Key Takeaways
- Adult entry fee is R460 ($27) per day for international visitors
- Accommodation prices start from R285 ($17) per site for camping
- Game drive activities from R402 ($24) per adult
- Golf course fees from R250 ($15) for 9 holes
- Wildcards offer unlimited entry and better value
As a full-time traveler and expert content writer for Safaristef.com, I often get asked about Kruger National Park prices.
Planning a safari in Kruger can be exciting but also requires some budgeting. In this in-depth guide, I will cover everything you need to know about the costs for your Kruger trip.
Kruger Park Entry Fees
The entry fee allows you access to the park for one day.
There are different rates depending on whether you are a local resident, from the SADC region, or an international visitor.
Here are the current standard entry fees per person per day from 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023:
| Visitor | Price per adult per day | Price per child per day |
|---|---|---|
| South African citizen / resident | R115 ($7) | R57 ($3) |
| Southern African Development Community (SADC) citizen* | R230 ($14) | R115 ($7) |
| Foreigners | R460 ($27) | R230 ($14) |
*SADC countries include Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Congo, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
As you can see, the rate for international visitors is R460 ($27) per adult and R230 ($14) per child (aged 2-11 years) per day.
Check out our full guide on Kruger Park entry fees for more details, including the free entry week, and to use our entry fee calculator.
Wild Cards
Another option is to purchase a Wild Card, which gives you unlimited access to Kruger and other parks for a year.
This can work out to be better value, especially if you plan on visiting for several days.
Here are the current Wild Card rates valid until 31 October 2023:
| Visitor | Wild Card | Individual | Couple | Family (2 adults, up to 5 children under 18) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South African citizen / resident, SADC citizen* | SANParks Cluster | R760 ($45) | R1,230 ($73) | R1,475 ($87) |
| South African citizen / resident, SADC citizen* | All Parks Cluster | R790 ($47) | R1,300 ($77) | R1,590 ($94) |
| Foreigners | All Parks Cluster | R3,575 ($212) | R5,585 ($331) | R6,685 ($396) |
*SADC countries include Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Congo, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The All Parks Cluster is the one which includes Kruger National Park access.
As you can see, the All Parks Cluster Wild Card for an individual foreigner is R3,575 ($212).
This could work out cheaper than paying the R460 ($27) day fee if you are staying for more than 8 days.
See the full Wild Card details here.
Day Visitor Prices
In addition to the regular entry fees, day visitors who book in advance also need to pay:
- R50 ($3) per adult
- R25 ($1.50) per child
This extra fee for day visitors is because those staying overnight inside Kruger already contribute to conservation through their accommodation costs.
See our complete guide on visiting Kruger as a day visitor for more details.
Accommodation Prices
The cost of accommodation inside Kruger National Park can vary substantially depending on:
- The rest camp or lodge
- High, low or shoulder season
- Occupancy of the room or site
Here are the lowest accommodation rates currently available:
| Accommodation type | Prices from |
|---|---|
| Camp Site | R285 ($17) |
| Hut | R455 ($27) |
| Safari Tent | R687 ($41) |
| Overnight Hide | R1,015 ($60) |
| Bungalow | R1,089 ($65) |
| Cottage | R1,459 ($87) |
| Skukuza Safari Lodge | R1,961 ($116) |
| Guest House | R6,268 ($372) |
Camping starts from around R285 ($17) per night for a camp site. This does not include linen or kitchenware which you’ll need to bring yourself.
Huts are simple, budget, self-catering rooms with shared ablutions starting from R455 ($27) per night.
The most basic self-catering option with its own bathroom is a safari tent from around R687 ($41) per night.
An overnight hide offers a unique experience in the bush from R1,015 ($60) per night.
Bungalows are self-catering with multiple rooms and bathrooms starting at R1,089 ($65) per night.
Cottages have multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living area from around R1,459 ($87) per night.
One of the higher-end options is Skukuza Safari Lodge with hotel-style rooms and river views from R1,961 ($116) per night.
At the luxury end, you have exclusive guest houses like the Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge from R6,268 ($372) per night.
There are also many lodges and guest houses just outside Kruger in the private reserves which can offer a five-star experience and excellent game viewing.
On Booking.com you can browse accommodation options outside Kruger sorted by price, reviews, star rating and more to find the perfect place for your budget.
Pensioner Discounts
South African citizens or residents over the age of 60 qualify for up to a 50% discount on accommodation. Contact SANParks or the camp directly for details.
Activity Prices
Kruger has a wide selection of activities you can book in advance, from game drives to golf.
Here are the starting prices for some popular guided activities:
| Activity | Prices from |
|---|---|
| 4×4 trails | R1,691 ($100) per vehicle |
| Wilderness trails | R10,570 ($627) per two bed hut |
| Backpacking trails | R3,277 ($194) per person |
| Mountain bike trail | R920 ($55) per adult |
| Morning walk | R687 ($41) per adult |
| River walk | R402 ($24) per adult |
| Afternoon walk | R402 ($24) per adult |
| Sunrise drive | R402 ($24) adult, R201 ($12) child |
| Sunset drive | R402 ($24) adult, R201 ($12) child |
| Night drive | R307 ($18) adult, R153 ($9) child |
Golf Course Fees
Kruger National Park has an 18-hole golf course located a short drive from Skukuza Rest Camp.
Here are the current golf course green fees:
| Category | 9 holes | 18 holes |
|---|---|---|
| South African Golf Association members | R250 ($15) | R320 ($19) |
| Non-members | R300 ($18) | R400 ($24) |
| Club hire | R200 ($12) | R320 ($19) |
Additional costs are:
- Motorized carts
- Pull trolleys
- Caddies
So you can enjoy a round of golf within the park from around R250 ($15) for 9 holes if you are an SA golfer.
Currency Converter
To estimate costs in your home currency, you can use a currency converter tool like xe.com.
For example, R460 converted to USD is approximately $27 at time of writing.
This gives you an idea of the Kruger Park prices in dollars, pounds, euros etc.
FAQs on Kruger National Park Prices
How much does it cost to visit Kruger National Park?
The entry fee per day is R460 ($27) for international adult visitors, R230 ($14) for international children aged 2-11 years (Nov 2022 – Oct 2023). SA residents and SADC nationals pay less.
Alternatively, you can purchase an annual Wild Card for unlimited access from R3,575 ($212) for foreigners.
What is the cheapest Kruger accommodation?
The most budget accommodation option in Kruger is camping, with camp sites starting from around R285 ($17) per night. Backpacker dorms just outside the park are also very affordable.
Do pensioners get a discount at Kruger Park?
Yes, South African pensioners over 60 can get up to 50% discount on accommodation. Always ask about discounts when booking.
How much are game drive activities at Kruger Park?
Guided game drives start from around R400 ($24) per adult and R200 ($12) per child for morning, sunset or night drives. Full day game drive safaris are approximately R1,900 ($113).
What is the most expensive accommodation in Kruger Park?
Luxury lodges and private guest houses located in the park offer the most exclusive and expensive options. Rates for top lodges like Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge start from R6,000+ ($356+) per night.
Does Kruger Park offer family discounts?
When purchasing a Wild Card there are reduced rates available for families of 2 adults and up to 5 children under 18 years old. Family rates start from R1,590 ($94).
How much is golf at Kruger National Park?
You can play golf at the Skukuza course with green fees from R250 ($15) for 9 holes if you are a member of the SA Golf Association, or R300 ($18) for non-members.
Summary
I hope this detailed guide with USD prices gives you all the information you need for budgeting your Kruger safari.
The main costs are:
- Entry fees at R460 ($27) per day
- Accommodation from R285 ($16) for camping
- Activities like game drives from R400 ($22)
Purchasing a Wild Card can work out cheaper if staying for an extended period.
Kruger National Park offers incredible wildlife experiences at reasonable prices compared to many other safari destinations.
With some planning, you can have an affordable African adventure in one of the world’s top game reserves!
Let me know if you have any other questions. I’m always happy to help travelers get the most out of their Kruger trip.