Kruger National Park entrance fees: what South Africans pay

South Africans visiting Kruger National Park pay a significantly lower conservation fee than international visitors.

The latest SANParks tariff came into effect on 1 November 2026 and applies until 31 October 2027.

South African citizens and residents currently have to pay.

Kruger National Park entrance fees 2026/27

Visitor category	Daily conservation fee
South African adult – 12 years and older	R140
South African child – 2 to 11 years	R70
Children under 2	Free
SADC adult	R296
SADC child	R147
International adult	R692
International child	R345

The rates above apply from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027 and are subject to change without prior notice.

Who qualifies for the South African rate?

South African citizens must provide acceptable proof of identity to qualify for the local rate.

SANParks says South African citizens can use a South African ID, driver’s licence or passport. Proof can be presented as an original, electronic or certified paper copy.

Certain foreign passport holders with valid South African visas or permits, as well as permanent residents, can also qualify for the South African rate under SANParks’ rules.

Visitors should have the necessary documents ready when arriving at the gate.

Is the entrance fee per vehicle?

No, Kruger’s conservation fee is charged per person, rather than as a flat vehicle entrance fee.

That means a car carrying two adults and two children would pay R420 under the current South African tariff.

The conservation fee contributes towards the management and conservation of the national park. It does not cover accommodation, guided game drives, walking safaris or other paid activities.

Visitors should therefore check the cost of any additional activities they intend to book before travelling.

Can you visit Kruger for the day?

Yes, you can. SANParks welcomes day visitors at Kruger National Park, with day visitor areas available at all of the main rest camps. There are also picnic sites and other visitor get-out points around the park.

However, there is a maximum number of visitors who can enter the park each day.

During particularly busy periods, such as public holidays and long weekends, the daily threshold can be reached. SANParks says that when this happens, only visitors with pre-booked overnight accommodation will be allowed access.

Day visitors can therefore make reservations rather than simply arriving at the gate and hoping there is space.

What time can you enter Kruger?

Gate opening times change throughout the year. For November and December, the park’s entrance gates open at 05:30 and close at 18:30.

Month	Entrance gates open	Gates close
January	05:30	18:30
February	05:30	18:30
March	05:30	18:00
April	06:00	18:00
May	06:00	17:30
June	06:00	17:30
July	06:00	17:30
August	06:00	18:00
September	06:00	18:00
October	05:30	18:00
November	05:30	18:30
December	05:30	18:30

These are the current published entrance-gate times from SANParks.