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Cash Free Payments

SANParks will be going cash free from 1 September 2021 in certain parks.

The cash free payment system will be implemented in a two-phased approach. 12 national parks will implement the system during 2021/2022 and the remaining parks will implement it during 2022/2023.

Clients are encouraged to make use of pre-bookings payment systems and/or speed point payment in parks.

All trade and tourism activities will be cash free.

Clients must request a cash slip/merchant card machine receipt when paying with a card as proof of payment.

Benefits of the cash free system:

  • Minimize cash handling risks
  • Improve customer convenience
  • Reduce peak time congestion

Frequently Asked Questions

Which parks will no longer accept cash as from 1 September 2021?

The following parks will implement the Cash Free payment system during 2021/2022:

  • Addo Elephant National Park
  • Agulhas National Park
  • Camdeboo National Park
  • Garden Route National Park (consisting of Knysna, Wilderness and Tsitsikamma Sections)
  • Golden Gate Highlands National Park
  • Mapungubwe National Park
  • Mountain Zebra National Park
  • Namaqua National Park
  • Table Mountain National Park
  • Tankwa Karoo National Park
  • West Coast National Park
  • |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Which cards will be accepted?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Diner’s Club and American Express cards.

Will the Cash Free parks accept international cards?

Yes, international cards will be accepted.

What is the benefits of implementing a Cash Free payment system?

A Cash Free payment system will reduce the risks associated with handling cash and reduce contact time at entry points.

Will Cash Free payment system create queues and impact the time it takes to get into a park?

No. The Cash Free payment system will reduce the contact time at entry points, particularly during peak times. This will cut down on queueing time.

Will activity payments also be cash-free?

Yes all trade and tourism activities will be cash free. Clients are encouraged to make use of pre-booking payment systems and/or speed point payment systems in parks, for all transactions.

Will visitors be turned away if they only have cash available?

No, as of 1 September 2021, cash free payments will be preferred while cash payments are phased out. As from 31 December 2021 though, no cash will be accepted in the stipulated parks.

How will issues such as poor network/connectivity and power outages affect the implementation of a Cash Free payment system?

In areas where electricity and connectivity is a challenge, solar power will be installed to ensure there is signal for the network.

If the payment system at a park is offline, and a visitor does not have cash available, how will the park facilitate payments?

The park will make use of a manual card approval process.

How do I book and pay online?

Visitors can book and pay online via Online Bookings.

Contact

For more information, please contact: