Payments and Currency in South Africa
The currency used in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard in particular) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and at most tourism-related facilities, including within Kruger National Park. Contactless and chip-enabled cards are standard. While small amounts of cash may be useful for minor purchases, tips, or smaller vendors, visitors generally do not need to carry large sums of cash.
Internet & Connectivity
Internet access will be available within the conference facilities.
A dedicated Wi-Fi network will be provided for conference use in the main meeting venues to support presentations and general academic activities (but probably not suitable for large data uploads or downloads).
Wi-Fi availability outside the conference venues may vary, and mobile data is recommended as a supplementary option for personal use.
Mobile data for personal use
For personal communication and practical use such as WhatsApp, email, light internet browsing, and navigation to and within the park, delegates may find mobile data to be a convenient supplementary option during their stay.
Vodacom and MTN provide 3G/4G coverage in the Skukuza area, with generally good signal strength within the rest camp.
International delegates may purchase a local SIM card at OR Tambo International Airport upon arrival, or use an international eSIM service (such as Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly). Mobile data should be considered a supplementary option for personal communication and not a replacement for the dedicated internet provided within conference venues.
Offline maps are recommended when travelling within the park.
Power sockets & electricity
South Africa uses a 220–230 V / 50 Hz electricity supply. The standard wall socket is the three-pin South African plug (Type M).
Many hotels and conference venues, including facilities at Skukuza, provide multi-standard sockets that can accommodate European two-pin plugs. However, this cannot be guaranteed in all rooms or buildings.
Delegates are therefore advised to bring a universal travel adapter or a South Africa (Type M) plug adapter for their electronic devices. These can be obtained at OR Tambo Airport.
Offline maps and navigation apps
Delegates may find the following apps useful, depending on their device, as they provide offline maps and practical information for navigating within Kruger National Park. Availability and functionality may vary by device and app version.
KrugerGuide (Android Only) – offline park maps, roads, rest camps, and facilities
Maps.me (Android & iOS) – offline navigation and basic mapping within the park
Conservation Fees & Wild Cards
All visitors to Kruger National Park are required to pay a daily conservation fee. The fee is charged per person, per day, regardless of the number of times you enter or exit the park during your stay. Fees vary depending on nationality (International, SADC, or South African resident).
For international visitors, the current daily conservation fee is R602 per person per day (subject to change). The SANParks Wild Card (International – All Parks Cluster, Individual) currently costs R4 680, which covers unlimited access to all participating SANParks national parks and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase.
Delegates planning to stay eight days or longer may wish to consider purchasing a SANParks Wild Card, which may be more cost-effective for extended stays.
A link for the pre-purchase of SANParks Wild Cards will be provided to help avoid delays during on-site registration. Please ensure that you select the correct category:
Please note that the selected category will affect the price. Purchasing a Wild Card for the duration of your stay is typically more cost-effective than paying the daily Conservation Fee and will also facilitate smoother entry into the Park.
For information on SANParks Conservation Fees and Wild Cards categories (including options for couples and families, please refer to the SANParks Website.
Malaria Advisory
Kruger National Park is located in a malaria-risk area, although the risk is generally low and seasonal. Delegates are advised to consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic well in advance of travel to determine whether malaria prophylaxis is recommended based on individual circumstances. The Kruger park had above-average rainfall and wide-spread flooding this summer, increasing the number of mosquitos in the Park.
As an additional precaution, the use of mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers during the early morning and evening hours is advised.
Visitor-focused information is available from SANParks and medical information here. We advise delegates to consult their doctor or medical practitioner on this matter
Climate
While daytime temperatures in Kruger National Park are generally mild to warm during winter, early morning and evening temperatures can be surprisingly cold. Guided game drives typically depart before sunrise or return after sunset, and are conducted in open safari vehicles, where wind exposure can significantly increase the chill factor. During the winter months, early morning temperatures may drop to single digits (°C), particularly in June, July, and August.
Delegates are strongly advised to pack warm layers, including:
These layers can easily be removed later in the day as temperatures rise.
What to Pack
Recommended Packing List:
Camera (with spare batteries or memory cards)
Binoculars (highly recommended for game and bird viewing)
Field guides for wildlife and bird identification
Mosquito repellent
Malaria medication, where prescribed or recommended
Comfortable walking shoes, preferably closed (especially for nature walks or daytime activities)
Hat and sunscreen for daytime outdoor activities or walking
