Important restrictions for Kruger National Park visitors this Easter weekend

Visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) will face restrictions during the Easter weekend.

The wildlife tourist attraction is bracing for a large influx of traffic and has put in place measures to streamline the flow of vehicles.

KNP draws visitors from across the globe to enjoy its rich diversity of flora and fauna, including more than 500 species of birds and almost 180 different types of mammals and amphibians.  

Gate quotas for Easter

To stagger traffic through the park, SANParks will implement gate quotas from 18 April to 21 April.

SANParks has urged visitors to book their visits online in advance to help the entity monitor incoming numbers.

The park has set aside three time slots, with SANParks spokesperson Isaac Phaahla confirming to The Citizen that each gate would have a unique quota.

The first time slot will run from 6am to 8am, with the second running from 8am to 10am. Thereafter, the third window will run from 10am onwards.

Phaahla urged visitors to be mindful of the quotas, be patient and cooperate with the officials controlling the flow of vehicles at the gates.

Number plates mandatory

In addition to the gate quotas, traffic vehicles and visitor management officials will be deployed to monitor guest behaviour.

“Management is urging visitors to cooperate with officials who will be on duty and to report unbecoming behaviour to the gate officials or call the emergency call centre number on the entry permits,” SANParks stated.

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Visitors are urged not to tamper with no-entry signs to avoid endangering themselves and fellow guests. They are also reminded that number plates are mandatory in the park.

“SANParks Ranger Services, environmental crime investigation and protection service units, as well as the South African National Defence Force, will be out in full force to ensure compliance,” SANParks said.

Vehicles found without plates or necessary documentation will have them impounded and drivers risk prosecution and a fine.

“Visitors should consult camp and gate receptions for updated information on road closures or visit our social media platforms,” SANParks concluded.

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