Kruger National Park is preparing for what may be one of its busiest holiday periods in years, supported by major upgrades to accommodation, improved tourism offerings, and a renewed commitment to visitor safety.
According to an article by Bush Buck Ridge News, during a media briefing at Skukuza on Monday, Commercial Manager Thabo Tlalanyane outlined how these developments are helping the park maintain its strong post-COVID recovery while elevating the overall guest experience.
Tlalanyane confirmed that SANParks is rolling out 86 newly designed bungalows as part of phase four of its ongoing redevelopment plan. He explained that many aging units had deteriorated over time, prompting the need for a more modern and consistent standard of accommodation.
“We used to have challenges of old bungalows being dilapidated… and management saw it fit that we actually get to introduce the new designs. We’re currently rolling out phase four, where we are working on 86 new developments,” he said.
Visitor numbers are expected to surge from mid-December, and Kruger is preparing to accommodate up to 8,400 guests per day.
Holiday stays typically range from three to ten nights, though some families remain in the park for a month or more.
Local tourists remain the park’s strongest market segment, and 2024 saw South Africans account for 71.4% of all visitors, with more than 1.3 million domestic entries recorded.
Tlalanyane emphasized that this continued local support has played a major role in stabilizing park finances after pandemic-related disruptions.
With the festive rush approaching, SANParks is increasing its enforcement of long-standing rules to ensure safe and responsible behaviour.
Speeding remains one of the most common violations, often caused by visitors rushing toward wildlife sightings, and has resulted in road kills and serious safety risks.
“We have issues of people speeding when they come into the park… you get road kills. Sometimes they knock off our animals,” Tlalanyane said.
He also reiterated that drones are strictly prohibited and noted that several recent drone-related incidents have been escalated to management.
While SANParks awaits approval for ranger-operated drone patrols, visitors remain barred from flying drones anywhere in or over the park.
Officers are also clamping down on overcrowding at sightings, children leaning out of vehicle windows, and blocked viewpoints — all behaviours that compromise safety and visitor enjoyment.
Tlalanyane praised ongoing government investment in infrastructure upgrades and encouraged more public and private organisations to hold conferences inside the park.
Kruger’s conference centre can host up to 500 delegates and features four breakaway rooms.
“This is a product for all South Africans and all Africans as a whole,” he said, urging broader use of Kruger’s facilities.
High-profile gatherings, including recent G20 meetings, have significantly boosted occupancy and revenue, contributing to one of SANParks’ strongest financial years lately.
This news highlights Kruger National Park strengthening its facilities and safety measures, offering travellers an enhanced and secure outdoor and wildlife experience.