PHALABORWA – The Phalaborwa Gate of the Kruger National Park (KNP) remains closed with all northern sections of the park inaccessible until further notice.

KNP marketing and communications general manager Reynold Thakhuli told the Herald that Phalaborwa and the entire northern region of the park have been severely affected due to the persistent heavy rain and flooding.

Last week, park authorities evacuated several rest camps, including Letaba, Satara, Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie, due to rising water levels. While Mopani Rest Camp has been less affected, its restaurant has been closed as a precautionary measure.

In areas that have not been severely impacted, day visits are still permitted. However, visitors have been warned that shops are not fully stocked and fuel supplies are limited.

Guests are therefore advised to bring their own snacks and ensure their vehicles have full fuel tanks before entering the park.

Several rivers, dams and bridges have reached capacity or are experiencing elevated water levels. These include Nsemani Dam near Satara, the H10 Lower Sabie Low Bridge, the Letaba River and the Crocodile Bridge, among others.

Ongoing rainfall and damage to park infrastructure have prompted KNP to implement a gate quota system from Monday, January 19, to ensure visitor safety and effective traffic management.

According to a media statement, the system applies to Malelane, Numbi and Paul Kruger gates, with all open safari vehicles included in the quota.

Sanparks spokesperson JP Louw urged visitors to ensure their vehicles have sufficient fuel. He added that only essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers with valid flight tickets and officials will be permitted entry through Paul Kruger Gate.

Louw also confirmed that the route between Skukuza and Phabeni Gate is closed after flooding cut off access along the S1 road. As a result, Phabeni Gate is currently inaccessible via Skukuza. Orpen Gate will remain closed until further notice due to safety concerns.

“Sanparks continues to monitor weather conditions and the status of roads and infrastructure closely. Further updates will be communicated as the situation evolves,” Louw said.