South Africa to Raise Park Fees for Foreigners

International tourists will face higher daily conservation costs at national parks starting 1 November 2026.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in National Parks

South Africa to Raise Park Fees for Foreigners

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South African National Parks is set to increase daily conservation fees for foreign visitors by approximately 15 percent beginning 1 November 2026. This new rate structure will remain in effect through 31 October 2027 across the agency's 21 national parks.

Why it matters

The annual adjustment is part of the standard operating procedure for SANParks to manage its conservation mandate. These changes update the visitor costs for iconic destinations while maintaining a lower fee threshold for local residents.

Foreign adult daily fees are set at R692 for Kruger National Park, R592 for Cape Point, and R282 for the Boulders penguin colony. Children aged 2 to 11 are charged approximately half of these adult rates.

The players

SANParks

South African National Parks is the statutory body responsible for managing and protecting the country's system of 21 national parks.

The details

The rate hikes apply to the 21 national parks operated by SANParks, where visitors pay a per-person daily fee to access park grounds. While international visitors face an average 15 percent increase, South African residents will see more modest adjustments to their entry costs.

1 November 2026: New conservation fees for foreign visitors take effect.
31 October 2027: Expiration of the 2026/27 national park rate card.

Travel Outlook

The SANParks conservation fee structure serves as the primary mechanism for funding wildlife protection, and this update follows the established annual cycle of fee adjustments. As an institution, SANParks continuously balances revenue generation with the goal of managing South Africa's diverse ecosystems.

International travellers should adjust their travel budgets to account for the new R692 daily fee at Kruger National Park and other higher costs. Visitors should also look for future announcements regarding Wild Card pricing, which has not yet been updated for the new term.

The takeaway

Travellers planning trips to South African parks should confirm current rates before booking to ensure their budgets are accurate. Checking the official SANParks site before travel remains the best way to account for fluctuating conservation fees and potential visitor quotas.