Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest national park, is about a 4–6 hour drive from Johannesburg, and you can drive yourself through it; no tour needed. Chinese passport holders pay the international rate: R602 per adult per day (valid until 31 October 2026), rising to R692 from 1 November 2026 (roughly RMB 280). South African residents who show valid ID pay the local rate. Kruger is in a malaria area, with the highest risk from November to April.
Entry (conservation) fees
Kruger charges a Daily Conservation Fee for every day in the park, including days you stay overnight. SANParks’ official rates:
| Visitor category | 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2026 | 1 Nov 2026 – 31 Oct 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| International (including Chinese passports), adult / child (2–11) | R602 / R300 | R692 / R345 |
| SADC nationals, adult / child | R275 / R137 | R296 / R147 |
| South African citizens and residents (ID required), adult / child | R134 / R67 | R140 / R70 |
- Residents can buy a SANParks WILD Card, an annual pass that waives conservation fees when you show it with ID; good value for frequent visitors. Check SANParks for prices.
- Whether a Chinese national with South African permanent residence or another permit qualifies as a “resident” depends on the documents SANParks accepts at the gate; ask in advance.
- Accommodation (rest camp huts, campsites) is booked separately from entry. Book months ahead for peak season and holidays on the SANParks website.
Getting there from Johannesburg: the nine gates
| Gate | Nearest town | Route from Johannesburg | Distance (SANParks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malelane | Malelane | N4 via Witbank and Nelspruit | about 428 km |
| Numbi | White River | N4 to Nelspruit, then R40 | about 411 km |
| Phabeni | Hazyview | N4 to Nelspruit, R40 to Hazyview | about 430 km |
| Paul Kruger (near Skukuza) | Hazyview | As above | about 460 km |
| Crocodile Bridge | Komatipoort | N4 to Komatipoort | about 475 km |
| Orpen | Klaserie | Via Lydenburg and Ohrigstad | about 490 km |
| Phalaborwa | Phalaborwa | N1 to Polokwane, R71 via Tzaneen | about 490 km |
| Punda Maria | Louis Trichardt | N1 to Louis Trichardt, then R524 | about 550 km |
| Pafuri | Musina | N1 to Musina, then R525 | about 600 km |
First-timers usually choose a southern gate (Malelane, Numbi, Phabeni or Paul Kruger): good roads, more animals and more camps. You can also fly to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport near Mbombela and hire a car. Before setting off, see our Johannesburg city guide.
Gate times
Driving after dark is not allowed; you must be inside a camp or out of the park before closing. As of October 2026, SANParks lists gate times roughly as: November–February 05:30–18:30; March 05:30–18:00; April 06:00–18:00; May–July 06:00–17:30; August–September 06:00–18:00; October 05:30–18:00. Camp gates may open earlier in summer. Times change, so check before you go. Gate to camp can take two or three hours, so plan with a margin.
Self-drive rules
- Get out only at designated places, and keep every part of your body inside the windows and sunroof.
- Never feed animals or deliberately disturb them; it is a serious offence.
- Stay on designated roads, no off-road driving; obey the posted speed limits, which are lower on gravel.
- No drones; day visitors may not bring alcohol into the park; firearms must be declared and sealed at the gate.
- Arriving back after gate closing can get you a fine.
- For driving on a Chinese licence, see can I drive in South Africa with a Chinese licence.
Malaria
Kruger is in a malaria area. SANParks says the risk peaks from November to April, at the end of the summer rains, and is generally low otherwise. See a doctor before you go about prophylaxis (SANParks lists doxycycline, atovaquone/proguanil and mefloquine, all with side effects), and cover up and use repellent from dusk to dawn. Any unexplained fever 12–35 days after your trip needs prompt medical attention; tell the doctor you were in a malaria area. SANParks’ 24-hour malaria hotline: +27 82 234 1800. For health cover, see choosing medical aid.
Best time to go
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dry winter | May–September | Thin vegetation and animals gathering at water make sightings easiest; cold mornings, fewer mosquitoes, lower malaria risk |
| Wet summer | November–March | Green landscapes, baby animals and great birding; hot, afternoon thunderstorms, higher malaria risk |
| Shoulder | April, October | Pleasant temperatures, though October heats up; school holidays bring crowds |
Along the way
On the way back, Mbombela (Nelspruit) makes a good overnight stop; the Riverside Mall has the licensed Emnotweni casino hotel and plenty of restaurants. Only licensed land-based casinos are legal in South Africa, and online casinos are illegal; see our gambling guide. More trips in our travel section.
FAQ
Which fee do I pay with a Chinese passport?
The international rate: R602 per adult per day until 31 October 2026 and R692 from 1 November. Residents with valid South African ID or permits may qualify for the local rate.
Do I need a 4×4?
No. The main southern roads are mostly tarred and fine for a normal car; drive slowly on gravel and watch conditions in the rainy season.
Must I take malaria tablets?
Not necessarily. It depends on the season, length of stay and your health; ask a doctor before you travel.
Can I do Kruger as a day trip?
Possible, but it is 4–6 hours each way from Johannesburg, so stay at least one or two nights.