To buy a Wildcard or not

QUESTION: My wife and I are thinking about buying a Wildcard for the national parks. Do you think the cost is justified and whether it represents value for money? - Etienne Le Roux

ANSWER: The general consensus among cardholders that I have spoken to is that it is definitely worthwhile. However, it really depends on how often you visit the national parks in any one year. This smart card system, which is administered by Infinity, has a host of other privileges, but the major benefit is free entry to parks and the knowledge that you are contributing to South Africa's wildlife heritage. At less than R500 for a family membership, most lovers of the wild would soon recoup the cost. You need to be aware that there are different levels of membership that may restrict which parks which allow you free entrance (divided geographically). A card for "all clusters" allows you to visit all national parks and partner parks, while there are membership levels that that restrict you to the Bushveld, the Cape Parks, Swazi parks and KZN Ezemvelo parks.