Source: Zim, SA approve tourists only border crossing – herald
Ivan Zhakata
ZIMBABWE and South Africa have approved the launch of a tourism-only border crossing between Kruger National Park and Gonarezhou National Park through the Pafuri-Sengwe corridor.
The pilot project, announced in a joint media statement by the two countries’ Ministries of Home Affairs, will run from May 1 to November 30, 2025.
The seasonal access point will allow pre-scheduled movement of tourists using 4×4 vehicles between the two national parks as part of efforts to boost regional eco-tourism within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), which spans Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique.
The pilot facility was approved by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber through the Border Management Authority and Zimbabwe’s Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe.
“This pilot crossing reflects our commitment to regional integration and conservation-led tourism,” said Minister Kazembe.
“It is expected to enhance visitor experiences, promote biodiversity protection and drive community-based economic growth.”
The crossing will operate twice a week from 1100 hours to 1500 hours and is limited to travellers with pre-booked accommodation within the GLTFCA.
A minimum of four nights is required, two in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (Makuleke Region, Awelani Lodge, or other approved facilities) and two in Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park or designated lodges.
Travellers must register with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and South African National Parks (SANParks) and complete immigration exemption forms at least 14 days before travel.
The forms will be submitted to the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration and the Border Management Authority in South Africa for processing.
Border checks will be conducted at Pafuri Gate in South Africa and the designated entry point in Zimbabwe. Travellers will undergo identity verification, passport checks, vehicle inspections and health screening. Yellow fever certificates will be required for travellers from affected countries or those in transit through affected areas for over 12 hours.
Movement of commercial goods, plant and animal products and unauthorised items will not be permitted.
Personal-use medicine will only be allowed with a valid prescription and must not exceed required quantities.
“This is a game-changer for cross-border tourism in Southern Africa,” said Minister Schreiber.
“The crossing provides a new model for facilitating regulated, sustainable and low-impact travel across conservation areas.”
The authorities said strict eco-tourism and biosecurity protocols will be enforced, including adherence to speed limits, waste disposal regulations and cultural sensitivity requirements. Travellers will only be allowed entry and exit on scheduled dates, and must exit the receiving country through an official international border within visa limits.
The pilot project is intended to test feasibility and demand for cross-border tourism access.
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