14 | 9 |
Minibus | 16 | 11 |
Double Cab | 4 – 5 | 3 |
Single Cab | 2 – 3 | 1 – 2 |
- Group travel (any number of persons in one vehicle that is from more than one household) is prohibited at this stage; including OSV’s, buses & taxis. This means self-drive will be limited to households only and not individuals from different households in one vehicle.
- Visitors are highly encouraged to pre-book and pay online for day visits. Such bookings can be made online through SANParks website or through the traditional means of making bookings, e.g. email, telephonic (012 428 9111) or through one of the reservation offices. Wild Card members will have to ensure that their membership is valid prior to arrival.
- All visitors are requested to complete the Gate Registration Form (inclusive of COVID-19 questions) before arrival. This form can be found online and will make things run smoother if they are printed and filled out ahead of time and handed to the gate official upon arrival. Visitors will also be required to complete a SANParks Gate Client Declaration and Contact Tracing Upon Exit – This form can also be found online
- All visitors will be temperature screened at the gate and asked to confirm that you are not experiencing any clinical symptoms before you can enter the Kruger National Park.
- Before visiting the Kruger National Park it is essential to ensure that you have had no exposure with a suspect or confirmed case of COVID-19. Make sure to check body temperature and any clinical symptoms (cough, fever, dry throat, difficulty breathing) of everyone in your travel group. Anyone with a temperature above 37.3 °C or experiencing any clinical symptoms should remain at home and will not be allowed into the park. This is not only vital for your own health and safety, but for the health and safety of others.
- Ensure that everyone in your vehicle has a mask and sufficient hand sanitizer to frequently disinfect hands.
- All visitor’s movements will be traced and recorded upon entry and exit to the Park to ensure compliance with all regulations.
- Visitors are not allowed to depart from the Kruger National Park into a different province than the one that they entered from, unless they are valid permit holders to do so. No cross-border travelling will be allowed through Giriyondo and Pafuri border posts with Mozambique.
- No overnight guests/overnights stays are allowed until further notice.
- Ensure that you take acceptable means of identification along when visiting the Kruger National Park. This does not only apply to the drivers of vehicles but could be requested of all adults that enter or visit the park.
- Strict social distancing of at least two metres (2m) must be maintained in all permitted public areas inside the park.
Timeslots & Opening & Closing Times
Three time slots for arrival will be introduced with the understanding that booked day visitors must arrive at the gate within that time span, especially if full quota is not booked.
- Slot 1 is from 06:00 to 08:00
- Slot 2 from 08:00 to 10:00
- Slot 3 from 10:00 onwards.
Gate hours and regulations should be strictly adhered to when visiting the Kruger Park. General Kruger National Park Gate Hours are:
Gate Times | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Entrance Gates Open | 05:30 | 05:30 | 5:30 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 05:30 | 05:30 | 05:30 |
Camp Gates Open | 04:30 | 05:30 | 05:30 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 06:00 | 05:30 | 04:30 | 04:30 |
All Gates Close | 18:30 | 18:30 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:30 | 18:30 |
Lockdown Alert Level 3 Guidelines while in the Kruger Park
- Upon visiting the Kruger National Park during Lockdown Alert Level 3 all general park rules still apply.
- Access control into the gate reception office and safe social distancing (of at least 2m) will apply and should be strictly adhered to in all public areas.
- Plan your route ahead of time! The national lockdown regulations relating to movement between provinces must be observed within the parks. This means inter-provincial travel within parks that stretch between two provinces will not be permitted. Visitors must exit into the province from which they entered the park.
- Bird Hides, Picnic Spots and Day Visitor Sites will be kept closed until ready for operation. Tshokwane – only ablutions available from 8 June 2020. Afsaal will be open from 12 June 2020.
- Braaing at picnic sites will not be allowed during this period.
- Bathroom facilities will be open at the entry gates, main camps, and large picnic spots (Afsaal, Nkuhlu and Tshokwane).
- All visitors should wear a mask and practice strict social distancing (of at least 2m) when making use of the bathrooms facilities as well as when out in public spaces.
- Alcohol may not be brought in or purchased in the Park by day visitors.
- Pack a rubbish bag to ensure you return home with all the waste you generate while visiting the park. Visitors are also requested not to deposit their litter inside the bins within the parks but to leave with as much of it as hygienically possible.
- Guests are urged to be extra cautious when driving in the Kruger National Park as animals are not used to vehicles after such a long period without them.
- The use of drones inside (and over) our national parks is strictly prohibited.
**Important note: If you experience any clinical symptoms while in the park, immediately avoid contact with people outside your travel group, keep on your mask, exit the park, and seek medical care. The COVID-19 Emergency hotline is: 0800 029 999 | WhatsApp Support Line: 0600-123456. For more information about our Parks, visit our website: www.sanparks.org
Rest Camps, Restaurants, Shops, Petrol Stations
Petrol Stations
- A limited number of filling stations/petrol stations will be open in some parks and will operate in strict accordance with relevant Level 3 lockdown regulations. These filling stations will operate 09:30 to 17:00 daily.
Bathroom Facilities & Rest Camps
- Designated toilet facilities will be open and available at the entry gates, main camps, and large picnic spots (Afsaal, Nkuhlu and Tshokwane).
- Camp receptions will remain closed during Alert Level 3 until further notice
Restaurants
Restaurants will be closed for sit-down dining; however some restaurants will offer limited take-away menus and services. Here is a list of the restaurant take-away services that will be open in certain camps (as per SANParks official document) from Monday 8 June 2020:
- Lower Sabie
- Skukuza
- Afsaal Picnic Spot
- Pretoriuskop
- Satara
- Olifants
- Letaba
- Mopani
- Shingwedzi
- Punda Maria.
Shops
Here is a list of the shops that will be open for operation in certain camps (as per SANParks official document) from Monday 8 June 2020:
- Letaba (07:00 – 17:00)
- Satara (07:00 – 17:00)
- Skukuza (07:00 – 17:00)
- Lower Sabie Rest Camp (07:00 – 17:00)
- Orpen (06:30 – 17:00)
- Pretoriuskop (06:30 – 17:00)
- Crocodile Bridge (06:30 – 17:00)
- Berg-en-Dal (07:00 – 17:00)
- Shingwedzi (10:00 – 15:00)
General Guidelines when visiting the Kruger Park
The function of SANParks is to protect, conserve and control the national parks and other protected areas assigned to it. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip through the Kruger National Park, it is important for all visitors to the park to kindly adhere to the rules and regulations under the Protected Areas Act. Here are general rules, regulations, information, and guidelines outlined by SANParks when visiting the Kruger National Park or any of their national parks:
- Please always stay in your vehicle when exploring the Park. As the Kruger National Park is home to a glorious diversity of wildlife, some of which may pose a potential threat to humans as you enter their natural habitat, visitors are only allowed to get out of their vehicles in safe designated areas. Additionally no part of your body may protrude from a window or sunroof while driving and doors should always remain closed.
- Please take careful note of the maximum speed limits applicable in the various areas of the Kruger Park. Note that not all roads are accessible to vehicles exceeding a certain mass, type, or size.
- Safety while driving should always remain top priority. General rules of the road apply within the Kruger National Park. It is an offence to drive on South African roads without a recognized driver’s license or under the influence of alcohol. Driving or operating any vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner or in a deliberate disregard for the safety of a person, animal or property is a serious offence and can result in a summons being issued as per official SANParks regulations.
- Vehicles must always remain on the designated roads and off-road driving or driving on closed or no-entry roads is a serious offence.
- Feeding of wildlife inside the park is strictly prohibited! The feeding or intentional disturbance of wildlife is a serious offence.
- No plant, animal, wildlife or any natural or cultural items may be removed from the Kruger Park without permission. To cut, damage, destroy or be in possession of any plant or part thereof, including dry wood or firewood is a serious offence. Importing of any specimen of an alien or listed invasive species into a national park is strictly prohibited.
- No firearms may be brought into the Park.
- No pets (dogs, cats, birds or any other) may be brought into a Kruger Park. Transgressors will be dealt with firmly, issued with a summons and serious action will be taken. Guide dogs for visually impaired guests are the only exception, but only if the proper procedures are followed in consultation with park management and if the owner has the necessary inoculations and permits as ordained by the state veterinary department.
- The Kruger National Park has a NO TOLERANCE POLICY with regards to poaching, killing, or injuring of animals.
- Starting or causing of any fire, whether it be intentional or unintentional other than in a fireplace or container purposely made available is strictly prohibited and will result in a summons being issued.
- Behaving in an offensive, improper, indecent, or disorderly manner will simply NOT be tolerated. Playing of any radio, compact disc player, music system, musical system or instrument that may cause any noise that results in the disturbance of any species, specimen or wildlife as well as other individuals visiting the park is strictly prohibited and will be fined if not adhered to.
- The hindering, intimidating, or obstructing of an authorized Kruger National Park official in the execution if his/her duties or the performance of his/her functions will not be tolerated and is subject to a penalty. Violation, refusal, or failure to obey or comply with any prohibition, request or instruction imposed by these regulations or by the management authority or authorized official will result in prosecution.
- Beware of Malaria – The Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Parks fall within a malaria zone. A 24hour malaria hotline is available on 0822341800 and where relevant, please consult your medical practitioner.
- Kindly familiarize yourself with the general conditions prevalent in the park you are going to visit by visiting the website at sanparks.org and link onto Parks A-Z as there may be vital information contained therein to assist with your visit.
Entrance Gates Telephone Numbers
Entrance Gate | Telephone Number |
Crocodile Bridge Gate | +27 (0)13 735 6012 |
Kruger Gate | +27 (0)13 735 5107 |
Malelane Gate | +27 (0)13 735 6152 |
Numbi Gate | +27 (0)13 735 5133 |
Orpen Gate | +27 (0)13 735 0237/0238 |
Pafuri Gate | +27 (0)13 735 5574 |
Phabeni Gate | +27 (0)13 735 5890 |
Phalaborwa Gate | +27 (0)13 735 3547 |
Punda Maria Gate | +27 (0)13 735 6870 |
Daily Conservation Fee
Daily Conservation fees for 1 November 2019 to 31 October 2020 |
|
South African Citizens and Residents (with ID) | R100 per adult, per day R50 per child, per day |
SADC Nationals (with passport) | R200 per adult, per day R100 per child, per day |
Standard Conservation Fee | R400 per adult, per day R200 per child, per day |
About the Kruger National Park
The Kruger National park is South Africa’s most beautiful and exciting African Safari destination. This South African National Park is also one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Home to nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometres, the Kruger Park is spread across the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in the north of South Africa. Just south of Zimbabwe and west of Mozambique. Lying in the heart of the Lowveld, the Kruger Park truly offers an unparalleled African safari and wildlife experience, boasting an incredible diversity of birdlife and wildlife.
Ranking among the best in Africa, the Kruger National Park is undoubtedly considered the flagship of the country’s national parks. Attracting thousands of visitors each year from all around the world looking to experience the ultimate African safari destination and magnificent sights and sounds of the African bush first-hand. A visit to the world-renowned Kruger National Park undoubtedly deserves to be on everyone’s bucket-list when visiting the beautiful and vibrant Africa. To find out more about when the best time is to plan your trip to the Kruger National park, have a look at our blog here!
But, just to get you a little more excited, here are some great wildlife and birdlife sightings you can look forward to when visiting the Kruger. The Kruger National Park is home to approximately 147 mammal species as well as a prolific diversity of bird life. With over 500 bird species on the Kruger National Park list, it’s any bird lover’s paradise.
Here are some amazing wildlife and birdlife sightings, as well as a few remarkable vegetation, fauna & flora, and incredible natural/cultural features to look out for when visiting the Kruger National Park:
- The African Big Five – Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion and Rhino.
- The Little Five – Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew, Leopard Tortoise, Ant Lion and Rhino Beetle.
- Birding Big Six– Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet- faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Saddle-bill Stork.
- Five Trees – Baobab, Fever Tree, Knob Thorn, Marula, Mopane.
- Natural/Cultural Features – Letaba Elephant Museum, Jock of the Bushveld Route, Albasini Ruins, Masorini Ruins, Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library, Thulamela.
Besides these magnificent sightings and encounters, the Kruger National Park boasts such an incredible diversity of wildlife, bio-diversity and birdlife. With so many remarkable creatures and animals to see as well as bucket-list worthy sightings of rare species (some of which you may never encounter anywhere else in the world) it truly is any nature, birdlife and wildlife enthusiast’s dream destination. When visiting the Kruger, it is a great idea to keep up to date with the movements of the wildlife in the Kruger National Park by consulting the sightings map at reception as it is updated daily!
You can also follow the Kruger National Park on all their social media channels for spectacular wildlife sightings, up-close encounters, up-to-date information, recent spottings, and of course the unapologetic beauty of the African bushveld.
- Instagram: @sanparks
- Facebook: @South.African.National.Parks
- Twitter: @SANParksKNP
- YouTube: SANParks
**Disclaimer/Important note: This article was last updated on 18/06/2020 as per the current Lockdown Alert Level 3 Regulations and official SANParks regulations and statements. It is therefore subject to change in accordance with South Africa’s Lockdown Regulations.