Kruger National Park to go cash-free this festive season

NO MORE CASH AT THESE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK GATES

The Kruger National Park (KNP) will be going cash-free as of Friday, 1 December at five of its entrance gates found in the southern part of the park as well as fuel stations.

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According to a statement from South African National Parks (SANParks), this is part of a broader cash-free digital drive, which they introduced in 2021 to improve customer convenience and reduce contact time at entry points, especially during peak times.

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The cash-free payment system at Kruger National Park will be implemented in a two-phased approach at some facilities, while the remaining gates and camps will go online in early 2024.

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The entrance gates which will be launching the cash-free payment methods include:

• Paul Kruger Gate
• Phabeni Gate
• Numbi Gate
• Malelane Gate
• Crocodile Bridge Gate

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According to KNP Managing Executive, Oscar Mthimkhulu, the benefit of implementing a cash-free payment system is meant to reduce queues further and impact the time it takes to get into a park.

“The aim is also to reduce the risks associated with handling cash. We therefore would like to encourage clients to make use of either the online pre-booking payment systems which offer no hassle of having to transact on arrival or speed point payment systems at the gates,” Mthimkhulu said.

“Skukuza Rest Camp fuel station will also be using the new card payment handheld devices. Guests are encouraged to support the phasing out of cash transactions in the KNP; assisting us to a step towards environmental responsibility” Mthimkhulu added.

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