South African National Parks (SANParks) will increase daily conservation fees at most of its national parks in South Africa from 01 November 2026, when the new tariffs for the 2026/27 financial year take effect. The higher fees will affect travellers planning safaris, self-drive trips and day visits to destinations such as Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
The new rates apply until 31 October 2027 and vary according to the park visited and the visitor's nationality. South African citizens and residents pay the lowest standard rates, followed by visitors from other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. Travellers from outside the region pay the standard international conservation fee.
For international visitors in particular, the increase adds to the cost of a Southern African itinerary, especially when several national parks or multiple days of game viewing are included.
New SANParks conservation fees for 2026/27
The following table highlights the daily conservation fees at selected national parks and attractions popular with travellers. The figures are for adults aged 12 and older and apply from 01 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.
SANParks daily conservation fees: 01 November 2026 – 31 October 2027. Rates are per adult, per day.
| National park / attraction |
South African citizens and residents |
SADC nationals |
Other international visitors |
| Kruger National Park |
R140 |
R296 |
R692 |
| Addo Elephant National Park |
R115 |
R242 |
R565 |
| Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park |
R134 |
R283 |
R662 |
| Table Mountain National Park – Cape of Good Hope |
R115 |
R242 |
R592 |
| Table Mountain National Park – Boulders |
R57 |
R118 |
R282 |
| Augrabies Falls National Park |
R73 |
R149 |
R325 |
| Garden Route National Park – Storms River Mouth |
R85 |
R179 |
R422 |
| West Coast National Park – outside flower season |
R85 |
R141 |
R166 |
| West Coast National Park – flower season |
R127 |
R206 |
R352 |
Important: Adult rates apply from age 12. Children aged 2–11 pay separate child rates, and children under 2 are exempt from conservation fees. SADC rates are subject to applicable transfrontier arrangements. The West Coast National Park flower-season tariff applies in August and September. Rates are in South African rand (ZAR) and are subject to change without prior notice.
Source: Official SANParks conservation fee schedule 2026/27.
How much are Kruger National Park entrance fees increasing?
Kruger National Park remains one of South Africa's most popular safari destinations, and the new tariffs mean visitors will need to budget more for park entry.
From 01 November 2026, the daily conservation fee for an international adult will rise from R602 to R692, an increase of R90, or approximately 15%. South African adults will pay R140, up from R134, while the rate for SADC adults will increase from R275 to R296.
For international travellers, the difference becomes more noticeable over several days. Two international adults visiting Kruger National Park for three days will pay R4,152 in conservation fees alone, compared with R3,612 under the previous tariff. This represents an additional R540 for the same visit.
These amounts cover park entry only. Accommodation, fuel, food, guided activities and other travel expenses must be budgeted separately.
Higher Fees at Addo, Kgalagadi and other parks
The adjustment is not limited to Kruger National Park. Several other popular destinations will also introduce higher conservation fees, although the size of the increase varies by park and visitor category.
At Addo Elephant National Park, the daily international adult fee will rise from R492 to R565, an increase of R73. South African adults will pay R115, compared with R110 previously.
At Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the international adult rate will increase from R576 to R662, while the South African adult rate will rise from R129 to R134.
Visitors to Cape Point, part of Table Mountain National Park, will pay R592 per international adult per day, up from R515. At Boulders Beach, the international adult fee will increase from R245 to R282.
Not every park has the same percentage increase. For example, the adult conservation fee at Augrabies Falls National Park remains R325 for international visitors and R73 for South African citizens and residents. Travellers should therefore check the tariff for each destination rather than assume that every park's fees have increased by the same amount.
What the new fees mean for South African families
South African citizens and residents continue to benefit from lower conservation fees, provided they present the required identification or other accepted proof of eligibility.
In Kruger National Park, the new daily rate is R140 per adult and R70 per child aged two to 11. A family of two adults and two children will therefore pay R420 per day in conservation fees, compared with R402 under the previous tariff.
For international families, the equivalent daily cost will be considerably higher. At Kruger National Park, the new standard international rates are R692 per adult and R345 per child. Two adults and two children will pay R2,074 per day, or R6,222 for three days, in conservation fees alone.
Children under two are exempt from daily conservation fees. Adult rates apply from age 12, while the child tariff applies to visitors aged two to 11.
SADC visitors: Which conservation fee applies?
Visitors from SADC countries should check the separate SADC tariff rather than automatically using the South African or international rate. Eligibility is based on nationality and the applicable documentation, including a valid passport.
There is an important exception for nationals of SADC countries covered by relevant transfrontier agreements or treaties. SANParks states that these visitors may qualify for the South African resident rate at the relevant park. For example, eligible Mozambican and Zimbabwean nationals visiting Kruger National Park, and Botswana nationals visiting Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, pay the South African rate rather than the standard SADC tariff.
As these arrangements are park-specific, travellers should confirm their eligibility and required documents with SANParks before arrival.
Is a SANParks Wild Card worth considering?
Travellers planning to visit several participating parks may want to compare the new daily conservation fees with the cost of a SANParks Wild Card.
A Wild Card can cover conservation fees at participating parks, subject to the membership category and applicable terms. It may offer savings for travellers visiting multiple parks or spending several days at destinations where daily fees are relatively high.
SANParks also states that members of its WILD loyalty programme do not pay conservation fees when they present their WILD card and proof of identity on arrival.
However, coverage depends on the relevant membership and destination. Travellers should compare the cost of individual entries with the appropriate Wild Card option and check which parks and activities are included before purchasing a membership.
Planning a South African National Park visit from November 2026
The new conservation fees take effect on 01 November 2026. Travellers visiting before that date should use the tariffs applicable to their visit, while those entering parks from November onwards should budget using the 2026/27 schedule.
A few points are worth keeping in mind when planning a trip:
- Check each park's tariff. Daily conservation fees differ between parks and attractions.
- Use the correct visitor category. South African citizens and residents, SADC nationals and other international visitors may pay different rates.
- Budget for children. Children aged two to 11 pay reduced fees, while children under two are exempt.
- Consider a Wild Card. If several participating parks feature in your itinerary, compare the membership cost with the total entrance fees.
- Check additional costs. Conservation fees do not automatically include accommodation, guided activities or separately operated attractions.
- Confirm the latest rates before travelling. SANParks states that fees are subject to change without prior notice.
For travellers planning a self-drive safari or a multi-park itinerary, checking the new fees in advance will help avoid underestimating the overall cost of a trip.
Subscribe for updates:
Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa.
