Rules of Kruger National Park: What Every Visitor Must Know
Kruger National Park is one of the most incredible wildlife destinations in the world, but it is also a protected wilderness area with strict rules in place for a reason. These regulations are there to protect visitors, wildlife, staff, and the park itself.
If you are visiting Kruger for the first time, some of the rules may feel strict at first, but once you are in the park, they make perfect sense. Kruger is not a zoo or a drive-through attraction. It is a wild environment where animals roam freely and where one careless decision can quickly put people and wildlife at risk.
The Official Rules Of the Kruger National Park
Here are the official rules and regulations for the Kruger National Park, as stipulated by South African National Parks.
Visitors must remain in their vehicles unless in a designated area. Remember that no part of the body may protrude from a window, sunroof or any other part of the vehicle. Vehicle doors should be closed at all times.
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 latecomers 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 use of drones inside (and over) our national parks is strictly 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 (Vuswa).
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.
Veterinary Restrictions
No live animal (domestic or wild) may be brought into, or removed from the Kruger National Park.
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, contact the office of the State Veterinarian on +27 (0)13 735 5641 during office hours.
Check-in/out Times
On the day of arrival occupation can be expected by 14:00 but not guaranteed, on the day of departure, accommodation must be vacated by 10:00.
Late Arrivals
Late arrivals are only allowed in cases of emergency (proof and valid reason required) until 21:00 for guests with pre-booked accommodation at certain camps within 10km distance from the relevant gate. An extra late arrival fee will be charged which is payable at the gate. No late arrivals are allowed at Pafuri, Phalaborwa or Phabeni Gates or any other gates for camps more than 10km away.
The late arrival fee for Skukuza camp is R500.
