USEFUL INFORMATION:
FEES, PERMITS AND OPERATING TIMES:
The KNP is not open all day and night. Entry gate and camp gate opening and closing times are as follows:
- November-January - Open 4h30 (camp gate) and 5h30 (entry gate), close 18h30
- February - Open 5h30, close 18h30
- March- Open 5h30, close 18h00
- April - Open 6h00, close 18h00
- May-July - Open 6h00, close 17h30
- August/September - Open 6h00, close 18h00
- October - Open 5h30, close 18h00
- November-January - Open 4h30 (camp) and 5h30 (entry, close 18h30)
If you are later back in the camp or found driving around at night, you will be charged very high rates. So make sure to be out or back in the camp before closing time!
The maximum speed limit is 50 km/h on tarred roads, 40 on gravel roads and 20 km/h in rest camps. However cruising speed of 30 km/h is recommended for maximum safety. Having such speed restrictions in place it would take you roughly 10 hours to cross the KNP in south - north direction. Distances between camps sites are on average 1-2 hours in the south and a little bit more than that in the north. Consider the distances between camps site when planning your trip and remember that you are not allowed to leave your car once you left a camp site.
GETTING AROUND:
BY CAR:
* The infrastructure of the park is outstanding by African standards and roads inside the park are of very good quality and potholes on the main roads are rare. Smaller sidetracks are close to the originals landscape, but manageable with a normal car, although a 4x4 offers probably a better comfort on this type of terrain. KNP roads have speed limits range from 20 to 50 km/h and it is not wise to go much faster, because game tends to cross the roads out of nowhere.
* Make sure you have an up-to-date map, enough to eat and drink, cameras and binoculars, reference books and a litter bag with you.
* Take care when approaching animals. They are wild and unpredictable. If you have the feeling that animals get angry, leave! Elephants and rhinos can be very dangerous to you and your car!
* It is a custom to share information about animal sightings with other park visitors. This happens casually and information is exchanged when two cars from the opposite direction meet and stop for a short chit-chat.
* Avis is the only car rental company with an office inside the park at Skukuza camp, but other companies from Nelspruit and at the two above mentioned airports are happy to provide you with a car as well. You may want to consider an air-conditioned car in the hot climate of the KNP.
* As in the rest of South Africa, petrol stations within the park do not accept payment by credit card.
BY FOOT:
It is possible to go on guided walking tours, but unauthorised walking is both not allowed and extremely foolish.
STAY SAFE:
Respecting speed limits inside the KNP is mandatory. Big game is crossing the roads in the park without any warning and an upset elephant is not easy to deal with - the same applies for rhinos and giraffe bulls. Speed limits are 50km/h on tarred roads and 40km/h on gravel roads.
You must not get out of your car inside the Kruger National Park unless you reach a designated place like viewpoints or between the yellow lines on high water bridges. These are camps, picnic places and designated view points.
You are not allowed to drive at dark through the park (the gates normally close and open in daylight). Please be careful when driving outside the park at night, especially in rural areas.
Firearms must be declared and sealed at the entrance gate.
No pets are permitted in the KNP
Do not feed animals for you own safety as well as for the animal well-being.
KNP and surrounding areas in the eastern part of the country are in a seasonal malaria zone. Consult a physician regarding appropriate precautions given the time of year you will be travelling. The most important defenses against malaria are: using DEET-based mosquito repellent; covering your skin, especially around dusk; and using mosquito nets while sleeping. South African pharmacies also offer a wide range of malaria tablets, which you can take a few days prior to arrival in a malaria zone and that are by far cheaper than in other parts of the world.
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