The crossing is via the Pafuri-Sengwe corridor, part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA).
It’s a pilot project running from 1 May to 30 November 2025, depending on river levels.
It’s only open on pre-scheduled days, at most two per week.
Operating hours for the crossing: 11:00 to 15:00.
Only 4×4 vehicles are allowed.
Border formalities happen at Pafuri Gate (SA) and at a designated Zimbabwe points
Travellers must pre-book a minimum 4-night stay across the GLTFCA network.
Of those 4 nights: 2 nights need to be in South Africa (e.g., Makuleke region / Awelani Lodge or other approved Kruger sites) and 2 nights in Zimbabwe (Gonarezhou or an approved lodge).
Bookings and registration: you have to register with SANParks and ZimParks at least 14 days before travel.
You also need to complete immigration exemption forms in advance (through SANParks for SA’s Border Management Authority, and through ZimParks for Zimbabwe’s immigration).
Other Important Conditions
No commercial goods or unauthorised cargo allowed — this is strictly a tourism crossing.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate might be required for some travellers.
Once you enter, you must exit via a “designated international border post” within your visa/time limits.
Bottom Line Assessment
Right now, it’s too early to say this crossing will definitely become permanent — the pilot is explicitly designed to test demand and operational logistics between 1 May 2025 & 30 November 2025
But there is a real possibility for it to be extended or converted into a more permanent tourism access point, if the pilot is successful.
Anyone planning to use it should treat it as provisional, and make arrangements (bookings, permits) accordingly.
