SANParks conservation fees change on 1 November

South African National Parks (SANParks) conservation fees change on Sunday, 1 November.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Kruger, Cape Point or Boulders Beach, it’s going to cost a little more.

Here’s what you’ll pay.

For South African adults, Kruger goes up from R134 to R140 a day.

Cape Point (the Cape of Good Hope section) rises from R110 to R115.

Boulders Beach goes from R55 to R57.

Most parks are going up by between R2 and R6 per adult per day for locals.

But international visitors face much bigger increases.

WHAT SOUTH AFRICANS WILL PAY

The new SANParks conservation fees apply from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.

Kruger National Park remains the most expensive at R140 per adult and R70 per child.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park rises from R129 to R134.

Addo Elephant National Park goes up from R110 to R115.

Agulhas National Park rises from R61 to R63.

One park bucks the trend. Augrabies Falls National Park stays at R73 for South African adults.

Children aged 2 to 11 pay roughly half the adult rate.

SANPARKS CONSERVATION FEES IN CAPE TOWN

Capetonians get some of the cheapest options.

In Table Mountain National Park, Newlands, Silvermine and the Tokai Picnic and Braai Area rise from R44 to R46per adult.

Oudekraal also costs R46.

Boulders Beach, home to the endangered African penguin, costs R57.

The Cape of Good Hope section costs R115.

Keep in mind that the Table Mountain Cableway and Kirstenbosch are run independently and set their own fees.

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS FACE BIGGER JUMPS

The increases are much steeper for international tourists.

At Kruger, the international adult rate jumps from R602 to R692 a day, roughly 15% more.

Cape of Good Hope rises from R515 to R592.

Addo goes from R492 to R565.

Citizens of Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries pay a middle rate.

Those from countries in a transfrontier agreement pay the same as South Africans at certain parks.

For example, a Zimbabwean visiting Kruger pays the local rate.

HOW TO SAVE ON SANPARKS CONSERVATION FEES

The easiest way to save is a Wild Card.

Members of SANParks’ Wild Card loyalty programme don’t pay daily conservation fees, as long as they show their card and ID on arrival.

The SANParks Cluster Wild Card covers all 21 national parks. It currently costs R895 for individuals, R1,450 for couples and R1,735 for families.

The All Parks Cluster, which adds more than 80 parks and reserves including CapeNature, costs R930, R1,525 and R1,870.

These prices apply until 31 October 2026. SANParks hasn’t yet published its Wild Card prices for 2026/27.

Planning a trip soon? Visiting before 1 November means you’ll still pay the current daily rates.

SANParks notes that fees are subject to change without prior notice, so check before you go.

I think a R6 increase at Kruger is fair, given what those fees help protect.

But it’s worth doing the maths if you’re a regular visitor.

At R140 a day, a SANParks Cluster Wild Card pays for itself after about seven days at Kruger.