Understanding the refund policy for South African National Parks (SANParks) is essential for any traveler planning a visit. Whether you have purchased a day visitor gate ticket, a Wild Card, or an activity permit, SANParks maintains specific terms and conditions regarding cancellations and refunds.
This guide outlines the official SANParks entrance fee refund policy to help you manage your bookings effectively.
1. Daily Conservation Fees (Gate Tickets)
Daily conservation fees, often referred to as “gate tickets,” are the standard entrance fees paid to access a national park for the day.
- Validity: Online gate tickets are valid for the specific date purchased. If you are unable to use the ticket on that day, it remains valid for a further 6 days after the original purchase date.
- Refund Status: Generally, no refunds are offered for unused gate tickets once the 6-day validity period has lapsed.
- Redeemed Tickets: Tickets are strictly non-refundable and non-replaceable once they have been redeemed at a park gate.
- Incorrect Rate Claims: SANParks requires proof of identification (SA ID for residents) at the gate to qualify for local rates. No refunds will be provided after entry if the South African rate was not claimed and billed for on arrival.
2. Activity Permits
If you have pre-booked activities (such as game drives or guided walks), the following cancellation fees apply based on how far in advance you cancel:
| Cancellation Period | Cancellation Fee |
| 31 days or more before arrival | 0% (Full refund or credit) |
| 30 to 15 days before arrival | 25% of total cost |
| 14 to 7 days before arrival | 50% of total cost |
| 6 days or less (or no-show) | 100% (No refund) |
3. Wild Card Memberships
The Wild Card provides unlimited access to most SANParks, Msinsi, CapeNature, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro parks for a year.
- Refund Policy: Wild Card memberships are generally non-refundable once purchased.
- Exceptions: Refunds are typically only considered in extreme circumstances (e.g., duplicate purchases due to technical errors), subject to SANParks’ discretion.
4. How to Request a Refund
If you believe you are entitled to a refund due to a technical error or a cancellation made within the allowable window, you must follow the official procedure:
- Email the Refund Department: Send a formal request to reservation.refund@sanparks.org.
- Required Documentation: To process the refund, you must include:
- The reservation or ticket number.
- The account holder’s name (must match the reservation holder).
- A copy of the top part of your bank statement showing the account holder’s name, account number, and type of account.
- Customer Feedback Form: Alternatively, you can use the SANParks Customer Feedback Form and select “Refunds” under the relevant department.
5. Postponement: The Alternative to Cancellation
If you are unable to visit on your scheduled date but don’t want to lose your payment, SANParks allows guests to postpone reservations to a future date (subject to availability).
- If the new date has a higher cost, you must pay the difference.
- If the new date has a lower cost, the “downgrading” modification fees (similar to cancellation fees) may apply.
Important Note: SANParks reserves the right to change tariffs and refund policies without prior notification. Always check the official SANParks website or contact their central reservations at +27 (0)12 428 9111 for the most current information.
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