Self-drive to the Kruger National Park (KNP) during COVID-19
Self-drive to the Kruger National Park (KNP) during COVID-19 with herd of African Buffallo sightings at Mjejane dam

Kruger National Park at Level 3 regulations

Although accommodation facilities in the Kruger National Park (KNP) remain closed, day visitors are welcome once again. Visiting is subject to strict COVID-19 regulations. If you are planning a self-drive visit and are not sure about what rules are in place, read on.

The reopening of South Africa’s wonderful parks was eagerly anticipated during the lockdown period. So, to the delight of many, the government announced that self-drive excursions for day visitors would be permitted from Monday, 8 June 2020, subject to strict quota management. Here’s what you need to know about visiting the KNP:

Numbers limited

The number of people per vehicle should not exceed 70% of capacity. So, guests need to book in advance and no taxis or buses will be allowed entry.

 The day visitors in any one vehicle must be from the same household. Also, limitations on vehicle capacity and the number of occupants will be enforced at the gates. 

Regulations do not allow overnight guests until further notice.

White Rhino at Mjejane Private Game Reserve near Jacana River Lodge

Guest movement will be traced and recorded upon entry and exit to the Park.

Guests cannot exit the park into a different province than the one that they entered from, unless they are in possession of valid permits.

Level 3 regulations certainly does not allow cross-border travelling through Giriyondo and Pafuri border posts with Mozambique.

Maximum seat occupancy per vehicle category:  

Sedan: 3
SUV: 3-5
Micro bus: 7
Minibus: 9
Double Cab: 3 Single Cab: 1-2

Gate receptions

We advise that guests book their day visit in advance (online at www.sanparks.org, telephonically on 012 428 9111 or at a reservation office) and to pay any fees due before arrival.

Sanparks request that guests complete a registration form (inclusive of COVID-19 questions) before arrival.

They also reduced the quota for day visitors to approximately 30%. They also staggered arrival times in three daily time slots (6 – 8am, 8 – 10am and 10am onwards).

Kruger National Park (KNP) entrance at Malelane Bridge

Normal rules still apply

Firstly, strictly adhere to the gate hours.
Secondly, the KNP does not allow visitors to bring their own alcohol or purchase any in the reserve.
Thirdly, no firearms may be brought into the park.
And lastly, social distancing applies anywhere in public, including reception gates and other facilities.

Facilities

Designated toilet facilities are available.

Some shops are open:

Letaba (7am – 5pm)
Satara (7am – 5pm)
Skukuza (7am – 5pm)
Lower Sabie Rest Camp (7am – 5pm)
Orpen (6.30am – 5pm)
Pretoriuskop (6.30am – 5pm)
Crocodile Bridge (6.30am – 5pm)
Berg-en-Dal (7am – 5pm)
Shingwedzi (10am – 3pm)

Shops at Mopani, Olifants, Punda Maria and Tshokwane remain closed until further notice.

Some restaurants in the Kruger National Park (KNP) will provide take-away service, except the sale of alcohol.

Lower Sabie, Mopani, Shingwedzi, Punda Maria and Skukuza provide take-away food. Berg-en-Dal is closed. Picnic spots at Afsaal, Pretoriuskop, Satara, Olifants and Letaba are open.

Filling stations are open between 9.30am and 5pm.

Picnic spots and day visitor sites will be kept closed until further notice – this includes braai facilities. Bird hides also remain closed.

Kruger National Park (KNP) restaurants fish and chips, panorama lift company

General

All guests should wear a mask and have sufficient sanitiser to frequently disinfect hands.

Be extra cautious when driving in the KNP as animals have become unaccustomed to vehicles.

Take your litter with you! Kruger National Park (KNP) request guests not to leave rubbish in the bins within the park but to leave with as much of it as hygienically possible.

What else is open?

  • Mjejane Private Game Reserve (hint hint)
  • Loskop Dam Nature Reserve – Self drive 
  • Barberton Nature Reserve – Self drive
  • Songimvelo Nature Reserve – Self-drive, hunting and fishing
  • Manyeleti Nature Reserve – Self drive
  • Blyde River Canyon – Self guided walk and hiking trails (Belvedere day walk hiking trail open 7am to 12pm 
  • Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve – Fishing and hunting
  • Andover Nature Reserve – Hunting

If you need more information on other tourism activities in the province, or want to make a booking, contact the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency central reservations office at reservations@mtpa.co.za or 013 759 5432.

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