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Zimbabwe, SA approve tourists only border crossing
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Zimbabwe and South Africa have jointly approved a seasonal tourism-only border crossing linking Kruger National Park and Gonarezhou National Park via the Pafuri-Sengwe corridor, in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at boosting eco-tourism within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA).
The pilot project will run from 1 May to 30 November 2025, allowing pre-scheduled 4×4 tourist movement between the two national parks. It is part of wider regional efforts to strengthen cross-border conservation, tourism integration and sustainable development across the GLTFCA, which spans Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique.
Announced through a joint statement by both countries' Ministries of Home Affairs, the initiative was approved by South African Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber, acting through the Border Management Authority, and Zimbabwe's Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe.
"This pilot crossing reflects our commitment to regional integration and conservation-led tourism," said Minister Kazembe. "It is expected to enhance visitor experiences, promote biodiversity protection and drive community-based economic growth."
Under the pilot scheme, the tourist crossing point will operate twice weekly, between 1100 and 1500 hours, and is restricted to travellers with confirmed accommodation within the GLTFCA. Tourists must spend at least four nights, with two nights in South Africa (at approved facilities such as Makuleke Region, Awelani Lodge) and two nights in Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park or designated lodges.
To be eligible, travellers must register with ZimParks and SANParks and submit immigration exemption forms at least 14 days in advance. These forms will be processed by Zimbabwe's Department of Immigration and South Africa's Border Management Authority.
Border clearance procedures will be conducted at Pafuri Gate in South Africa and a designated point within Zimbabwe, with identity and passport verification, vehicle inspections, and health screening. Yellow fever vaccination certificates will be mandatory for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, affected areas for more than 12 hours.
Authorities stressed that the movement of commercial goods, plant and animal products, and unauthorised items is strictly prohibited. Only limited personal-use medication with valid prescriptions will be allowed.
"This is a game-changer for cross-border tourism in Southern Africa," said Minister Schreiber. "The crossing provides a new model for facilitating regulated, sustainable and low-impact travel across conservation areas."
Strict eco-tourism and biosecurity protocols will be enforced, including speed limits, waste disposal guidelines, and cultural sensitivity requirements. Travellers will only be permitted to enter and exit on scheduled dates, and must exit the host country through an official international border within their visa validity.
Authorities said the pilot programme will assess feasibility, demand, and operational efficiency of such seasonal tourism corridors, with the possibility of expansion or permanent implementation based on the outcomes.
The pilot project will run from 1 May to 30 November 2025, allowing pre-scheduled 4×4 tourist movement between the two national parks. It is part of wider regional efforts to strengthen cross-border conservation, tourism integration and sustainable development across the GLTFCA, which spans Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique.
Announced through a joint statement by both countries' Ministries of Home Affairs, the initiative was approved by South African Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber, acting through the Border Management Authority, and Zimbabwe's Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Kazembe Kazembe.
"This pilot crossing reflects our commitment to regional integration and conservation-led tourism," said Minister Kazembe. "It is expected to enhance visitor experiences, promote biodiversity protection and drive community-based economic growth."
Under the pilot scheme, the tourist crossing point will operate twice weekly, between 1100 and 1500 hours, and is restricted to travellers with confirmed accommodation within the GLTFCA. Tourists must spend at least four nights, with two nights in South Africa (at approved facilities such as Makuleke Region, Awelani Lodge) and two nights in Zimbabwe's Gonarezhou National Park or designated lodges.
Border clearance procedures will be conducted at Pafuri Gate in South Africa and a designated point within Zimbabwe, with identity and passport verification, vehicle inspections, and health screening. Yellow fever vaccination certificates will be mandatory for travellers arriving from, or transiting through, affected areas for more than 12 hours.
Authorities stressed that the movement of commercial goods, plant and animal products, and unauthorised items is strictly prohibited. Only limited personal-use medication with valid prescriptions will be allowed.
"This is a game-changer for cross-border tourism in Southern Africa," said Minister Schreiber. "The crossing provides a new model for facilitating regulated, sustainable and low-impact travel across conservation areas."
Strict eco-tourism and biosecurity protocols will be enforced, including speed limits, waste disposal guidelines, and cultural sensitivity requirements. Travellers will only be permitted to enter and exit on scheduled dates, and must exit the host country through an official international border within their visa validity.
Authorities said the pilot programme will assess feasibility, demand, and operational efficiency of such seasonal tourism corridors, with the possibility of expansion or permanent implementation based on the outcomes.
Source - The Herald
