SANParks.org Forums

I find it quite perplexing that one should so often see how people have problems in either obtaining membership of wildcard or to renew it , or to receive the card after applying for a new one. And that the same type of problems keep on recurring

I am also currently experiencing problems in renewing my wildcard . My card expired on 23rd March and when I go online to renew it , firstly I have to login , and then confirm all my details ( they have not changed ) . But one of the compulsory fields to complete is my passport number - this despite having verified and reverified my SA identity number . Then I am required to enter my partners ID number , but every time I submit it , somehow , somewhere it does not match with some unknown number somewhere on file

And the whole darn thing freezes up , and I have to start up all over again .

You know , last year , I had similar problems to renew my wildcard , and in the end , I just ignored the whole shambles , and purchased a new card without any further problems .

So , my question : Is that what we have to do every time when the wildcard expires ?
That is , should one then just buy a new one - seems rather stupid to me
But , if that needs to be done , so be it of course

We should summarise all excuses given since 2010, in chronological order

I had the same problem when renewing my card online... It might be easier to renew the card on your next visit to a park.

I renewed mine when we checked in at Skukuza (KNP). Was very quick and a lot less frustrating than doing it online!

That is okay if you are going into the KNP. My card needs renewing and I want to use it at some of the Ezemvelo reserves before my Kruger visit in August. Can one renew one's card at one of the participating members?.
I also want to add two more children to my card.
I hope I am not going to experience further complications.

I`m not sure..maybe one of the mods can help you?

Well not at Ezemvelo KZN as they have their own gold rhino card. (As they are busy changing their system you can buy access for 3months quite cheaply.)

I can only shake my head and also

This weekend , we went to Tankwa National Park , and , because my wildcard had expired , asked the nice ladies at reception to renew my card .

First of all , apparently the number of my wildcard was not valid , and the computer kept on rejecting it .
Then , the computer program " hung -up " .
After about 20 minutes , and many abortive attempts , I was eventually asked to pay the fee - R570 for a " all-clusters couple card " .
Got my receipt and hunky-dory , I should receive my usual confirmation by e.mail , which I got today , on my return home .

Guess what ?

It appears that a NEW CARD , with NEW NUMBER is to be issued , and some time in the future ( we know it takes forever ) , I will receive my new card in the post ----- This , all according to the e.mail received .

Does anyone at Sanparks Wildcard desk actually understand and know what they are doing

And what with the current level of postal theft and the ongoing postal strike, you should get your card about three days after it expires

I have found that the easiest method of attaining the benefits of a wild card is to apply for a new card on my annual pilgrimage to the Kruger, and keeping the paperwork in the cubby of my car, should I ever need the use of it at an alternate park during the year.
Things worked out well for me this time around. I did receive my card a few months before expiry.

I gave up trying to renew my card and just bought a new one on line. I have my confirmation letter and hopefully I will receive my new card within 30 days from application as stated.

From the posts here it appears there is a world of difference between online and face to face.

My own experience of personally renewing my wildcard at the Knysna Sanparks office has been very good.
This was my second renewal.
Went from a single to a couples card without a hassle and even kept the same card and number.
All completed within a few minutes and my confirmation letter was in my inbox the same morning.

No help to those who cannot visit a Sanparks office themselves and I sympathise with your frustrations.

Go figure