KNP GATE QUOTAS IN FORCE DURING THE EASTER WEEKEND

KNP GATE QUOTAS IN FORCE DURING THE EASTER WEEKEND

By BRIAN KAJENGO

Day Visitors to the Kruger National Park are requested to take note of gate quotas when planning their visit, as these will strictly be enforced during this coming Easter Weekend which starts on Thursday 17  to Monday 21 April 2014.

Visitors are advised to either arrive at the gate very early in the morning because the service is on “first come first serve” basis or pre-book their entrance with central reservations office on telephone number 012 428 9111 in order to ensure that they gain access to the park in terms of their own plan and are not sent back at the gate.

“We are calling on everyone who is planning to come to the park as a day visitor to please make the necessary arrangement beforehand in order to avoid unnecessary disappointment,” said the Head of Public Relations and Communication in the Kruger National Park, William Mabasa.

Those who pre-book their visit will be expected to pay a non-refundable deposit of R28 per adult and R16 per child entering the park which is meant to ensure their space because they would have been counted in the number that made the daily quota. Day visitors with advanced bookings are also expected to arrive at the booked gate by not later than 13:00 on the date of the booking, after which the booking lapses. A pre-booking however does not exempt the day visitor from paying the normal conservation fees upon arrival at the gate but secures him/her entry.

All visitors are also reminded to bring along their identity documents (IDs) or some alternative form of identity to avoid problems at the gates. Wild Cards cannot be used to identify one as legitimate holder and should be accompanied by some form of identity.

Mabasa also reminded visitors not to bring liquor with them as the alcohol ban on public areas in the Park is a permanent rule enforced during both quiet and busy periods. Law enforcement officials will be on the look-out for rule breakers.  Visitors can also report any incident of rules and regulations infringement to the Emergency Call Centre at 013 735 4325. Various honorary rangers will be deployed in order to assist gate staff with managing the queues and other different services available at the gates. 

Day Visitors, who may not be able to gain entry because the quota shall have been reached, can if they wish, make use of the park and ride a facility which is available at some gates. The park and ride will cost visitors extra money but should be better than having to be turned back at the entrance gate.

“We also request visitors to plan their trip by observing gate opening and closing times so that they do not find themselves either speeding or arriving late at the camps/gates on their way in/out of the park;” concluded Mabasa. People must please read their permits received at the gates because all the rules and regulations of the park are clearly stipulated in those documents.

KNP has 10 entrance gates i.e. Pafuri, Punda Maria, Phalaborwa, Giriyondo, Orpen, Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Malelane and Crocodile Bridge.