Zimbabwe And South Africa Approve Tourist-Only Border Crossing

Zimbabwe and South Africa have approved the launch of a tourism-only border crossing linking Kruger National Park and Gonarezhou National Park via the Pafuri-Sengwe corridor.

The pilot project, announced in a joint statement by the two countries’ Ministries of Home Affairs, will operate from 1 May to 30 November 2025.

The seasonal crossing will allow pre-arranged access for tourists travelling in 4×4 vehicles between the two parks. It forms part of broader efforts to promote regional eco-tourism within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), which connects Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique.

The initiative was jointly approved by South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, through the Border Management Authority, and Zimbabwe’s Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe.

The crossing will operate twice a week, between 11 AM and 3 PM and is restricted to travellers with confirmed accommodation within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA).

Visitors must stay a minimum of four nights, two in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (Makuleke Region, Awelani Lodge, or other approved sites), and two in Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park or designated lodges.

All travellers are required to register with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and the South African National Parks (SANParks).

Immigration exemption forms must be completed and submitted at least 14 days prior to travel. These will be processed by Zimbabwe’s Department of Immigration and South Africa’s Border Management Authority.

Border formalities will be conducted at Pafuri Gate in South Africa and the designated entry point in Zimbabwe.

Travellers will undergo identity and passport checks, vehicle inspections, and health screening.

Yellow fever vaccination certificates are mandatory for those arriving from or transiting through affected areas for more than 12 hours.

The movement of commercial goods, animal or plant products, and other unauthorised items is strictly prohibited.

Personal-use medication is permitted only with a valid prescription and must not exceed reasonable quantities.

Authorities said that strict eco-tourism and biosecurity protocols will be enforced. These include adherence to speed limits, proper waste disposal, and respect for local cultural norms.

Travellers will only be permitted to enter and exit on scheduled dates, and must depart the receiving country through an official international border post within the limits of their visa conditions.

The pilot project aims to assess the feasibility and demand for cross-border tourism access within the GLTFCA.

More: The Herald

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