KNP GATE QUOTAS IN FORCE DURING THE 2014 FESTIVE SEASON

KNP GATE QUOTAS IN FORCE DURING THE 2014 FESTIVE SEASON

With the festive season around the corner, the Kruger National Park (KNP) would like to remind Day Visitors about the gate quotas when planning their holiday.

Day Visitors urged to book in advance in order to secure their entry in the park since daily quotas strictly enforced throughout the festive season period.

Visitors are advised to either arrive at the gate very early in the morning because the service is on “first come first served” 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.

Although in operational all throughout the year, the gate quotas mostly reached during long weekends and public holidays. “If anyone is planning a visit on those days, it is recommended that they either arrive at the gate very early in the morning as the service is on first come first served basis or pre-book their entrance via Central Reservations (012 428 9111)”; explained the KNP’s GM: Communications and Marketing, William Mabasa.

Pre-booking comes with a non-refundable deposit of R36 per adult and R18 per child entering the park; which must be paid in advance and 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 expected to arrive at the booked gate and date by not later than 13:00, 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 also reminded to bring along their identity documents (IDs) or alternative form of identity to avoid problems at the gates. Wild Cards not used to identify one as legitimate holder and 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 which enforced at all times; and the rest of the Park rules be fully enforced as well. Visitors can report any rules and regulations infringement to the Emergency Call Centres on 013 735 4325/013 735 0197 or 076 801 9679.

Day Visitors, who may not be able to gain entry because the quota shall have 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 turned back at the 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. 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”, concluded Mabasa.

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

Caption:

The route to Paul Kruger Gate often attracts long queues during busy periods.