Mbombela - Day visitors to the Kruger National Park are advised either to book their trips beforehand or arrive very early at the gates to avoid disappointment.
Park spokesperson William Mabasa said day visitor quotas varied from gate to gate and also depended on how fully booked the park was.
"Gates such as Phalaborwa allow 550 visitors per day, while smaller ones like Pafuri can take in only 330 people. We do this to minimise the possibility of environmental damage caused by too many people and, of course, to reduce overcrowding," said Mabasa.
"People planning a day visit should remember that entrance is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, or they should pre-book their entrance via central reservations on (012) 428 9111."
Mabasa said an increase had been noted this week in day visitors using the Paul Kruger, Malalane, Crocodile Bridge and Phalaborwa gates.
"But once the daily visitor quota has been reached, only people with bookings are allowed in," he warned, adding that all gates were open between 5:30am and 6:30pm daily.
He also warned visitors against unruly behaviour.
"Some of the most annoying trends our law enforcement officers have noticed lately were people playing loud music in their cars and throwing out liquor bottles and trash. Visitors come to the park to experience its beauty in peace and quiet, and these noise and litter infringements are a contravention of our rules and will not be tolerated," he said.
Between December 1 and 15, a total of 160 speeding fines were issued to motorists in the park, which has a speed limit of 50km/h on tar and 40km/h on gravel roads.
