Conservation projects happening in the park

The statistics may be harrowing, but it is important to know what our wildlife is facing in order to protect it effectively.

The Kruger National Park has many red data species (severely endangered) including birds and mammals. The most prominent among mammals is the rhino, which has been under attack for years. Poachers kill these majestic beasts and sell their horns to the Asian traditional medicine black market for a hefty price. It is believed that rhino horn increases virility. As of June 2012 a staggering 147 rhinos were killed by poachers in 2012 in the Kruger National Park. Poachers have advanced electronic gear that aids them to get to the animals, kill them, saw their horns off and get away without detection.

But all hope is not lost – there are many charities, companies and individuals committed to the saving of the rhino. Special task forces – including specially trained rhino ‘bodyguards’, tactical gear and weapons (including aircraft!) – have been employed to take care of the situation, and so far 165 arrests have been made in connection with rhino poaching in South Africa this year.

Although the rhino gets most of the endangered-animal media attention, the status of the wild dog is actually far more perilous than that of the rhino. The Kruger is home to the only viable pack of wild dogs in South Africa, and their future looks bleak. According to conservationists, the status of the wild dog is as it is because of various factors: persecution by mankind (they are seen as a pest), genetic inbreeding (wild dogs in the Kruger have a life expectancy of approximately 6 years) and diseases like rabies and distemper (because of contact with domesticated dogs).

You might not hear about it as much as you do about rhinos, but there is a small group of fastidiously dedicated people working incredibly hard to save the wild dog. A continent-wide programme has been established by The Wildlife Conservation Society and Zoological Society of London and they are rolling out plans to save this interesting animal.

Birds have not managed to escape the red list – and their populations are especially vulnerable to extinction. Among these endangered species are the Bateleur and Southern Ground-Hornbill, as well as the Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Kori Bustard and Grey-headed Parrot. The Kruger’s vast grasslands have saved many raptors, however poisoning by farmers is a big problem. Education drives and information dispersion has helped many of the species bounce back.

Conservations Fees

Overview

Every visitor to the Kruger National Park will pay a conservation fee for every day spent inside the Park. Only by contributing to conservation can funds be raised to help conserve the park’s natural and cultural heritage.

South African Residents with Identification

 Adults – Nov 2021 / 2023 Under 12 – Nov 2021 / 2023
R110 per person per night R55 per child per night 
  

Get a WILD CARD and skip the conservation fees. 

SADC Nationals

 Adults – Nov 2021 / 2023 Under 12 – Nov 2021 / 2023
 R220 per person per night R110 per child per night 
  

Get a WILD CARD and skip the conservation fees. 

International Travelers

 Adults – Nov  2021 / 2023 Under 12 –  Nov 2021 / 2023
R440 per person per night R220 per child per night 
  

Get a WILD CARD and skip the conservation fees. 

Entrance Gates Opening Times:

  • Oct – Mar: 05:30
  • Apr – Sep: 06:00

Camp Gates Opening Times:

  • Oct: 05:30
  • Nov – Jan: 04:30
  • Feb – Mar: 05:30
  • Apr – Sep: 06:00

Camp Gate Closing Times:

 

  • Aug – Oct: 18:00
  • Nov – Feb: 18:30
  • Mar – Apr: 18:00
  • May – Jul: 17:30

Entrance Gates Locations: 

Southern Gates

Malelane Entrance Gate

  • Take the N4 to Nelspruit and head through Nelspruit to Malelane
  • Turn left at Kruger National Park sign just outside Malelane and head towards the Gate
  • Allow between 4 to 5 hours for the drive

Crocodile Bridge Entrance Gate

  • Take the N4 to Nelspruit, head through Nelspruit to Malelane and on to Komatipoort (about 110kms)
  • Turn left onto the R571 just after Komatipoort and head on to the Gate
  • Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the drive

Numbi Entrance Gate

  • Take the N4 to Nelspruit, then take the R40 to White River
  • Just outside White River take the R538 to the Gate
  • Allow between 4 to 5 hours for the drive

Paul Kruger Entrance Gate

  • Take the N4 to Nelspruit, then take the R40 to White River, Hazyview
  • From Hazyview, take the R536 to the Gate
  • Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the drive

Phabeni Gate

  • Take the N4 to Nelspruit, then take the R40 to White River, Hazyview via the R40
  • From Hazyview, take the R536 to the Gate – Gate is 10kms outside Hazyview
  • Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the drive

Central Gates

Orpen Entrance Gate

  • Head toward Nelspruit on the N4, take the R540 Belfast turn off
  • At Lydenburg turn left onto the R36 heading north
  • 30kms before Hoedspruit turn right onto the R531 and head to the Orpen Entrance Gate
  • Allow between 4 to 5 hours for the trip

Phalaborwa Entrance Gate

  • Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane (Pietersburg)
  • 4kms before Polokwane turn right onto the R71 and head for Tzaneen
  • After Tzaneen, head towards Phalaborwa
  • Allow between 6 to 7 hours for the trip

Northern Gates

Phalaborwa Entrance Gate

  • Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane (Pietersburg)
  • Before reaching Polokwane turn right onto the R71 and head for Tzaneen
  • After Tzaneen head towards Phalaborwa
  • Allow between 6 to 7 hours for the trip

Punda Maria Entrance Gate

  • Take the N1 to Polokwane (Pietersburg)
  • At Makhado (Louis Trichard) link up with the R524 and follow this route for ±140km
  • That will take you to the Punda Maria Entrance Gate, approximately a 5 – 6 hour drive 

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