Gates & Opening Times
Plan your entry and exit. Know your gate times, gate locations, and what to do if you're running late.
July Gate Times
Pre-Bookings & Faster Gate Entry
Kruger National Park gates operate under strict daily visitor quotas. During peak periods (school holidays, long weekends, and Easter/Christmas seasons), gates can reach their maximum daily capacity early in the morning. Pre-booking your day visit is strongly recommended to guarantee entry.
1. Day Visitor Pre-Bookings
Secure your entrance slot in advance to avoid disappointment at the gates. Note that booking fees apply, even for Wild Card holders.
2. Pre-Fill Entry Registration Form
Print, fill, and sign the official Gate Registration & Indemnity Form at home. Handing a completed form to gate officials drastically speeds up the check-in process.
Gate Times by Month
All major gates. Times may vary slightly — confirm on SANParks.org before your trip.
| Month | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| January | 05:30 | 18:30 |
| February | 05:30 | 18:30 |
| March | 05:30 | 18:00 |
| April | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| May | 06:00 | 17:30 |
| June | 06:00 | 17:30 |
| JulyCurrent | 06:00 | 17:30 |
| August | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| September | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| October | 05:30 | 18:00 |
| November | 05:30 | 18:30 |
| December | 05:30 | 18:30 |
All Park Gates
Phabeni Gate
SouthHazyview (R536) → Skukuza / Lower Sabie
Paul Kruger Gate
SouthHazyview (R536) → Skukuza
Numbi Gate
SouthWhite River (R538) → Pretoriuskop
Malelane Gate
SouthMalelane (N4) → Berg-en-Dal / Biyamiti
Crocodile Bridge Gate
SouthKomatipoort (R571) → Lower Sabie
Orpen Gate
CentralKlaserie / Hoedspruit → Satara
Phalaborwa Gate
CentralPhalaborwa (R71) → Letaba
Giriyondo Gate
CentralHoedspruit (border post) → Mozambique / Limpopo NP
Punda Maria Gate
NorthThohoyandou (R524) → Punda Maria Camp
Pafuri Gate (Parfuri)
NorthLimpopo (R525) → Pafuri / Crooks Corner
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I'm not at a gate before closing time?
This is treated as a serious rule violation. SANParks rangers will be called and you will be escorted out — you may also be fined. Always plan to arrive at a gate at least 30 minutes before closing.
Can I drive between camps after gate closing time?
No. The closing times apply to all camp gates as well, not just the park entrance gates. Once the gates close, you must already be inside your booked camp for the night. You cannot be on any road within the park after closing time.
Do all gates open and close at the same time?
The times above apply to most main gates. Some gates (e.g. Pafuri, Giriyondo) may have different hours. Always check the latest times on the SANParks website before your trip.
Is there a gate open 24 hours?
No. All gates close at sunset or shortly after. There is no 24-hour access gate in Kruger National Park.
Where is the nearest airport to each gate?
Skukuza Airport (FASK) is inside the park near Paul Kruger Gate. Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) is closest to Orpen Gate. Phalaborwa Airport (PHW) is adjacent to Phalaborwa Gate. KMIA (Nelspruit/Mpumalanga) serves the southern gates.
Do I need to pre-book my gate entry?
If you have an overnight booking inside the park, gate entry is included. For day visitors, pre-booking is not strictly mandatory, but it is highly recommended during peak periods (school holidays, long weekends, Easter/Christmas) because gates operate under strict daily vehicle quotas. Once the quota is reached, only pre-booked visitors are allowed entry. You can pre-book online via the SANParks Day Visits portal.