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What are the Kruger National Parks Rules and Regulations?

With the Kruger National Park being a Public Park that is managed by the South African National Parks, its important that every visitor understands the rules and regulations so that everyone can have a wonderful time over the duration of their visit. The Kruger National Parks Rules & Regulations have been established specifically for the park and have been created over a 100 years of experience with guests and travellers from all corners of the world. 

All of the rules and regulations stipulate are gazetted by the by National Government (Republic of South Africa) and specifically the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act no. 57 of 2003). So the rules are important and If you are found to be guilty of breaking these rules, the implications can be significant. 

The good news news is that the rules are generally well adhered to and most visitors are all looking to experience the same thing so travellers do show high levels of respect for their fellow safari enthusiasts. Travelling with Safaria we will manage all of these regulations on your behalf and guide you accordingly so that you do have to worry and just sit back, relax and have a great time on Safari. 

Here are the Golden rules and regulations of the Kruger National Park explained :

• All visitors must remain in their vehicle at all times unless you are in a designated area with a sign board that says you can get out of your car. All vehicle/bus doors must be kept closed and no part of your body may be hanging out of the window, door or sunroof.
• For the safety of the animals, as well as yourself, there is a very strict maximum speed limit of 50 km/h (31mph) on the tar/asphalt roads and 40 km/h (25mph) on the gravel roads. The Kruger Nationals Parks roads are considered National Roads and are subject to the same las as laid out by the National Department of Transport which means that are police’d and as such offenders will be be dealt with under law and fined are arrested. More importantly speeding increases the risk of hitting an animal or driving of a small creature. Speeding of course also spoils the atmosphere for other visitors wanting to experience the peace and tranquility of the Park.
• Pay close attention the the Kruger Parks gate times. These opening and closing times can be found in your entrance permit, or in an official map or online on the SANParks website. Whether you are travelling as a Day Visitors or Overnighting in the Park you need to be fully aware of these gate and camp opening and closing times. Guests that do not strictly adhere to these times will be subject to a fine.
• Any visitors or guests may not drive their vehicle off road and along any road with a sign that indicates a “no-entry”,  this is completely off limits. Do not take chances you will be caught by either by a park official or a official guided safari vehicle that will report you number plate to the Joint-Ops centre and WhatsApp group.
• The feeding of animals as well as the disruption of animals as strictly prohibited and wont be tolerated. This is a very serious offence and must be taken seriously. 
• All of Kruger National Parks accommodation, be it bungalows or camping sites has a standard check-in time from 14:00pm on the day of arrival and must be checked-out by 10:00am on the day of departure.
• All Kruger National Park Overnight visitors are only permitted to stay at the specific camp that has been booked and guests must report to the camps reception before trying to occupy accommodation or camping site at the respective camp.
• Vehicles such as busses that are carrying more than 25 guests and weighing more than 4000kgs are only permitted to drive of the tar roads and are not permitted to use the dirt roads. This also applies to large overland vehicles.
• The park has a strict noise pollution policy and these restrictions are applied daily from 21:30pm to 06:00am. Cell phone use is limited to the camps, gates and can be used in emergency situations. Our suggestion is to try and disconnect so that you can reconnect with nature.
• The use of Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller skates and motorbikes within the Kruger National Park, its campsites and any designated area in the Park is completely prohibited.
• The Kruger National Park is a Malaria area and as such we strongly advise all guests to consult their Doctor before travelling to the Park.
• The Park is not a zoo but guests can access Sightings Boards in each of the Rest Camps as well as entrance gates to establish were other guests may have seen certain species. These sightings boards indicate the following species – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo, Cheetah and Wilddog. We strongly advise that all guests turn of their location services when using their mobile phones to take photos.

Should any guests have an emergency there is a 24- Hour Emergency Call Centre No: (013) 735 4325

Its also important to note that The Kruger National Park is home to the State Veterinarian headquarters. As you plan and prepare for your Safari we kindly as that you please also obey the following Kruger Park Veterinary Rules:

• No living animal, be it domestic or a wild species is allowed to be brought into the Park OR removed from the Kruger National Park. So NO PETS ARE ALLOWED and are strictly prohibited. Also don’t pick up any animal remains and assume these cant be removed, they cant. Sniffer dogs are based at each gate and you don’t want to be embarrassed when they find you have porcupine quills or a baby tortoise shell etc.
• No raw or wild-animal parts such as meat, bones, animals organs and hides may be brought into the Park or removed from the Kruger National Park.
• Raw meat and dairy products may be brought into the Kruger National Park for your own consumption. However, no raw products from cloven hoofed animals (milk or meat) will be allowed to leave the Kruger National Park through any of the official South African entrance gates unless it is still packaged or sealed in a container identifiably market to confirm its South African origin, source or distributor.
• Commercially packaged fish and poultry are exempt from these restrictions.
• Fully processed curios are exempt from these restrictions.

So there you have the set of Kruger National Park Rules and Regulations that need your attention and adherence. Stick to them and you’ll have an amazing time.