If you’re planning cross-border safaris or work with travellers heading between Kruger National Park (South Africa) and Gonarezhou National Park (Zimbabwe), you’ll be pleased to know a new tourism-only border post is now operational — but access is limited and must be arranged in advance.
The project was launched on 20.06.25, by Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs (South Africa), through the Border Management Authority (BMA), and Cde Kazembe Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs (Zimbabwe), and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) is represented by Mr. Gwinyai Muti, International Coordinator.
The crossing links the Pafuri area of Kruger to the Sengwe area of Gonarezhou, entirely within protected conservation land. As part of the GLTFCA initiative, the border post superbly avoids the long haul around Beitbridge!
The Key Facts:
- The pilot runs from 1 May to 30 November 2025 (river levels permitting)
- Crossings are limited to two pre-scheduled days per week
- Border operations will be open between 11:00 and 15:00
- Register with SANParks and ZimParks at least 14 days in advance, with a minimum four-night stay split between South Africa and Zimbabwe — two nights in the Makuleke Region, Awelani Lodge or another approved site in Kruger, and two nights in Zimbabwe (Gonarezhou or nearby approved lodges)
- Expect to present valid passports, vehicle documents and yellow fever certificates (if applicable).
- Travellers will be required to complete the Immigration exemption forms during Pre-Booking and submit the form through SANParks for processing with SA’s Border Management Authority (BMA) and ZIMParks for processing with the Department of Immigration.
- No traveller will be allowed entry carrying personal use medicine without a doctor’s prescription and medicine exceeding the required quantities.
- Self-drivers must use appropriate 4×4 vehicles.
The Views of Big Sky Supplies:
The “Terms & Conditions” imposed during the pilot phase are onerous and frankly OTT. However, the convenience of the relatively short and scenic route via Pafuri makes the hoops and jumps far more attractive than the long route through Beitbridge.
Opening a new border crossing point is a big deal for Zimbabwe, who are highly controlling of border points, with just one border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe – compared with around 13 border posts between South Africa and Botswana.
Given the ongoing commitment of GLTFCA, Boundless Southern Africa, SANParks and ZimParks, we can expect a positive outcome and as the Zimbabwean authorities gain more confidence, the restrictions should relax, and we’ll get to enjoy an enjoyable, hassle-free, eco-friendly route for years to come.
If you’re planning to drive this route, we recommend coordinating well in advance. As always, Big Sky is here to keep you informed and help make your trip through Zimbabwe smoother and safer. Before travelling we recommend you review the resources available here Big Sky Traffic & Travel in Zimbabwe
If you’re fortunate enough to take advantage of this opportunity, please feel free to share any advice that might benefit other travellers, in the comments section below.
Safe journeys,
Sean Q. and the Big Sky Team
02.07.25
For information and media enquiries contact:
As listed in the Joint Media Statement:
Gonarezhou National Park:
Director of Gonarezhou Conservation Trust
Simon Capon
Email: reservations@gonarezhou.org
Tel: +263 779 788 811/ +263 773 831 712
Kruger National Park:
General Manager, Regional Integration:
Ntombizodwa Ngubeni
Email: ntombizidwa.ngubeni@sanparks.org
Tel: +27 82 319 6473 / +27 76 161 4694
GLTFCA International Coordinator:
Gwinyai Muti
Email: gmuti@peaceparks.org
Tel: +263 774 717 207/ +263 774 717 208
For the full Joint Media Statement issued on 20.06.25 by Boundless Southern Africa read here African Travel & Tourism Association – Member News
2 Responses
Dear All, we want to cross from Pafuri to Gonarezhou on 2 August. Where can we do the booking? We are 3 vehicles and have bookings in Kruger and Gonarezhou. Please help with more info.
Hello Judene,
We suggest you contact the organisations listed in our blog. Emailing reservations@gonarezhou.org usually gets a helpful response.
Safe journeys and have fun.
Sean Q.