Park Access

Gates & Opening Times

Plan your entry and exit. Know your gate times, gate locations, and what to do if you're running late.

This Month

March Gate Times

Opens
05:30
Closes
18:00
Plan to arrive 30 min early

Gate Times by Month

All major gates. Times may vary slightly — confirm on SANParks.org before your trip.

MonthOpensCloses
January05:3018:30
February05:3018:30
MarchCurrent05:3018:00
April06:0018:00
May06:0017:30
June06:0017:30
July06:0017:30
August06:0018:00
September06:0018:00
October05:3018:00
November05:3018:30
December05:3018:30

All Park Gates

Phabeni Gate

South

Hazyview (R536) → Skukuza / Lower Sabie

No fuel or shop on site

Paul Kruger Gate

South

Hazyview (R536) → Skukuza

Numbi Gate

South

White River (R538) → Pretoriuskop

Malelane Gate

South

Malelane (N4) → Berg-en-Dal / Biyamiti

Crocodile Bridge Gate

South

Komatipoort (R571) → Lower Sabie

Orpen Gate

Central

Klaserie / Hoedspruit → Satara

Phalaborwa Gate

Central

Phalaborwa (R71) → Letaba

Giriyondo Gate

Central

Hoedspruit (border post) → Mozambique / Limpopo NP

International border gate — passport required

Punda Maria Gate

North

Thohoyandou (R524) → Punda Maria Camp

Pafuri Gate (Parfuri)

North

Limpopo (R525) → Pafuri / Crooks Corner

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I'm not at a gate before closing time?

This is treated as a serious rule violation. SANParks rangers will be called and you will be escorted out — you may also be fined. Always plan to arrive at a gate at least 30 minutes before closing.

Can I drive between camps after gate closing time?

No. The closing times apply to all camp gates as well, not just the park entrance gates. Once the gates close, you must already be inside your booked camp for the night. You cannot be on any road within the park after closing time.

Do all gates open and close at the same time?

The times above apply to most main gates. Some gates (e.g. Pafuri, Giriyondo) may have different hours. Always check the latest times on the SANParks website before your trip.

Is there a gate open 24 hours?

No. All gates close at sunset or shortly after. There is no 24-hour access gate in Kruger National Park.

Where is the nearest airport to each gate?

Skukuza Airport (FASK) is inside the park near Paul Kruger Gate. Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) is closest to Orpen Gate. Phalaborwa Airport (PHW) is adjacent to Phalaborwa Gate. KMIA (Nelspruit/Mpumalanga) serves the southern gates.

Do I need to pre-book my gate entry?

You need a valid SANParks reservation for accommodation, but day visitors do not need to pre-book entry. However, booking accommodation in advance is strongly recommended, especially in peak season.