Cash or card? What you need to know about paying inside Kruger

Visitors planning a trip to Kruger National Park should make sure they have a bank card available, as card payments are an important part of the park’s payment system.

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While visitors may still be able to use cash for certain transactions, they should not rely on it as their only payment method. The park has limited cash withdrawal facilities, and some payment points operate on a cash-free basis.

Here is what to know before arriving.

Can you pay by card inside Kruger?

According to SANParks, card payments are accepted at key facilities throughout the park. In 2021, it introduced cash-free payment systems at a number of facilities, including entrance gates and fuel stations. The system was introduced to reduce cash handling and make transactions more convenient for visitors.

Visitors are encouraged to use online pre-booking and card payment facilities where available, rather than relying on cash when they arrive.

It’s also a good idea to carry a bank card that is enabled for use in South Africa, particularly if you are travelling from overseas.

Can you use cash or CARDS at Kruger’s petrol stations?

SANParks’ Kruger petrol and diesel information states that fuel stations accept legitimate petrol, fuel and garage cards, Visa and Mastercard, as well as cash.

This means visitors have more than one payment option when filling up at the park’s fuel stations.

However, visitors should still carry a bank card as their primary payment method, particularly because payment arrangements can differ between facilities.

Are there ATMs inside Kruger National Park?

Unfortunately, cash withdrawal facilities are limited. According to SANParks, the park has ATMs at:

• Skukuza Rest Camp
• Letaba Rest Camp

There is also a bank at Skukuza, which is open on weekdays and on Saturday mornings.

Visitors should not expect to find ATMs at every main camp or entrance gate. Those travelling to more remote parts of the park should plan accordingly.

Can you pay by card at the shops and restaurants?

The main rest camps have shops and restaurant or cafeteria facilities, and visitors should be prepared to use card payments for purchases.

SANParks’ broader cash-free payment policy encourages card payments for trade and tourism activities in its parks.

However, visitors should not assume that every facility will have identical payment arrangements. If you are visiting a smaller outlet or a remote facility, it is worth checking with the camp beforehand.

Therefore, taking a small amount of cash as a backup may be useful, but it should not be your main payment plan.

Visitors should make sure they have a working bank card and enough available funds for fuel, food, shopping and other expenses.

Those travelling with international bank cards should also check with their bank about foreign transaction fees and whether their card is enabled for international use.

A few payment tips before your trip

There are a few simple steps that can make paying for things inside Kruger easier.

Pay for your conservation fees in advance: Visitors can book and pay online through SANParks’ reservation system, reducing the need to make a payment at the gate.

Carry a backup card: If your primary bank card is lost, damaged or declined, having another payment option can be useful.

Do not rely on withdrawing cash inside the park: With ATMs only listed at Skukuza and Letaba, visitors may have limited options if they run out of cash elsewhere.

Keep your payment slips: SANParks advises visitors using card payments in its cash-free parks to request and keep their card machine receipts as proof of payment.

The easiest approach is to arrive with your main expenses planned, a working bank card and a little cash for situations where it may be useful.

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