Kruger National Park Gate Times
Visitors are only allowed to drive around the Kruger in daylight. Gates open and close early, and the park takes the schedule seriously - this is in the best interest of the wildlife. Hefty fines are issued upon late arrival at the gate's closing times, so please treat these hours with respect.
Plan to be back at your gate/camp at least 15 minutes before closing to account for surprise wildlife encounters on your way back.
Gate and Camp Times
Below are the standard gate and camp times used for Kruger trip planning. Times vary according to the seasons, so ensure that you double-check your times.
Monthly Schedule
| Month | Gates Open | Gates Close | Camps Open | Camps Close |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 05:30 | 18:30 | 04:30 | 18:30 |
| February | 05:30 | 18:30 | 05:30 | 18:30 |
| March | 05:30 | 18:00 | 05:30 | 18:00 |
| April | 06:00 | 18:00 | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| May | 06:00 | 17:30 | 06:00 | 17:30 |
| June | 06:00 | 17:30 | 06:00 | 17:30 |
| July | 06:00 | 17:30 | 06:00 | 17:30 |
| August | 06:00 | 18:00 | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| September | 06:00 | 18:00 | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| October | 05:30 | 18:00 | 05:30 | 18:00 |
| November | 05:30 | 18:30 | 04:30 | 18:30 |
| December | 05:30 | 18:30 | 04:30 | 18:30 |
Our tips
- Aim to be on the road at sunrise and sunset: the best sightings often occur during these hours, as animals are either waking up/returning from their night of hunting, or are settling down for the night/beginning the hunt.
- Do not try to cover too much distance in a day: driving speed is limited to 50km/h on tar roads and 40km/h on gravel roads, but even that is too fast. The best game viewing occurs when one drives slowly and quietly.
- Want after-hours wildlife viewing? Book a guided SANParks night drive — it’s the safe, legal way to do it.
Safety Reminders
- Don’t try to “beat the clock” at the end of the day — fines aside, it’s not worth the risk.
- Night driving is not allowed for self-drivers.
- Carry water, keep your phone charged, and have a basic plan for the day. The bush is not to be taken lightly!
Contact Information
For the most up-to-date information on gate times and park regulations, please contact Kruger National Park directly or visit the official SANParks website.