Flooding Updates and Road Closures in Kruger National Park

Update (January 13, 2025): The South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued urgent updates regarding the increasing water levels at the Crocodile River in Kruger National Park, particularly at the Riverside weir in Malelane. It has been reported that the water flow has risen significantly, leading to the likelihood that Crocodile Bridge will become inaccessible later today. Additionally, the Risk Management team has confirmed that Crooks Corner is currently unreachable, and the Luvuvhu River has overflowed its banks near the old picnic area.

Update (January 13, 2025): SANParks further reported that a detour established yesterday has been damaged once again. The Skukuza low bridge is currently overflowing, rendering the route between Skukuza and Tshokwane impassable.

Update (January 13, 2025): SANParks has announced the closure of the S93, S44, and S46 roads within Kruger National Park. A team from the roads department is en route to assess the water levels at Balule Bridge and S92. Over the weekend, SANParks provided a series of updates regarding road conditions in Kruger National Park, necessitated by heavy rainfall that has led to numerous road and facility closures.

Here’s a summary of the latest announcements: As of this morning (January 13, 2025), SANParks has reported that the low-water bridges near the Nkuhlu Picnic Site are overflowing and have been closed. Currently, there is no access from Skukuza to Nkuhlu, and this area will remain closed until further notice. Additionally, access to Skukuza Airport is affected from the Skukuza side. However, the Phabeni Gate remains open and accessible. On January 12, 2025, SANParks had previously announced that access to Skukuza Airport had been restored to normal. However, they also noted that all Malelane gravel roads branching off from H3 to the East would remain closed for the day due to forecasts predicting more rain later. In another update on January 12, SANParks provided alternative routes for travelers: from Skukuza to Lower Sabie/Crocodile Bridge, drivers should take the S114 onto H5, as long as the Vurhami on H5 does not overflow. Access to the northern parts of the park will only be available from Lower Sabie via H10. As a precaution, Biyamiti will remain closed due to the expected rain. SANParks also reported on January 12 that areas including Pretoriaskop, Phabeni, Hazyview, and Mkhuhlu are experiencing heavy rainfall as anticipated. Low-level bridges, such as those over the Sand River, are expected to overflow tonight and into the morning, prompting close monitoring for safety. While water levels at Biyamiti and Talamati have decreased, these areas will remain closed as additional rain is forecasted. On January 11, 2025, SANParks announced road closures in the Lower Sabie area, affecting several dirt roads including the S82, S128, S30, S122, S29, S21, and S129. All gravel roads in the Kingfisher Ranger Station area (Orpen) are also closed.

Additionally, the S36, S12, S39, S126, and S125 roads in the Satara area have been affected. The H1-1 bridge before Delaporte is overflowing, making access to Skukuza via Delaporte impossible. The lower water bridge over the Sand River at Skukuza is closed due to overflow, and the H4-1 T-junction at Skukuza is currently impassable to Lower Sabie. The Biyamiti River is in flood, and SANParks reported that the airport is now isolated, with access available only via Shalati Train Bridge. The S145 and S140 bridges are overflowing, prompting the evacuation of Talamati Camp, with Biyamiti Camp also under consideration for evacuation. In another update on January 11, SANParks warned that some gravel roads in the southern part of Kruger National Park remain temporarily closed due to the recent heavy rains. Guests are advised not to traverse any closed roads or low-water bridges, as the risk of being swept away remains high. Currently, Biyamiti and Balule bush camps are not accessible, while Skukuza Airport can only be reached via Shalati Lodge Bridge. Fortunately, there have been no threats to life, and park management is diligently working to ensure the safety of all guests in affected areas. The Technical Services team, along with Ranger Services, is continuously assessing access points and exploring possible solutions as flooding conditions remain dynamic, with more heavy rains anticipated in the coming week. Updates regarding affected camps and roads will continue to be shared through social media and directly with guests on-site. All access gates into Kruger National Park are currently open, allowing guests to enter and exit the southern region of the park through the available gates.