Kruger National Park Access Update: Gate Closures and Route Restrictions Amid Flood Recovery
As of 19 January 2026, South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an updated advisory on access to Kruger National Park following extensive flooding and infrastructure damage across the region. Visitors planning trips to the park are urged to carefully note current gate closures, restricted routes, and recommended access points to ensure safe and smooth travel.
In the southern section of the park, access to Skukuza Rest Camp is recommended via Paul Kruger Gate. However, Phabeni Gate remains closed due to the washout of the Ingwe Donga bridge on the road between Phabeni and Kruger Gates. Both Malelane Satellite Camp and Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp can only be reached through Malelane Gate. Access to Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie Rest Camps is currently impossible as the Crocodile Bridge Gate remains flooded and closed until further notice.
Internal road closures continue to impact connectivity within the park. There is no access from Skukuza to Lower Sabie, Tshokwane, or Satara Rest Camps due to flooding of the Sabie Low Water Bridge and surrounding detour routes. The H10 road between Lower Sabie and Tshokwane is also closed, severing direct links between these camps.
In the central region, Orpen and Satara Rest Camps remain accessible only via Orpen Gate. Meanwhile, the Olifants Rest Camp is temporarily cut off from both Letaba and Satara due to rising water levels on surrounding roads. Guests at Olifants will be allowed to depart toward Phalaborwa Gate once conditions are deemed safe.
The northern section of Kruger National Park remains closed, with Pafuri and Punda Maria Gates inaccessible due to extensive flooding and infrastructure damage. No changes have been reported in this area, and access restrictions remain firmly in place.
SANParks continues to monitor weather and infrastructure conditions closely in collaboration with disaster management authorities. Visitors are strongly advised to follow official updates, respect all access restrictions, and exercise caution when travelling within and around the park. Attempting to use closed roads or gates is illegal and may result in fines.
Recent improvements in weather conditions have allowed for the resumption of limited day visitation from 19 January in some areas, but visitors should remain cautious, especially on gravel roads that may still be affected by recent rains. Additionally, shops within the park may have limited stock due to earlier access restrictions.
For those planning visits, it is essential to stay informed through SANParks’ official channels and to prepare for possible changes in access and services as recovery efforts continue. The safety of guests, staff, and local communities remains the highest priority as the park works toward full restoration.
