New Tourism-Only Border Crossing Opens Between Zimbabwe and South Africa

Strategic Insights -

The governments of Zimbabwe and South Africa have announced a pilot project to open a tourism-only border crossing between Kruger National Park and Gonarezhou National Park, utilizing the Pafuri-Sengwe corridor. This seasonal access point will allow pre-scheduled movement of tourists using 4x4 vehicles between the two national parks, as part of efforts to boost regional eco-tourism within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). The pilot crossing was approved by South Africa's Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber and Zimbabwe's Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, and is set to run from May 1 to November 30, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The pilot project will operate twice a week from 1100 hours to 1500 hours and is limited to travellers with pre-booked accommodation within the GLTFCA.
  • A minimum of four nights is required, two in South Africa's Kruger National Park and two in Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park or designated lodges.
  • Travellers must register with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and South African National Parks (SANParks) and complete immigration exemption forms at least 14 days before travel.
  • Border checks will be conducted at Pafuri Gate in South Africa and the designated entry point in Zimbabwe, including identity verification, passport checks, vehicle inspections, and health screening.
  • Yellow fever certificates will be required for travellers from affected countries or those in transit through affected areas for over 12 hours.
  • Movement of commercial goods, plant and animal products, and unauthorised items will not be permitted.
  • Personal-use medicine will only be allowed with a valid prescription and must not exceed required quantities.
  • Strict eco-tourism and biosecurity protocols will be enforced, including adherence to speed limits, waste disposal regulations, and cultural sensitivity requirements.

Statistics:

  • The pilot project will run from May 1 to November 30, 2025.
  • The crossing will operate twice a week from 1100 hours to 1500 hours.
  • A minimum of four nights is required for entry and exit.
  • Travellers must complete immigration exemption forms at least 14 days before travel.
  • Border checks will be conducted at Pafuri Gate in South Africa and the designated entry point in Zimbabwe.

Sources:

  • The press release announcing the pilot project, dated January 2023, Ministry of Home Affairs, Republic of South Africa.
  • "Pafuri-Sengwe Border Crossing Opens to Enhance Tourism in Southern Africa" by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Republic of Zimbabwe.