A groundbreaking pilot project launches this May, allowing travellers to explore both Kruger and Gonarezhou National Parks through a single, unforgettable wilderness experience
The dream of traversing multiple African national parks in one seamless journey has become reality with the approval of an innovative cross-border tourism facility linking South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park with Zimbabwe’s pristine Gonarezhou National Park. This pioneering initiative, set to launch on 1 May 2025, represents a significant milestone in regional tourism cooperation and conservation efforts.
Ministers of Home Affairs from both nations—Dr Leon Schreiber for South Africa through the Border Management Authority and Hon. Kazembe Kazembe for Zimbabwe—have greenlit this ambitious pilot project, which will operate through the Pafuri-Sengwe corridor within the magnificent Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA).
A Conservation Vision Realised
The GLTFCA, spanning across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, represents one of Africa’s most ambitious conservation initiatives. This new crossing transforms the theoretical concept of borderless wilderness into a tangible reality for nature enthusiasts. The pilot programme offers travellers an unprecedented opportunity to experience the continuity of African ecosystems as they were meant to be—without the artificial barriers of political boundaries.
“This initiative is truly a game-changer for safari tourism,” explains the announcement. The crossing allows visitors to follow ancient elephant migration corridors, witness the natural flow of wildlife across landscapes, and experience the raw authenticity of Southern African wilderness on an entirely new scale.
How It Works
Operating exclusively during the 2025 season from 1 May to 30 November (subject to river levels), the crossing functions on a carefully managed schedule. The facility operates twice weekly maximum, with crossings permitted only between 11:00 and 15:00, exclusively for 4×4 vehicles.
The experience requires commitment and planning. Travellers must pre-book a minimum four-night stay across the GLTFCA network, including at least two nights in South Africa’s Kruger National Park within the Makuleke Region at Awelani Lodge or other approved sites, plus accommodation in Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park or approved nearby lodges.
Booking and Requirements
The process demands forward planning, with all bookings required at least 14 days in advance. Travellers must register with both SANParks and ZIMParks before travel, completing immigration exemption forms during the pre-booking process.
Entry and exit procedures occur at Pafuri Gate on the South African side and the designated Zimbabwe entry point. Visitors undergo standard border formalities including identity verification, passport checks, permit validation, and vehicle inspection. Yellow fever certificates are mandatory for travellers from risk countries or those transiting through yellow fever zones for more than 12 hours.
Sustainable Tourism Focus
This isn’t merely about convenience—it’s about responsible tourism. The crossing operates under strict eco-friendly protocols, with mandatory adherence to waste disposal guidelines, speed limits, and cultural respect requirements. Commercial cargo and unauthorised goods transport are prohibited, maintaining the facility’s pure tourism focus.
The biosecurity measures ensure protection of the delicate ecosystems, with strict regulations governing the transport of plants, animals, and their products. Personal medications require doctor’s prescriptions, and quantities must not exceed reasonable personal use.
Economic and Conservation Impact
Beyond the thrill for individual travellers, this initiative promises significant regional economic benefits. By positioning the GLTFCA as a unified destination, the crossing strengthens community-led tourism experiences and showcases Southern Africa’s commitment to conservation-based development.
The pilot programme serves as a testing ground for broader transfrontier tourism initiatives, with careful monitoring of demand, environmental impact, and operational efficiency informing future expansion possibilities.
Planning Your Cross-Border Adventure
For those eager to experience this historic first season, early planning is essential. The combination of limited crossing days, accommodation requirements, and advance booking necessities means spaces will be premium.
Contact details for reservations and information:
- Kruger National Park: Ntombizodwa Ngubeni, General Manager Regional Integration (ntombizidwa.ngubeni@sanparks.org, +27 82 319 6473)
- Gonarezhou National Park: Simon Capon, Director Gonarezhou Conservation Trust (reservations@gonarezhou.org, +263 779 788 811)
- GLTFCA: Gwinyai Muti, International Coordinator (gmuti@peaceparks.org, +263 774 717 207)
The Bigger Picture
This pilot project represents more than tourism innovation—it embodies a vision of Africa where conservation transcends borders, where wildlife corridors flow freely, and where sustainable tourism becomes a powerful tool for both economic development and environmental protection.
As the crossing opens its gates in May, it marks not just the beginning of a new travel experience, but potentially the blueprint for future conservation and tourism initiatives across the continent. For the adventurous traveller seeking authentic wilderness experiences, the Pafuri-Sengwe crossing offers something truly unprecedented: the chance to witness Africa as it once was, and as it could be again.
