Kruger National Park has published its new conservation fees, valid from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027, and the price gap between local and international visitors is a big one. A South African adult pays R140 per day, while an international adult pays R692 — nearly five times as much. Children's rates follow the same split: R70 for South African kids aged 2 to 11 versus R345 for foreign children, with under-twos going free at both levels. SADC nationals sit in between at R296 for adults and R147 for kids.

The local rate isn't automatic. South Africans need to show ID at the gate — a SA identity document, driver's licence or passport all work, and originals, electronic copies or certified photocopies are accepted. Foreign passport holders with valid South African visas or permits, plus permanent residents, can also qualify. The advice from SANParks is simple: have your documents ready before you reach the gate rather than rummaging through the glovebox in the queue.

One thing that catches first-timers out: the fee is per person, not per vehicle. A family of two adults and two kids on the local tariff pays R420 a day. The conservation fee also only covers entry — accommodation, guided drives, walking safaris and other activities are charged separately, so budget for those when planning.

Day trips are very much allowed, with picnic spots and day-visitor areas at all the main rest camps. But there's a cap on daily numbers, and on busy public holidays and long weekends it regularly gets hit. Once that happens, only guests with pre-booked overnight accommodation get in. If you're planning a day visit over a peak period, it's worth reserving ahead rather than gambling on space at the gate.

Gate times shift with the seasons, which matters if you're chasing early-morning game sightings. In summer months (November to February) gates open at 05:30 and close at 18:30; in midwinter (May to July) that becomes 06:00 to 17:30. The shoulder months sit in between, with closing times easing back to 18:00 from March.

For travellers, the practical takeaway is that Kruger remains reasonably affordable even at the international rate, especially if you spread a multi-day visit out — and locals have even less excuse not to book a weekend in the park. Just remember the daily fee stacks up on longer trips, so a five-night stay for an international adult adds R3,460 in entry fees alone before you've paid for a single game drive.