Kruger Park

Elephants gathering at a watering hole in the Kruger National Park. Photo: Pixabay

Kruger National Park welcomes guests once again

South Africa’s world-renowned and much-loved Kruger National Park (KNP) will open its gates once again on Friday 14 August.

Kruger Park

Elephants gathering at a watering hole in the Kruger National Park. Photo: Pixabay

Following the announcement made by Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane that intra-provincial travel will now be open to residents, South African National Parks (SANParks) will allow some of the camps in the Kruger Park to open for overnight stays.

The announcement is nothing less than joyous as the country slowly opens up again after a debilitating lockdown which has seen the economy crumble.

With intra-provincial travel allowed and national parks and nature reserves opening, South Africans will no doubt take advantage of this desperately needed freedom and head into the wilderness.

Which parts of the Kruger Park will be open?

As stipulated by SANParks, only certain rest camps and accommodation facilities will be open as they plan on opening the national park in phases for safety reasons.

KNP managing executive Gareth Coleman said the park is more than ready to welcome back overnight guests but this will be done in phases.

“As the regulations of COVID-19 continuously change; it is imperative that we as KNP also adjust to make sure that those who will be visiting enjoy their experience regardless of the pandemic.

“The issue of PPE, training, and the recording of personal details of visitors will be strictly adhered to; we are pleading with our clients to work with the gate and camp staff members on the observation of Health Protocols around the virus for safety.”

One of the strict regulations is that travellers may only overnight in their province of residence. So, residents from Mpumalanga and Limpopo may only stay in camps that are located within their provinces, respectively.

Rest camps and accommodation facilities that will open in the province of Limpopo include: 

  • Pafuri Border Camp
  • Punda Maria Rest Camp
  • Sirheni Bushveld Camp
  • Shingwedzi Rest Camp
  • Bateleur Bushveld Camp
  • Mopani Rest Camp
  • Shipandani Overnight Hide
  • Tsendze Rustic Camp
  • Boulders Bush Lodge
  • Shimuwini Bushveld Camp
  • Sable Overnight Hide
  • Letaba Rest Camp
  • Olifants Rest Camp

Rest camps and accommodation facilities that will open in the province of Mpumalanga include: 

  • Balule Camp
  • Roodewal Bush Lodge
  • Satara Rest Camp
  • Tamboti Tent Camp
  • Talamati Bushveld Camp
  • Skukuza Rest Camp
  • Pretoriuskop Rest Camp
  • Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
  • Malelane Camp
  • Biyamiti Bushveld Camp
  • Lower Sabie Rest Camp
  • Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp

Visitors heading to the park and booking accommodation will have to adhere to strict rules and regulations that include maintaining social distancing by at least two metres and wearing wear masks in the public areas.

Vehicles will be checked for capacity and occupancy numbers at the gates, so keep in mind the rule that occupants may not exceed more than 70% of capacity.