Visiting Kruger National Park: What does it really cost?

Visiting Kruger can comprise anything from a few hours behind the wheel to several nights beneath Lowveld skies. 

The basic cost is the conservation fee (also called the entrance fee), with accommodation and activities to be added for a longer stay. 

You can choose between a simple day out or a stay camping or in a bungalow with more comforts. 

There are also discounts that can help qualifying visitors keep the cost down.

With the park slowly recovering from the severe floods hitting it at the beginning of 2026, more and more people are adding a visit to this iconic safari destination in South Africa.

HOW MUCH DOES VISITING KRUGER FOR A DAY COST?

For South African citizens and residents, the daily conservation fee is R134 per adult and R67 per child aged two to 11 until 31 October 2026. 

Children under two enter free.

A family with two adults and two children therefore pays R402 for entry. Petrol, food and drinks are additional expenses.

From 1 November 2026, the South African rate increases to R140 per adult and R70 per child. SADC visitors currently pay R275 per adult and R137 per child, while international visitors pay R602 and R300 respectively. 

A Wild Card can be a money-saving option for people who visit national parks and other participating conservation areas regularly. Instead of paying a daily conservation fee each time you enter, the card provides access to a range of participating parks and reserves for a set annual fee.

The savings become particularly worthwhile for visitors who plan several trips during the year, especially to places such as Kruger National Park.

For occasional visitors, paying the daily conservation fee may still work out cheaper. However, anyone planning multiple visits should compare the current Wild Card price with the individual conservation fees for the parks they expect to visit.

Besides potentially reducing the cost of repeated visits, a Wild Card helps support the conservation of the protected areas it covers.

Visitors can find all applicable tariffs and identification requirements on sanparks.org.

WHAT WILL CAMPING OR A BUNGALOW COST?

Camping remains one of the more affordable ways to stay overnight. 

The cheapest six-person non-electrified campsite (e.g. at Punda Maria Rest Camp) costs from R319 during low and shoulder seasons. A powered site costs from R378. High-season rates rise to R425 and R484 respectively. 

Visitors who prefer a bed can choose from huts, bungalows, safari tents and larger units. Also at Punda Maria, a two-person bungalow with a communal kitchen costs R1 220 in low season and R1 528 during high season. 

A two-person safari tent costs R1 457 to R1 776, depending on the season. 

Prices differ substantially between camps and accommodation types. SANParks also adds a 1% community fund to accommodation and activity reservations. 

Kruger accommodation shows the range of available options.

WHICH ACTIVITIES CAN YOU ADD TO THE COST?

You do not have to book an activity. Self-driving allows visitors to explore the public roads and search for wildlife at their own pace.

However, guided drives provide an exciting option. Morning and sunset drives cost R450 per person at many camps. Morning walks cost R770, while night drives cost R343 at several camps. SANParks’ activity tariffs show the prices and activities available at different camps. 

There are also wilderness trails, 4×4 trails and other specialised experiences. A Mananga 4×4 Adventure Trail costs R7 400 per vehicle for up to four people. SANParks’ 4×4 trail information provides the current details. 

Older visitors can also look for savings. SANParks offers qualifying senior citizens (if you are over 60) discounts during specified periods. 

For 2026, selected Kruger accommodation and camping receive discounts of up to 40%, depending on the camp and accommodation. SANParks’ 2026 senior citizen schedule lists the qualifying dates and properties. 

The remaining 2026 discount period runs from 16 October to 26 November, excluding Fridays, Saturdays and long weekends. The senior concession does not cover conservation fees or meals. 

So, how much does visiting Kruger cost? There is no single answer. 

A self-drive day can be relatively modest, while camping, comfortable accommodation and guided activities can turn it into a more expensive holiday. 

The beauty is that visitors can choose how much of the Kruger experience they want to buy.

And eventually, all of these options usually lead to an unforgettable experience.