Entrance Fee via Phabeni Gate

[singhashish08]

Hello All,

Hope you are doing well.
This is Ashish and planning to visit to Kruger in Dec'23. This is the first time, i will be visiting, hence i feel this is a bit overwhelming. have couple of queries, where i would request your help:

1. We plan to stay within Kruger at Skukuza camp, will entrance fee still be applicable? if yes, how much and how do i make the payment for the same?
2. is there anything else to keep in mind considering, we will be visiting in Dec'23?

Thank you
Ashish

[Elsa]

Warm welcome to the forum Ashish!

Apart from your accommodation fees you will pay a daily conservation or entrance fee per night in the park.

Daily conservation Fees

You can also buy a Wild card but unless you are staying Kruger or one of the other national parks for more than 5 to 6 days it will be better to just pay the daily conservation fees.

When is Our Wild Card Cost Effective

[singhashish08]

Thank you so much Elsa for your help here. can we pay the daily conservation fee at the camp or at the gate directly? also, is there any difference in the daily conservation fee for day travelers and for those who are staying within Kruger?

[Elsa]

Ashish,

You can pay the conservation fees a few ways, either by adding it on when booking your accommodation or at the camp or gate when checking in.

There is no difference in the conservation fees between day visitors and overnight guests.
Day visitors pay per day and overnight guests per night in the park.

is there anything else to keep in mind considering, we will be visiting in Dec'23?

It will be pretty hot at that time of year so just be aware of that.
Get yourself a map book as soon as checking in so you will be able to navigate yourself around the park plus they have all sorts of other details like camp gate closing and opening times to help make your trip easier.

Please do ask if there is anything else you would like to know.

[singhashish08]

Hi Elsa,

We are so thankful for all the instructions and help. Since we would be entering from Phabeni gate, would you also help us in sharing some of the best camps to book and any online platform we can book it through? Apologies for so many questions, you have been super helpful.

[Elsa]

Ashish, I think you need to let us know how long you are wanting to stay in the park then we can have a better idea of what to suggest but basically if you are a first timer I generally advise you to stay more in the south of the park, like Skukuza which is a very good camp.
It has all the facilities, has a good road network to traverse but its best to not stay more than say 2 or 3 nights in one camp and then move onto a different one in another area, like Crocodile bridge, or Berg and Dal, Pretoriuskop and even Satara which is more north but also a good area.

You can also book in several ways, either On line which you need to register for or by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or by calling the reservations office.

Booking Methods

[singhashish08]

Thank you Elsa for such insights.
we plan to stay for 2 days within the park and keeping one day for Panorama route. Skukuza seems to be the right place to stay as advised by you. please suggest if there are any other option nearer to Phabeni gate or we should move ahead with Skukuza?

[bueri_6033]

Hi ashish
If you stay only 2 days (3 nights) in Kruger I would recommand to stay at Skukuza and not change the camp.
From Phabeni Gate to Skukuza you have the opportunity to make the first self drived game drive.
For the surroundings of Skukuza have a look here:

Kruger south

For two days I would recommand to visit one or two times the beautiful Lake Panic Hide. One day I would made a self drive to the Tshokwane picnic site, the other day a drive to the Afsaal picnic site. In the morning or in the evening you can book a guided sunrise or sunset drive.

Around Skukuza you will find many roads. Enjoy your trip,

[singhashish08]

Thank you so so so much for all the information. This is really helpful.

We have made the booking in Skukuza Safari Lodge and received the reservation confirmation number. Is there any need for re-confirmation with camp? or should we start packing the bag to enjoy the game

[Elsa]

Once you have your confirmation # then you are good to go and just enjoy the trip and time in the park.