Kruger National Park gate times for every month of the year

Visitors planning a trip to Kruger National Park need to pay close attention to gate opening and closing times, which change throughout the year.

South African National Parks (SANParks) operates different schedules for the park’s entrance gates and the gates at its overnight camps. Visitors must plan their journeys carefully to ensure they reach their destination before closing time.

The gates generally open earlier during the warmer months and later during winter, while closing times range from 17:30 to 18:30, depending on the month.

Kruger National Park gate times for 2026

According to SANParks, the following schedule applies to the park’s entrance gates and overnight camp gates.

Month	Entrance gates open	Camp gates open	All gates close
January	05:30	04:30	18:30
February	05:30	05:30	18:30
March	05:30	05:30	18:00
April	06:00	06:00	18:00
May	06:00	06:00	17:30
June	06:00	06:00	17:30
July	06:00	06:00	17:30
August	06:00	06:00	18:00
September	06:00	06:00	18:00
October	05:30	05:30	18:00
November	05:30	04:30	18:30
December	05:30	04:30	18:30

These are the standard published times and may change without notice. Visitors should confirm the applicable times with SANParks before travelling.

What is the difference between entrance and camp gate times?

Entrance gates control access to the national park from outside, while camp gates control movement between overnight rest camps and the park’s road network.

The distinction matters for visitors staying overnight. Camp gates open earlier than the main entrance gates in January, November and December, allowing overnight guests to start their morning game drives earlier.

However, visitors entering the park for a day trip must follow the entrance gate schedule.

What happens if you arrive late at a Kruger gate?

Visitors who arrive after the official closing time can be refused entry. SANParks states that late arrivals are only permitted in emergencies, with a valid reason and supporting proof, for visitors with pre-booked accommodation at certain camps within 10km of the relevant gate.

Late admission may be arranged until 21:00 at designated gates, subject to the applicable conditions and an additional fee.

SANParks lists the following gates for late-entry escorts to specific camps:

• Paul Kruger Gate for Skukuza Rest Camp.
• Numbi Gate for Pretoriuskop Rest Camp.
• Malelane Gate for Berg-en-Dal and Malelane camps.
• Crocodile Bridge Gate for Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp.
• Punda Maria Gate for Punda Maria Rest Camp.
• Orpen Gate for Orpen Rest Camp.

Late admission is not available at Phabeni, Phalaborwa or Pafuri gates. Visitors should contact SANParks in advance to confirm arrangements and current fees.

Can you drive around Kruger after closing time?

No. Visitors must be inside their booked accommodation or outside the park before the applicable closing time. Driving on the park’s roads outside permitted hours is not allowed.

This means visitors should account for more than the distance between their location and the exit gate. Wildlife sightings, slower driving speeds, road conditions and stops can all affect travel time.

Day visitors should plan their route carefully and leave enough time to reach their chosen exit gate before it closes.

Day visitors should also note that Kruger has a daily visitor limit. SANParks recommends advance bookings for day visits, especially during public holidays and long weekends.