Kruger gates now close at 18:30. Your new gate times from 1 November

Kruger National Park's gates stay open 30 minutes longer from Sunday, 1 November 2026. All gates now close at 18:30, up from 18:00 in October, and rest camp gates open an hour earlier at 04:30. Entrance gates still open at 05:30 (SANParks).

The summer hours run through November, December and January. In February the camp gates go back to 05:30, while closing stays at 18:30 (SANParks).

What are the Kruger gate times from 1 November?

Source: SANParks Kruger gate times.

The 04:30 camp opening matters if you're sleeping inside the park. It lets you leave camp for a game drive an hour before day visitors can come in through the entrance gates.

SANParks says times can change without notice and asks visitors to confirm with the park before arriving (SANParks). The times that apply to you are printed on the green gate permit you get on entry (SANParks).

What happens if you get to the gate after 18:30?

At an entrance gate, you'll be turned away. SANParks says latecomers at entrance gates are refused entry, and people who break gate times at rest camps are warned and fined if they do it again (SANParks).

You must be inside your camp or out of the park by closing time, and no driving is allowed before or after gate hours (SANParks).

Late arrival is allowed only in an emergency, with proof and a valid reason, and only until 21:00. It applies to guests with booked accommodation at certain camps within 10km of the gate (SANParks).

Which gates offer a paid late escort?

Escorts run every half hour until 21:00, at R500 per vehicle, and only to the camp linked to each gate (SANParks).

Source: SANParks entrance gates.

There is no late admission at Phabeni, Phalaborwa or Pafuri (SANParks). It helps to tell the camp in advance if you think you'll be late, so transport can be arranged.

Can you be turned away even if you arrive on time?

Yes. Kruger caps the number of visitors it lets in each day. Once that limit is reached, only people with booked overnight accommodation get in. SANParks says this usually happens on public holidays and long weekends (SANParks), so plan ahead for Wednesday's election day holiday on 4 November and the December season.

You can book a day visit in advance online or through SANParks reservation offices. Pre-booked day visits must be paid upfront, and Wild Card members also pay the advance booking fee if they want to pre-book (SANParks).

What else changes at Kruger in November?

The daily conservation fee for South African adults goes up to R140 from 1 November (Reported).

Skukuza Rest Camp's main gate also closes from Monday, 2 November, to Friday, 4 December 2026 for roof repairs. Visitors use a temporary entrance off Hippo Circle Street instead (SANParks, Reported).

Before you go, print and fill in the Gate Registration and Indemnity Form and hand it in at the gate with your ID or passport (SANParks). Accommodation can be occupied from 14:00 and must be vacated by 10:00 on departure day (SANParks).