- Posted by: Landia Davies
- November 6, 2007, 3:13 pm
What is a Wild Card?
The Wild Card is a loyalty card system that makes national parks, nature reserves and resorts in South Africa more accessible to locals and visitors.
Using the Wild Card regularly works out cheaper and easier in the long run, than paying the conservation fees cash each time you visit a park or nature reserve. Wild Card membership is valid for one year for South African residents and SADC nationals.
The wild Card gives you free unlimited entry to all selected venues, subject to availability. It is best to book in advance during peak season and busy periods to beat the crowds.
How much does a wild card cost?
South African National Parks raised its conservation fees on November 1, thus Wild Cards have become more expensive too.
International visitors have only one option which is called the "All Clusters" Wild Card.
The All Clusters card costs:
- R195 per person
- R335 per couple
- R440 per family
South Africans have the following cluster choices when purchasing a wild card:
- Bushveld Cluster
- River Cluster
- Dry Cluster
- Cape Cluster
- Swazi Cluster
The wild cards cost R170 per person, R 295 per couple and R395 per family, except for the river cluster which is cheaper by couple (R245) and by family (R265).
Please Note that the wild card costs are subject to change. Please confirm prices on the official Wild Card website.
Wild Card is a joint initiative by South African National Parks, Cape Nature Conservation, Msinsi Resorts and powered by Infinity smart card management company. Buying a wild card should help you to get into the bush more easily and see more of South Africa and its natural splendor.
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About the Author
Landia Davies has recently joined Africa Travel Guide as the new online editor. A nature lover and passionate traveler she loves exploring and is always looking for new adventures. Landia hopes to become a highly accomplished travel writer and knowledgeable vagabond. Growing up on the coast of South Africa, she enjoys the outdoors and soaking up local culture.
MARK DE VILLIERS
11:36 am, March 19, 2008
Hi there we had a fantastic two days in Kruger Park last week saw lots and lots of game.
We bought an all cluster wild card at lower Sabie for my wife and I they charged us R350. Should this not have been R335 as per the Website.
Your comments please.
Regards
Mark and Stella
Pensioners Durban
Landia Davies
11:58 am, March 19, 2008
Hi Mark and Stella,
Glad to hear you saw plenty of game on your trip in Kruger Park.
Unfortunately the Wild Card prices have gone up, since the above article was published last year. Please visit the official Wild page for confirmation of the latest prices.
Thanks for your comments,
Landia
Michael Sprackling
11:48 am, April 9, 2008
Four of us (two couples) from England are planning to visit the Cape for three weeks Oct/Nov 2008 and expect to visit some of the nature parks, e.g Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, Bontebok, de Hoop, Wilderness, Tsitsikamma, and Addo. Is it going to be worth our while to purchase All Clusters Cards which apparently cost R1,475 per couple, although I’m not sure if that price will still apply for Nov 2008, or will it be cheaper to pay conservation charges at each entry?
Regards,
Michael
Landia Davies
12:57 pm, April 9, 2008
Hi Michael, I think it will be cheaper for you to pay the entrance fees separately but perhaps contact SANPark Wild Card or check with the SANParks reservations to be sure.
Hope you enjoy your trip! Landia
Michael Sprackling
6:40 pm, April 13, 2008
Hi Landia,
Thanks very much for your advice.
Michael
Diane Bosch
6:10 pm, June 27, 2008
Could you tell me the names of the Infinity Partners as we have been notified that we must spend our Wild card rewards before the 14 July or we will loose them
Katey Africa
4:18 pm, June 30, 2008
hi Diane
We usually get ours through SANParks which is the South African National Parks board - http://sanparks.org/
I hope this helps
Kind regards
Katey