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The Ministers of Home Affairs, for South Africa, Dr Leon Schreiber through the Border Management Authority (BMA) and Zimbabwe, Hon. Kazembe Kazembe have approved the opening of a pilot project for a pre-scheduled tourism-only border crossing linking the Kruger National Park in South Africa and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe through the Sengwe-Tshipise corridor.
The pilot tourism access facility will allow travellers to experience easy access between the two National Parks, in one wild experience. The facility will open at Pafuri-Sengwe crossing in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area for a one-season pilot project to assess the feasibility and demand for tourism movement between the two National Parks.
Nature lovers, wilderness seekers, and conservation-conscious travellers can now explore the heart of Southern Africa like never before with the opening of this pre-scheduled tourism-only border crossing.
Nestled within the awe-inspiring Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), a visionary conservation landscape linking Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, this access point offers a unique, low-impact travel opportunity that unites three iconic parks into one unforgettable journey.
The International Coordinator for the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, Mr Gwinyai Muti mentioned that this pilot initiative is a game-changer for safari tourism. It will only be implemented on a trial basis for the 2025 season from 1 May to 30 November 2025 (subject to river levels).
The tourism border facility will promote seamless eco-tourism across borders, strengthening community-led travel experiences, boosting regional economies, and showcasing the GLTFCA as a single, shared wilderness destination.
Whether you’re dreaming of tracking wildlife across ancient elephant corridors, engaging with local communities, or ticking multiple national parks off your safari list, the Pafuri-Sengwe Crossing makes it possible to adventure, authenticity, and conservation at its core.
The crossing is available on pre-scheduled days, for a maximum of twice a week. The crossing will operate during the day from 11:00–15:00, for 4×4 vehicles only.
To access the crossing, travellers must pre-book a minimum 4-night stay across the GLTFCA network which is 2 nights in South Africa’s Kruger National Park in the Makuleke Region, Awelani Lodge, or other approved sites. Tourists will also be required to book nights in Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park or approved nearby lodges.
All travellers are required to register with SANParks and ZIMParks before travel. All bookings are to be completed at least 14 days in advance. Furthermore, travellers will be required to complete the Immigration exemption forms during Pre-Booking and submit the form through SANParks for processing with the BMA and ZIMParks for processing with the Department of Immigration.
All entry and exit checkpoints will be facilitated at Pafuri Gate on the South African side and the Zimbabwe entry point. All travellers will be subjected to primary screening measures such as visual observation, interview, and temperature screening at the entry point.
Yellow fever certificates will be required from travellers from a yellow fever-risk country; or have been in transit for more than 12 hours in a country declared with a risk of yellow fever transmission. At both ends, visitors will undergo quick border formalities including ID checks, valid Passport verification and recording, permit validation, and vehicle inspection.
Travellers are advised that there will be no transport of goods, commercial cargo, or unauthorized items allowed. Transporting of plants, plant products, animals animal products, and other regulated products is subject to biosecurity prescripts of the receiving country. This is a tourism-only crossing, travellers are also advised that no traveller will be allowed entry carrying personal use medicine without a doctor’s prescription and medicine exceeding the required quantities.
Travelers must exit the receiving country at a designated international border post within their visa limits. Strict adherence to eco-friendly practices, including waste disposal, speed limits, and cultural respect is mandatory. Travellers will be processed on the scheduled dates only. When travellers make reservations, they will be provided with all relevant or applicable forms.
The proposed pilot seasonal crossing supports the strategic vision of the GLTFCA as a unified conservation and tourism landscape. With appropriate safeguards, community engagement, and clear operational protocols, this initiative will enhance visitor experiences while fostering regional development and biodiversity conservation.
