North West Parks & Tourism Board (NWPTB): Cashless access now in effect at Pilanesberg and Kgaswane, with more reserves to follow!

The North West Parks & Tourism Board (NWPTB) has issued an update on the rollout of its new tariff structure and modernised access systems across provincial nature reserves. Pilanesberg National Park and Kgaswane Mountain & Nature Reserve are now in their second week of full implementation, with both the revised tariffs and the electronic controlled-access system fully operational.

Other NWPTB-managed nature reserves in the North West Province have already adopted the new tariffs and will shift to cashless gate operations from this weekend, with controlled access to be introduced next as part of NWPTB’s broader modernisation programme.

NWPTB also confirmed that a phased upgrade of visitor infrastructure at Pilanesberg National Park will begin shortly. Initial improvements will focus on hides, picnic sites and ablution facilities, followed by long-term enhancements to the park’s road network. These developments form part of the organisation’s strategy to improve visitor experience, strengthen sustainability and raise overall tourism standards across the province’s protected areas.

 

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North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) launches cashless entry system and prepares new online booking platform!

The North West Parks & Tourism Board (NWPTB) introduced new card-only, cashless gate-takings systems at Pilanesberg National Park and Kgaswane Mountain & Nature Reserve on 01 December 2025. This upgrade forms part of the NWPTB’s broader Turnaround Strategy, aimed at strengthening and modernising the organisation’s revenue collection processes.

The NWPTB confirmed that all remaining NWPTB-managed nature reserves in the North West Province will soon migrate to the same cashless system. The transition is expected to standardise operations across the network, reduce financial risks, and improve overall financial controls.

According to a press release issued on 09 December 2025, the newly implemented system has operated smoothly since activation, with no disruptions reported.

The NWPTB also announced that it is finalising a new online booking and payment platform, set to launch in the near future. The digital system will allow visitors to plan trips, secure bookings, and complete payments online, enhancing visitor convenience while supporting increased investment in conservation across all provincial reserves.

 

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Eswatini Air to go cashless from 20 November 2025!

Eswatini’s national carrier, Eswatini Air, has announced a major update to its payment policy. Starting 20 November 2025, the airline will no longer accept hard cash for any of its services at all reservation offices, including airport ticket counters.

The move forms part of Eswatini Air’s broader strategy to improve safety, streamline operations, and offer a more efficient customer experience. By shifting to digital transactions, the airline aims to reduce cash-handling risks and speed up service across its network.

Travellers are encouraged to use the airline’s wide range of secure digital payment options, such as EFTs, debit and credit cards, and popular mobile money platforms, when booking flights or purchasing ancillary services.

Eswatini Air’s transition to cashless payments reflects a growing trend across the aviation industry and supports the airline’s mission to deliver a modern, seamless, and customer-friendly travel experience.

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Kruger National Park: SANParks confirms cashless payments only at Afsaal Picnic Site!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed in a recent social media alert that the Afsaal Picnic Site in Kruger National Park has officially moved to a cashless payment system, effective 01 November 2025. In the statement, SANParks reminded visitors “as per previous communication regarding the Afsaal operation,” that no cash payments will be accepted at the site for any transactions. Guests are therefore encouraged to make use of cards or approved digital payment methods during their visit.

Situated in the heart of Kruger National Park's Marula Region, between the Crocodile and Sabie Rivers, Afsaal Picnic Site is conveniently located along the H3 tar road connecting Skukuza Rest Camp and Malelane Gate. This iconic stop is one of the park’s most popular picnic sites, known for its excellent facilities and lively atmosphere.

Afsaal Picnic Site offers visitors a shop, café/kiosk, braai (BBQ) stands, gas skottel (mobile frying pan) hire, and restrooms. Thanks to its diverse surrounding habitat, it is also a birding hotspot and a great place to spot wildlife, including regular sightings of large game in the nearby bush.

While Afsaal Picnic Site tends to be busier than more remote picnic spots, its accessibility, facilities, and prime location make it a perfect mid-drive break for travellers exploring the southern section of Kruger National Park.

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Western Cape: CapeNature goes fully cashless at five nature reserves from February 2026!

CapeNature, the public agency responsible for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced that five of its flagship nature reserves will transition to a fully cashless payment system starting 02 February 2026. The move aims to streamline visitor operations, reduce queue times, and improve the overall nature experience, while minimizing the risks and inconveniences associated with cash handling.

The reserves adopting the new cashless system are:

• Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay
• Keurbooms Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay
• Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay
• Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lambert’s Bay
• Walker Bay Nature Reserve – Hermanus

Accepted cashless payment methods:

• Debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• Mobile payments (Scan to Pay)
• Pre-bookings via www.capenature.co.za
• Telephonic bookings through the CapeNature Contact Centre: 087 087 8250

Visitor tips:
Travellers are encouraged to pre-book permits online to guarantee entry and avoid delays at the gate. For those arriving without a booking, speed point devices and QR code mobile-friendly payment options will be available on-site, ensuring a smooth and seamless entry.

This shift to cashless access reflects CapeNature’s commitment to modernizing visitor services and enhancing experiences at some of the Western Cape's most iconic natural destinations.

 

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SANParks: Cash-free payment options limited across Addo Elephant National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) just released a "kind reminder" on Facebook regarding the cash free payment system, which was implemented in Addo Elephant National Park with effect from 01 September 2021. The Addo Main Camp and the Kabouga entrance gates are indeed cashless. The Matyholweni Rest Camp in Addo's Main Game Area is only taking cash due to network challenges. According to SANParks, guests with no cash will be directed to make their card payments at Addo Main Camp before exiting Addo Elephant National Park at either of the gates. The Woody Cape section and the Darlington section are also cash only due to lack of network connectivity.

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA): All nature reserves in Mpumalanga will go cashless!

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced that all of its nature reserves in Mpumalanga, including the popular Blyde River Canyon, as well as its Visitor Information Centre are set to implement a cashless service system. Effective 01 September 2023, payments in cash will longer be accepted as means of payment. Visitors to the nature reserves and the Visitor Information Centre will instead be able to make all payments by using card or cell phone payment services. 

"In responding to the safety measures put in place to safeguard our patrons from being targeted by criminals, the MTPA introduces a cashless system in all our parks with effect from the 1st of September 2023. Visitors to our nature reserves do not have to carry cash when visiting our facilities but would rather use card or cell phone payment services. We want to ensure that our patrons enjoy a memorable experience when visiting our facilities. This cashless service will ease their frustration about being robbed carrying large sums of cash with them" said Mr. Mduduzi Vilakazi, MTPA’s Chief Executive Officer.

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is custodian of 15 protected areas spread across three district municipalities in Mpumalanga, namely:
 
Ehlanzeni District:

• Andover Nature Reserve
• Barberton Nature Reserve
• Blyde River Canyon
• Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve         
• Manyeleti Nature Reserve
• Mthethomusha Nature Reserve

Gert Sibande District:

• Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve         
• Songimvelo Nature Reserve

Nkangala District:

• Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
• Mabusa Nature Reserve
• Mkhombo Nature Reserve
• Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve
• S.S Skosana Nature Reserve

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Namibia: Namibia Wildlife Resorts encourages cashless payments!

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned enterprise mandated to run the tourism facilities within the protected areas of Namibia, has started a sensitisation campaign aimed at encouraging domestic and international travellers to start making use of debit/credit cards when making payments for their bookings or any services offered at their various camps and resorts in Namibia. The company embarked on this campaign after noting the risks associated with carrying cash around to make payments.
 

According to the company's Chief Information Officer, Mr Martin Kantika, NWR has worked tirelessly to ensure that there are sufficient card terminal points to make payments from, so that visitors will never have to carry cash to make use of NWR's services or any purchases at their camps and resorts in Namibia. Nonetheless, the option to pay in cash for bookings or any services will remain available.

Pretoria (Tshwane): Voortrekker Monument goes cashless!

The management of the Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site in Pretoria (Tshwane), including the adjacent restaurant and gift shop, has implemented cashless systems on side. Visitors who only have cash on hand will not be turned away, but it is recommended by the management of the monument that visitors rather consider paying with either a debit or credit card or purchase tickets online prior to their visit. 

The Voortrekker Monument Heritage Site is situated in a nature reserve just south of Pretoria (Tshwane) in South Africa's Gauteng Province. The unique monument was inaugurated in 1949 and commemorates the pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner. It was  declared a National Heritage Site by the South African Heritage Resource Agency in July 2011.