South Africa/Zimbabwe: New tourism-only border crossing links Kruger National Park and Gonarezhou National Park!

For the first time ever, travellers will be able to journey seamlessly between South Africa and Zimbabwe through a scheduled, tourism-only border crossing right in the heart of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). This exciting new development officially connects Kruger National Park and Gonarezhou National Park, offering an extraordinary opportunity to experience one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas across national borders.

The new access point will operate seasonally between 01 May and 30 November 2025, via the Pafuri–Sengwe crossing along the Sengwe-Tshipise Corridor. The initiative, approved by the Ministers of Home Affairs of both South Africa and Zimbabwe, is a pilot project aimed at enhancing transboundary eco-tourism while supporting conservation and local communities. It marks a significant milestone in the long-term vision of GLTFCA, which aims to allow free wildlife movement and joint tourism operations between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

This will not be an open border post in the traditional sense. Access is strictly limited to pre-approved, scheduled crossings—no more than twice a week—and is reserved for 4×4 vehicles only. Crossings will only take place between 11:00 and 15:00, and all travellers must follow a minimum 4-night itinerary, which includes at least two nights in the Makuleke region of Kruger National Park (or other approved accommodations like Awelani Lodge) and additional nights in Gonarezhou National Park or surrounding lodges in Zimbabwe. The initiative is carefully designed to support low-impact, high-value tourism that respects the environment and uplifts surrounding communities.

To use the crossing, travellers must register their travel with both South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) at least 14 days in advance. Immigration exemption forms must be completed and submitted before the journey, and identification, health, and vehicle checks will be carried out at Pafuri Gate on the South African side and a designated point in Zimbabwe. Visa requirements remain in place and must be met according to each country’s regulations.

It’s important to note that this is a tourism-only crossing. The movement of commercial goods is prohibited, as is the transport of large quantities of personal medication, plant or animal products, or any non-prescribed substances. Travellers are expected to comply fully with biosecurity rules and to travel in a manner that aligns with responsible tourism practices - this includes staying on designated roads, disposing of waste properly, and respecting wildlife and local cultures.

Located in one of Africa’s most ecologically diverse and culturally rich landscapes, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) spans the borders of South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. This pilot tourism corridor offers a rare and immersive way to explore the vast wilderness of southern Africa across two iconic national parks. Whether tracking elephant herds through ancient baobab forests in Gonarezhou National Park or listening to the call of fish eagles along the Luvuvhu River in  Kruger National Park's far north, this cross-border experience promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

For nature lovers, conservation enthusiasts, and intrepid safari-goers, the opening of the Pafuri–Sengwe crossing represents a unique and historic opportunity to witness the future of transboundary tourism in Africa—where borders fade and the wild takes centre stage.