Kruger National Park Day Visitor Guide

Can you visit the Kruger National Park for a Day?

Yes, the Kruger National Park welcomes day visitors! Before visiting the Kruger National Park take some time to plan your trip.

One thing you need to know up front is that the Park is huge and seeing all of it during a single trip is highly unlikely. Even planning a trip there is realistically only so much ground that you can cover in a single day.

There are strict speed limits within the park, roaming traffic officials and the distances between places always take longer than anticipated due to sightings. It’s for this very reason that advise guests to book either a half-day or full-day safari with Safaria. Being experts we know the terrain and where to go.

Does The Kruger National Park offer Guided Day Safaris?

Yes, this is the best way to view the Kruger National Park as a Day Visitor. Safaria offers guests who are staying outside or inside the Park expert guided Day Safaris throughout the Southern region of the Park as far up as Orpen Gate. Guests are collected from a selected gate by their guide on an Open Safari Vehicle and head out to explore and learn. Gate entrance times are dependant on the time of year. Rates are dependant on number of guests and type of Day Safari experience selected. There is a charge levied by SANParks for entrance to the Park that is paid at the Gate. Typically international guests will pay R400 per adult and R200 per child.

Are Children allowed on a Open Safari Vehicle in the Kruger?

SANParks has a policy that no children 6 years and younger are allowed on their open safari vehicles. Private operators such as Safaria do allow children of all ages on the vehicle but this is subject to parental acceptance. Safaria structures the entire Safari around you as a family with your kids making regular stops and taking every opportunity to inspire young minds. We love having kids on Safari.

Which is the best gate to enter the Kruger National Park?

This is completely dependant on if your are staying the night or visiting for the day. If you are staying the night its best to select a gate that allows you enough time to get to your overnight camp before camp gates close. If you are visiting for the day then selected the closest gate to your accommodation to maximise on your time in the park.

When booking a Day Safari with Safaria we will determine the most convenient gate of entry to you accommodation and confirm an accepted morning collection time. Your guide will arrive first that Gate and on arrival will complete all the necessary paper work prior to you arrival. Anticipating you arrival you guide will engage with you and direct you where to safely park your vehicle. A signature is required to complete the indemnity and then you will board the vehicle. After a briefing you will then depart of into the savannah. Booking a guided Day Safari guarantees you access even if it is a busy period with a quota system.

Kruger Park Entrance?

For day visitors, entry into the Kruger Park is on a first come first serve basis unless you have booked with a Day Safari operator like Safaria. The Kruger Park has strict quotas which are applicable for each gate over the peak season periods. It is advised to get to your selected gate of choice as early as possible as there are queues that build up. Again should you have booked with Safaria you would go straight to the front with quick access. Should you be staying overnight then the daily quota rules do not apply.

Guests can expect to pay a daily conservation entrance fee, which is applicable to all visitors unless you are in possession of a Wild Card. Payment is either made in South Africa Rand (local currency) or by credit or debit cards. Visa and Mastercard accepted.

At the gate visitors will need to complete an entrance form and indemnity that includes all the personal particulars of each guests as well as particulars of the vehicle. Should you be travelling with Safaria your guide will manage this on your behalf. Visitors must carry passports with them.

What are the Kruger Park Day Visitor rules?

As defined by SANParks here are a few of the generally expected rules that visitors are subject to. Day visitors are not permitted to bring alcohol into the park. Visitors are expected to be considerate of other guests at all times and to follow the designated Kruger National Park rules of acceptable behaviour. No loud music is allowed. Guests are requested not to litter or leave any items behind. Speeding is a criminal offence and may be subject to a fine. 

What are the Kruger Park Gate Times?

The Kruger National Park has 10 entrance gates spread across the Parks borders. In the south these include: Crocodile Bridge, Malelane, Numbi, Phabeni and Paul Kruger. In the central region there is Orpen Gate and in the north there is Phalaborwa, Punda Maria, Pafuri. There is a gate that enters the park from Mozambique called Giriyondo.This is near Letaba Camp on the eastern boundary and has a border post attached.

What are the Kruger National Park Gate Times?

Kruger Park Gates open:

• Nov-Jan:     05:30
• Feb:              05:30
• Mar & Oct: 05:30
• Apr:             06:00
• May-July:   06:00
• Aug-Sept:   06:00

Park and Camp Gates Close:

• Nov-Jan:    18:30
• Feb:             18:30
• Mar & Oct: 18:00
• Apr:             17:30
• May-July:  17:30
• Aug-Sept:  18:00

It is critically important that all Day Visitors who self-drive pay special attention to relevant seasonal gate opening and closing times. If you are late on exit you will be issued with a fine.

Are there Picnic Sites and Restaurants in the Kruger National Park ?

For sure and they are wonderful to stop at and enjoy a leg stretch and time out of the vehicle. There are many picnic spots that are well catered for with facilities to either enjoy your own picnic are order something from the bush kitchen. Two of our favourite spots to stop at in the South are Afsaal and Tshokwane. These locations are easily found on any of the detailed Kruger Park maps available at entrance gate and camps.

At these picnic sites you will find benches with barbecue facilities and toilets.  Every on of these sites has been selected to offer a unique location and the Skukuza day visitor has a fantastic swimming pool, which you can cool off during the summer months.

All of the main camps have both a sit down and take-away restaurant with a variety of menu items to choose from. Menus do cater for vegetarians. You can expect to pay up to R200pp for a full meal.

Does the Kruger National Park have a Code of Conduct?

Kruger National Park Visitors Rules:

Your safety and enjoyment of the Kruger National Park are very important to us. To ensure that guests have a memorable trip, it is essential that you strictly adhere to the regulations outlined which are intended for your personal protection and enjoyment.

On accessing the park you will receive an entrance permit. Please read your green gate permit and ensure that you stick to the rules.

Kruger National Park Rules and Other Useful Information:

• Visitors must remain in their vehicles unless in a designated area. 
  Remember that no part of the body may protrude from a window or sunroof or any other part of the vehicle. Vehicle doors should be closed at all times. If you are on a Open Safari vehicle please listen carefully to your guides brifeing and safety instruction.
• Stick to the speed limit! All general rules of the road apply within the Kruger National Park. The speed limit is 50 km/h on tar roads and 40 km/h on gravel roads. Please note that not all roads are accessible to caravans.
• Look at the gate times in your green gate permit. You must be inside the camp or out of the gate before these times. No travelling before or after these times is allowed. Gate times must be strictly adhered to and late comers may be subject to a fine.
• You are not allowed to drive “off-road” or on roads with a “no entry” sign. 
• The feeding or disturbing of animals is a serious offence. Remember, animals see litter as food!
• Overnight visitors are only allowed to stay at a booked and recognised overnight facility and must report to reception before occupying accommodation or camping. 
• All accommodation and camping sites may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure. 
• Vehicles of a carrying capacity exceeding 4 000kg, buses or any vehicles with more than 25 seats, are restricted to the tar roads.
• A stringent noise restriction is enforced between 21:30 and 06:00. The use of cell phones is permitted only in camps, gates and in cases of emergency. 
• The use of roller skates, skateboards, bicycles and motorbikes is prohibited.
• The Kruger National Park is a malaria zone – we advise that all visitors adhere to their doctor’s instructions.
• Roadside assistance, toll free number 0800 030 666.
• Rules and regulations are enforced under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act no. 57 of 2003) and transgression can result in a fine.
• To ensure that you see all the animals you want, have a look at the spotting board in the various receptions to track the latest game spotting.

 24- Hour Emergency Call Centre No: (013) 735 4325

Veterinary Restrictions:

The Kruger National Park is also home to the Office of the State Veterinarian. Please assist them by obeying these rules:

• No live animal (domestic or wild) may be brought into, or removed from the Kruger National Park. That is why NO PETS ARE ALLOWED here.
• No raw, wild-animal derived products such as meat, bones, organs and hides may be brought into or removed from the Kruger National Park.
• Raw meat and dairy products may be brought into the Kruger National Park for your own consumption. However, no raw products from cloven hoofed animals (milk or meat) will be allowed to leave the Kruger National Park through any of the official South African entrance gates unless it is still packaged in a sealed container identifiably market to confirm its South African origin, source or distributor.
• Commercially packaged fish and poultry are exempt from these restrictions.
• Fully processed curios are exempt from these restrictions.

Should you be unclear on any of these regulations or want more information, please contact us at [email protected] – reference Kruger Park Rules.

BUT JUST TO RECAP : 

1. Operating Hours: The Kruger National Park’s gates generally open at sunrise and close at sunset. These times can vary depending on the specific gate and time of year, so it’s crucial to check the opening and closing times for the date of your visit.
2. Entrance Fees: Day visitors are required to pay an entrance fee, which can vary for South African citizens, SADC nationals, and international visitors. These fees contribute to the park’s conservation efforts and maintenance.
3. Speed Limits: Respect the speed limits within the park. The maximum speed on tarred roads is usually 50 km/h (31 mph), while the limit on gravel roads is typically 40 km/h (25 mph).
4. Stay on Designated Roads: Day visitors are expected to remain on designated roads and tracks. Off-road driving is not allowed, as it can damage the delicate ecosystems and disturb wildlife.
5. No Pets Allowed: Pets are not allowed within the park, including day visitors’ vehicles. This rule ensures the safety of visitors, animals, and the environment.
6. No Littering: Keep the park clean by not littering. It’s essential to dispose of trash properly and not disturb the natural environment.
7. No Feeding of Animals: Feeding wild animals is strictly prohibited. Human food can be harmful to wildlife, disrupt natural behaviors, and even pose safety risks.
8. Respect Wildlife and Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe and respectful distance from wildlife. This is not only for your safety but also to minimize stress and disturbance to the animals.
9. Stay Inside Your Vehicle: While it’s allowed to exit your vehicle at designated picnic spots and rest camps, it’s safer to remain inside your vehicle when encountering wildlife in the open.
10. Do Not Harass Animals: Avoid actions that could harass or provoke animals, such as using loud noises or making sudden movements.
11. Guided Game Drives: If you’re not familiar with the park, consider joining a guided game drive led by experienced guides. They can offer insights into wildlife behavior and ensure a safer experience.
12. Picnic and Rest Areas: There are designated picnic and rest areas within the park where you can stop for meals and breaks. These areas have facilities and are safe for visitors.

Please note that these rules are general guidelines, and there might be additional rules or specific regulations in place depending on the gate you enter and the specific circumstances of your visit. Always prioritize the safety of yourself, the animals, and the environment when visiting Kruger National Park.