SANParks has begun welcoming visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) for the Easter school holidays. It urged all visitors to observe the rules of the park to have a safe and pleasant experience during their stay.
The KNP is expecting an increased number of visitors during this time as families pursue a tranquil time in nature to refresh. Plans for increased visibility of both traffic officials and visitor management personnel to monitor speeding, after-hours travelling and general behaviour on the roads are being implemented to minimise incidents that lead to complaints.
Management urged visitors to co-operate with officials who will be on duty and to report unbecoming behaviour to gate officials or call the emergency call centre number provided on entry permits.
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The managing executive of the KNP, Oscar Mthimkhulu, expressed delight that most camps are already recording high occupancy rates for both camping and accommodation.
“We are ready to host the many expected visitors and have plans to monitor the traffic to ensure the safety of both our visitors and wildlife. Experience has shown that many people disregard the speed limit in the mornings and towards gate closing time as they rush towards the rest camp or the exit gates. Please plan your trip carefully, allowing sufficient time to enjoy the bush, relax and get to your destination safely,” said Mthimkhulu.
Gate quotas will be implemented for day visitors during the Easter long weekend and all are advised to book online ahead of their visit.
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The time slots below will apply:
• Time slot 1: 06.00-08:00
• Time slot 2: 08:00-10:00
• Time slot 3: 10:00 onwards
There are still gravel roads that are closed in the south of the park due to flooding. Repairs are under way on the main road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie, which was extensively damaged, and remains closed.
Visitors are urged not to remove signs indicating that a road is closed as that will pose a danger to other motorists. Visitors should consult at camps’ reception and gates for an update on road closures or visit the KNP’s social media platforms.
