Kruger National Park entrance fee

Kruger National Park Entrance Fee 2026

If you are planning a visit to Kruger National Park, the daily entrance fee is R134 for South African adultsR67 for South African childrenR275 for SADC adults, and R602 for international adults.

These are daily conservation fees charged per person, per day.

Important: Kruger National Park gates are cashless. Day visitors must pre-book online, and a non-refundable booking admin fee may apply.

Kruger National Park Entrance Fee in 2026

Here is a quick look at the current Kruger National Park entrance fee:

Visitor typeAdultChildInfant
South African citizens and residentsR134R67Free
SADC nationalsR275R137Free
International visitorsR602R300Free

Child age: 2–11 years
Adult age: 12+ years
Infants under 2: Free

What Is the Kruger Entrance Fee?

The Kruger entrance fee is SANParks’ daily conservation fee. It is separate from:

If you are visiting for more than one day, you pay the conservation fee for each day unless your entry is covered by a valid Wild Card.

Kruger Entrance Fee for South Africans

South African citizens and permanent residents pay the lowest daily rate:

  • Adults: R134 per day
  • Children: R67 per day

To qualify for the South African resident rate, visitors should bring valid proof of status. Accepted proof can include a South African ID, South African passport, South African driver’s licence, or proof of permanent residence.

If you forget your qualifying documents, you may be charged the higher rate at the gate.

Kruger Entrance Fee for SADC Nationals

SADC nationals pay a reduced rate compared with international visitors, but a higher rate than South African residents:

  • Adults: R275 per day
  • Children: R137 per day

This section is important because many travellers from neighbouring countries search specifically for Kruger prices for Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and other SADC countries.

Kruger Entrance Fee for International Visitors

International visitors currently pay:

  • Adults: R602 per day
  • Children: R300 per day

For overseas visitors, Kruger is still often considered good value compared with many private safari options, especially for self-drive trips.

Special Note for Mozambique and Zimbabwe Visitors

There is an important pricing point worth knowing.

Mozambique and Zimbabwe nationals visiting Kruger as part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park arrangement may qualify for the South African resident rate rather than the standard SADC rate.

Because rules can be checked at gate level, it is worth confirming this with SANParks before travel.

Kruger National Park Day Visitor Fees

If you are visiting Kruger for the day and not staying overnight, you still pay the normal daily conservation fee shown above.

Day visitors should also note the following:

  • online pre-booking is required
  • gate quotas apply
  • non-refundable booking admin fee may be added
  • the admin fee is commonly around R59 per adult

This catches many first-time visitors by surprise, so it should be stated clearly near the top of the page.

Can You Pay Cash at Kruger National Park?

No. Kruger National Park gates are cashless.

Visitors should pay by card or through the online SANParks booking process where required. Wild Card holders should keep their confirmation and ID ready for gate checks.

Is the SANParks Wild Card Worth It for Kruger?

For many regular park visitors, yes.

A Wild Card can save money quickly if you visit Kruger or other qualifying parks several times in a year.

Wild Card prices at a glance

Wild Card typePrice
Individual All ParksR895
Couple All ParksR1,525
Family All ParksR1,870
Individual SANParks ClusterR665
Couple SANParks ClusterR1,090
Family SANParks ClusterR1,335

Kruger Wild Card break-even guide

Visitor setupApproximate break-even point
Individual SA residentAbout 7 park days
CoupleAbout 6 park days
Family of 4About 5 park days
International couple (All Parks)About 4 park days

If you plan more than one Kruger trip, or you combine Kruger with other qualifying parks, the Wild Card can offer very good value.

What the Kruger Entrance Fee Includes

The standard conservation fee gives you entry into the park for the day.

It generally covers:

It does not include:

  • accommodation
  • guided game drives
  • bush walks
  • meals
  • activity bookings
  • transport to the park

How to Get the South African Resident Rate at Kruger

To pay the lower South African rate, make sure you have the right proof with you.

Accepted proof usually includes:

  • South African ID book or smart ID card
  • South African passport
  • South African driver’s licence
  • digital ID on your phone
  • permanent residence permit for qualifying residents

Important to know

  • work permit holders do not qualify for the resident rate
  • temporary residents do not qualify for the resident rate
  • forgetting your ID can mean paying the higher rate
  • there is usually no post-visit refund if you pay the wrong rate because you did not bring proof

When Do Kruger Entrance Fees Change?

SANParks fees usually change on 1 November each year.

That means the current Kruger rates generally run from 1 November to 31 October of the following year. This page should be checked and refreshed every year around late October and early November.

Is Kruger Worth the Entrance Fee?

For most visitors, Kruger offers strong value because the park gives access to one of South Africa’s best wildlife experiences at a relatively low self-drive entry cost for local visitors.

For South African residents, R134 per adult per day is still a low price compared with many private reserves, guided safari packages, or premium day-trip attractions.

The page can also support a comparison angle later, such as:

Opening Hours and Booking Notes

Opening and closing times vary by gate and by season, so visitors should always check the latest SANParks gate hours before travel.

For this page, the most important planning note is this:

  • day visitors should book ahead
  • card payment is required
  • busy periods can reach gate capacity
  • school holidays, long weekends and December are especially busy

Important Things to Know Before You Go

Before visiting Kruger National Park, keep these practical points in mind:

  • Bring your ID or passport.
  • Do not rely on cash.
  • If you are a day visitor, book in advance.
  • Check whether your Wild Card is active before travelling.
  • Confirm current gate times before departure.
  • Budget separately for accommodation, activities and meals.

FAQs

How much is the Kruger National Park entrance fee for South Africans?

South African residents pay R134 per adult and R67 per child per day.

How much is Kruger per day for international visitors?

International visitors pay R602 per adult and R300 per child per day.

Do SADC nationals get a cheaper Kruger entrance fee?

Yes. SADC nationals pay a lower rate than international visitors. The current fee is R275 per adult and R137 per childper day.

Is Kruger free with a Wild Card?

Yes, if you have a valid Wild Card that covers SANParks entry, you usually do not pay the daily conservation fee.

Can you pay cash at Kruger gate?

No. Kruger National Park gates are cashless.

Do day visitors need to book Kruger in advance?

Yes. Day visitors should pre-book online, especially during busy periods.

What is the Kruger booking admin fee?

A non-refundable admin fee may apply to day visitor bookings, commonly around R59 per adult.

When do SANParks fees change?

SANParks entrance fees usually change on 1 November each year.

Do pensioners get a discount at Kruger?

There is no standard gate discount highlighted here for pensioners on daily entry fees. Some SANParks accommodation discounts for older South African residents may apply during selected periods, but those are separate from the normal entrance fee.

Check the latest official SANParks booking details before you visit, especially if you are travelling during school holidays, long weekends or peak safari season.