SANParks Increases its Daily Conservation Fees for Twenty One National Parks to Support Maintenance and Wildlife Conservation in South Africa

Published on October 18, 2025

SANParks (South African National Parks) has gazetted a substantial hike in its daily conservation fees on all 21 national parks nationwide, effective from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026. The new fees, with fee changes from R30 to R70 per person per day, form part of an annual review to balance park charges with escalating operational expenses, maintenance requirements, and conservation priorities. These developments will have an influence on local tourists and overseas travelers scheduling holidays to South Africa’s famous national parks.

Fee Increases for Iconic National Parks

Among the national parks seeing the most notable increases are some of the most visited destinations in South Africa, including Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, and Table Mountain National Park. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key fee adjustments:

• Kruger National Park: The international adult rate will increase from R535 to R602 per day.
• Addo Elephant National Park: Fees for adults will rise from R437 to R492 per day.
• Table Mountain National Park: The fee for access to the Cape of Good Hope section will go up from R455 to R515.

Other parks also face increases, such as:

• Augrabies Falls National Park: The fee will increase from R293 to R325 per day.
• West Coast National Park: During the flower season, the fee will rise from R272 to R306.

These increases are intended to cover the growing costs associated with park operations and ensure the sustainability of the parks and their surrounding environments.

The Impact of Fee Increases on Visitors

While the fee hikes are necessary for maintaining and improving the national parks, they may have a direct impact on visitors. Here’s how the adjustments will affect local travelers, international tourists, and tour operators:

Local Visitors

For South African citizens, the fee increases could mean higher travel costs for those planning to visit national parks in the next year. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to Addo Elephant National Park or a holiday in Kruger National Park, the updated fees will directly affect the overall cost of the trip. Local visitors who frequent these parks for family holidays, game drives, and nature walks will need to budget accordingly.

International Tourists

For international tourists, the increases in conservation fees will make a more significant difference, as they are already factoring in travel expenses such as flights, accommodation, and safari tour packages. The updated rates at popular parks like Kruger and Table Mountain could make these trips more costly. However, visitors to South Africa’s national parks will still find the experience to be reasonably priced when compared to other global wildlife tourism destinations, with South Africa offering world-class safari experiences and breathtaking landscapes at competitive rates.

The revised fees could influence international tourists’ decision-making, especially those on tighter budgets. However, the fees also reflect the investment required to protect South Africa’s rich biodiversity and to maintain the wildlife habitats that attract millions of visitors each year. Conservation is at the heart of these fee adjustments, and while the increase may impact costs, it also ensures the parks remain operational and vibrant for future generations.

Tour Operators and Travel Agencies

For tour operators and travel agencies that offer safaris and guided tours within the parks, the fee increases will likely affect the pricing of their tour packages. Operators will need to factor in the new fees when quoting for travel itineraries. This could lead to slight price increases for their customers, especially for multi-park itineraries or longer stays. It’s essential for tour operators to communicate these changes clearly to their clients to ensure transparency and avoid any surprises.

While the increase in fees may raise concerns for some travelers, it’s worth noting that the additional funds raised will directly contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of park infrastructure, wildlife conservation programs, and the development of community-based projects surrounding the parks.

How the Increased Fees Benefit Conservation and the Local Community

The fee increases aren’t just a matter of covering rising costs; they are crucial to maintaining the quality of visitor experiences and ensuring sustainable tourism. Here’s how the changes benefit conservation efforts and local communities:

Supporting Wildlife Conservation

The money raised from the updated fees will directly support wildlife protection programs, such as anti-poaching initiatives, wildlife monitoring, and habitat restoration projects. National parks like Kruger are home to endangered species such as rhinos, lions, and elephants, and the funds raised will contribute to preserving these animals’ habitats and ensuring their future survival. SANParks has long been committed to preserving the rich biodiversity of South Africa, and the increase in fees will help fund essential conservation activities across the country.

Enhancing Visitor Services and Park Infrastructure

The income from these increases also goes toward improving visitor facilities and park infrastructure, ensuring that tourists have a comfortable and informative experience. From better interpretation centers to improved accommodation and transportation options within the parks, the increased fees will directly enhance the quality of safari experiences. Furthermore, the conservation income will help develop educational programs and guided tours to help visitors better understand the importance of conservation.

Promoting Local Community Engagement

A significant portion of the increased fees will also benefit local communities living near the parks. SANParks has a strong focus on community-based tourism, and the funds generated will support job creation, training programs, and local business development. By involving local communities in park management and conservation activities, SANParks fosters a sense of ownership and stewardship among those who live closest to the national parks.

Planning for 2025-2026 Travel in South Africa

For tourists and tour companies organizing safari tours to South Africa’s national parks for 2025-2026, it’s important to include the higher conservation fees when making plans for safari tours and other activities within the parks. Since the new rates have now been confirmed, visitors are urged to organize their visits beforehand and plan their travel budgets in advance accordingly. The increased charges guarantee that South Africa’s national parks continue to be sustainable, accessible, and thriving, as well as supporting vital conservation programs and local communities.