Is Kruger National Park Free to Enter?

Short answer: No — Kruger National Park is not free to enter. SANParks charges daily conservation (entrance) fees for everyone who visits the park, and those fees vary by nationality/category and age. (SANParks)

What you need to know (facts from SANParks)

• Daily conservation fees apply to every visitor and are charged per person, per day. These fees help fund park conservation and operations. (SANParks)
• Rates (valid 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2026) (SANParks published rates):
• South African citizens & residents (12+): R134; children (2–11): R67.
• SADC nationals: R275 (adult) / R137 (child).
• International visitors (non-SA): R602 (adult) / R300 (child).
• Infants under 2 years are free. (SANParks)
• Conservation fees are charged for each day inside the park (day visits and overnight stays). If you pre-book a day visit there may be additional non-refundable booking/admin charges; SANParks’ tariff documents spell out the booking fees and conditions. (SANParks)
• Discounts / passes: SANParks Wild Card and Rewards options exist (Wild Card holders get access benefits and differing pricing). Check Wild Card types/prices if you plan multiple visits. (SANParks)

How to pay and practical details

• You can pay conservation fees at park gates, via SANParks Online Bookings, or through the SANParks reservation offices / Quick Pay options listed on the Kruger pages. Pre-booking is available and often recommended during busy periods. (SANParks)
• Always check SANParks’ official Rates & Entry Fees page or the current tariffs PDF before you travel — SANParks publishes the tariffs and any seasonal/annual updates. (SANParks)

Bottom line

Kruger National Park is not free — expect to pay a daily conservation/entrance fee (amount depends on whether you’re a South African resident, a SADC national, or an international visitor, and on age). For the latest, official prices and booking conditions, use SANParks’ Kruger Rates & Entry Fees pages and the published tariffs. (SANParks)