How to Check In at a Kruger National Park Gate

This page focuses on what to expect when checking in to KNP through one of the nine gates.

KNP Gate List

→Please see the gate phone numbers directory on the SANP website should you need information from the gate.

What Time Do The Gates Open?

KNP entry gates open around dawn or sunrise, which varies throughout the year.

What to Expect When Arriving at the Gate Before It Opens

Early arrival gives visitors the best chance to get into the park as early as possible to spot nocturnal wildlife before they become less active as the morning goes on. Day visitors generally arrive at the gates before they open.

• Aim to arrive at the gate at ~30 minutes before it opens.
• When you get to the gate before opening time, you’ll find it’s, (obviously) closed. You’ll need to wait until the gate opening time for the gate attendant to open it.
• If you’re not the first in line, you’ll need to queue behind the car in front of you. It’s common for vehicles to switch off their engines while waiting, as you won’t be moving until the gate opens.
  • Gate attendants generally walk between the cars distributing “Gate Registration and Indemnity Forms”. Have a pen and relevant documents (discussed below) ready to complete these forms.
• Patience is key! Bring something to listen to or read while you wait. Getting to the gate early is well worth it for the chance to start your day in the park as soon as possible.
  • Unfortunately, the check-in process can be tedious, and even if you arrive first, it may still take time. 
  • The only way to avoid this check-in process is to stay overnight in the park. Once the gate opens, you’re in!

Early Morning Queue Examples

Step 1: Fill In The Gate Registration and Indemnity Forms

• If you arrive early in the morning, one of the gate attendants will give you this to fill out in your car.
• If you arrive later in the day or if no cars are queueing to get in, you can enter the reception and they will give you this form.
  • Tip: Save yourself time and ask for spare forms. That way you can fill them out before arriving at the gate. 

→Please see the “Filling In The SANParks Gate Registration and Indemnity Form” guide

Step 2: Submit Your Forms and Pay the Conservation Fee

• Park your car and enter the gate reception to submit your forms and pay the conservation fee.
• Please see When to Buy a Wild Card vs. Paying Daily Conservation Fees
  • If the gate is busy, check with the gate attendant on how they would like you to proceed as both the reception and the actual gate booth can handle the paperwork.
  • Gates are busiest in the early morning.
• All adult visitors should have a valid form of ID ready for inspection.
  • Adult = All 12 years old or more.
  • For international visitors use your passport.
• All drivers should have a valid South African or International Driver’s License ready for inspection.

Example Gate Reception Areas

Step 3: Receive Your Visitor Permit And Enter The Park

• Once you have checked in you’ll receive a “Visitor Permit”. KEEP IT SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE.
• This contains an entry and exit permit.
  • You’ll need this to leave the park as it contains your exit permit.
  • If you are stopped by KNP police officers, you will be expected to show them your Permit.
• As you approach the actual gate, be sure to stop and show your visitor permit to the gate attendant. They might ask you to open your doors for a quick security check.

Tip: Make Sure You Have a Map and a Route Plan

Before you set out from the gate, it’s essential to have a map and a rough route plan in place. You can buy these at the gate if you don’t have one.

• There is little to no mobile phone reception through most of the park outside of the rest camps.
  • Therefore you can not rely on navigation apps.
• On a practical level, this is important for planning bathroom breaks.

Use your odometer to track the distances between various points along your route. This will help you stay aware of how far you’ve traveled and assist in planning your stops.