sauce: Zim, SA approves tourists only to cross borders – Herald
Ivan Chakata
Zimbabwe and South Africa have approved the launch of a tourism-only border that passes through the Pahuli Senwe corridor between Kruger National Park and Gonaresfu National Park.
The pilot project was announced in a joint media statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs of both countries and will be held from May 1st to November 30th, 2025.
Seasonal access points will allow pre-scheduled tourist travel using 4×4 vehicles between the two national parks as part of an effort to increase regional ecotourism within the Great Limpopo Trans Frontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) that spans Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique.
The pilot facility was approved by South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber through the Border Management Bureau and Zimbabwe's Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.
“This pilot intersection reflects our commitment to regional integration and conservation-driven tourism,” Minister Kazenbe said.
“It is expected to enhance the visitor experience, promote biodiversity conservation and promote community-based economic growth.”
The intersection will run twice a week from 1100 to 1500 hours and is limited to travelers with accommodations booked in advance within the GLTFCA.
A minimum of 4 nights is required. Two nights are required at Kruger National Park in South Africa (Makuleke Region, Awelani Lodge, or other approved facilities) and two nights at Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe or designated lodges.
Travelers must register with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Bureau (Jin Parks) and South African National Park (Sun Park) and complete immigration waiver at least 14 days prior to their trip.
The form will be submitted to the Zimbabwean Immigration Bureau in South Africa and the Border Control Bureau in South Africa for processing.
Border checks take place at the Pahuli Gate in South Africa and designated entry points in Zimbabwe. Travelers will receive identity verification, passport checks, vehicle inspections and health screenings. Travelers from affected countries, or from countries that have passed through the affected area for more than 12 hours, require a yellow fever certificate.
The movement of commercial products, plants, animal products and unauthorized items is not permitted.
Personal medications are permitted only on a valid prescription and must not exceed the amount required.
“This is a game changer for cross-border tourism in South Africa,” Minister Schreiber said.
“This intersection offers a new model to promote regulated, sustainable, low impact travel across conservation areas.”
The authorities said strict ecotourism and biosecurity protocols will be implemented, including speed of restrictions, waste disposal regulations and cultural sensitivity requirements. Travelers are only allowed to enter or leave on scheduled dates and must leave the receiving country via official borders within visa restrictions.
The pilot project aims to test the feasibility and demand for cross-border tourism access.
