See the joint media statement for opening a pilot project across a pre-scheduled tourism-only border connecting South Africa's Kruger National Park with Zimbabwe's Gonares Foo National Park. The project is supported by Boundless Southern Africa as part of our efforts to promote Transflondian conservation areas as a major tourism destination, grow local tourism, and promote cross-border tourism in South Africa.
thank you.
Joint Media Statement
The Minister of Home Affairs has approved the launch of a pilot project across the tourism-only border that will link Kruger and Gonaresfu National Park to Puffli Senwe, allowing tourists to experience the great Limpopo-Trans Frontier Conservation Area
Border Control Agency (BMA) and Zimbabwe, Hon. Kazembe Kazembe has approved the launch of a pilot project at a pre-scheduled tourism-only border intersection that connects South Africa's Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park through affiliated corridors. The pilot tourism access facility will provide easy access to travelers between the two national parks. The facility will open at the Paflisenwe intersection in the protected area of Great Limpopo Trans Fronti for a one-season pilot project to assess the feasibility and demand for tourism movements between the two national parks.
Nature lovers, wilderness seekers and conservation-conscious travelers can explore the heart of South Africa like never before by opening this pre-scheduled, tourism-only cross-border border intersection.
Surrounded by the adoring great Limpopo-Trans Frontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), a visionary conservation environment that connects Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, this access point offers a unique, low-collision travel opportunity that combines three iconic parks into one unforgettable journey.
This pilot initiative is a game changer for safari tourism. It will only be held on a trial basis for the 2025 season from May 1, 2025 to November 30, 2025 (for river level). Tourism border facilities promote seamless ecotourism across borders, enhance community-driven travel experiences, boost local economies, and present GLTFCA as a single shared wilderness destination.
Whether you dream of tracking wildlife across ancient elephant corridors, working with the community, or carving multiple national parks from safari lists, Pafuri-Sengwe's intersection is at the heart of adventure, reliability and protection.
The intersection is available up to twice a week on a pre-scheduled day. The intersection is only 4×4 vehicles and operates during the day from 11:00 to 15:00.
To access the intersection, travelers must book in advance a minimum of four nights stay across the GLTFCA network, which is two nights in the Makuleke region, Awelani Lodge or other approved sites, in the entire GLTFCA network, which is a two night in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Tourists must also book an evening at Zimbabwe's Gonaretzha National Park or approve a nearby lodge.
All travelers must register with Sunpark and Ginparks before their trip. All bookings will be completed at least 14 days in advance. Additionally, travelers must complete the immigration exemption form during advance booking and submit the form to process BMA and Zimparks through SanParks.
All entries and X-checkpoints will be promoted at the South African side Puff Ligate and Zimbabwe entry points. All travelers will undergo major screening measurements such as visual observations at the entrance, interviews and temperature screening. Yellow fever certificates are required from travelers in countries with risk of yellow fever, or travelers who are transported for more than 12 hours in countries at risk of yellow fever. At both ends, visitors will undergo rapid border procedures such as ID checks, valid passport verification and record, permit verification and vehicle inspections.
Travelers are advised that the transport of goods, commercial freight or unauthorized items is not permitted. The transportation of plants, plant products, animals, animal products and other regulated products is subject to biosecurity standards in the receiving country. This is a tourism-only intersection. Travelers are also advised that travelers carrying personal medicine are not permitted without a doctor's prescription or medication beyond the required amount. Travelers must leave the receiving country on a designated border message board within visa restrictions. Strict compliance with environmentally friendly practices, including waste disposal, speed limits and cultural respect is mandatory. Travelers are processed only on scheduled dates. Once a traveler bookes, they will be provided with all related or applicable forms.
The proposed intersection of pilot seasons supports GLTFCA's strategic vision as a unified conservation and tourism landscape. With proper conservation, community involvement and clear operational protocols, this initiative will enhance visitor experience and promote local development and biodiversity conservation.
For more information and media enquiries, please contact us.
Kruger National Park:
General Manager, Regional Integration:
ngubeni
Email: (Protected Email)
Tel: +27 82 319 6473 / +27 76 161 4694
and
Gonarescha National Park:
Director of Gonarezhou Conservation Trust
Simon Capon
Email: (Protected Email)
Tel: +263 779 788 811/ +263 773 831 712
and
GLTFCA International Coordinator:
Gwinyai Muti
Email: (Protected Email)
Tel: +263 774 717 207/ +263 774 717 208
A joint media statement issued by the South African Border Management Agency, the Zimbabwean Immigration Agency, and the great Limpopo-Trans Frontier Conservation Area Co-Management Committee.
June 20, 2025
