Kruger National Park Faces Success Crisis as Safari Tourism Grows in South Africa

Kruger National Park in South Africa is facing increasing pressure from rising tourism numbers, raising concerns about its ability to balance visitor access with wildlife conservation.

The park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, has seen a rebound in visitors following the Covid-19 pandemic, with annual numbers now just under 2 million. This follows a period of explosive growth in international tourism as South Africa’s global profile rose.

According to research cited in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism in 2020, the Greater Kruger National Park, which includes private reserves bordering the park, contributes approximately R6.6 billion ($370 million) annually to the national economy when accounting for supply chain multipliers and induced spending.

However, the surge in visitor numbers has sparked concerns about overtourism, defined as a situation where too many tourists visit a place, negatively impacting local communities, the environment, and conservation efforts. Tourism numbers are predicted to increase by between 6% and 7% per year, heightening these risks.