Skukuza - Day visitors planning to go to the Kruger National Park when school holidays start this week have been warned to book early.
Kruger spokesman William Mabasa said day visitors who do not pre-book will be treated on a first come, first served basis. Once the visitor quota is reached, visitors will be turned away.
“We are calling on everyone who is planning to come to the park as a day visitor to please make the necessary arrangements beforehand in order to avoid unnecessary disappointment," Mabasa said on Monday.
Day visitors may pre-book by providing a non-refundable deposit of R30 per adult and R15 per child.
They must arrive by no later than 1pm at the gate and on the date they have chosen, after which the booking lapses.
They will still be charged the normal conservation fees upon arrival.
“All visitors are also reminded to bring along their identity documents or alternative form of identity to avoid problems at the gates," said Mabasa.
He warned that Wild Cards could not be used as a form of identity. Pre-bookings may be done by calling (012) 428-9111.
Mabasa reminded all visitors that they may not bring alcohol into the park.
Mabasa said due to the January floods, picnic sites at Pafuri and Shingwedzi in the Nxanatseni (northern) region of the park were still closed until further notice.
“For now, guests are advised to use Punda Maria, Babalala, Mooiplaas and Makhadzi (south of Mopani),” he said.
The Kruger is also making park and ride facilities available at some gates so that if the quota is exceeded, day visitors can still visit public picnic areas.
"This will cost visitors extra money, but should be better than having to be turned back at the entrance gate,” Mabasa said.
To report any incident at the park, visitors can call the Emergency Call Centre at (013) 735-4325. – SAnews.gov.za
