Kruger National Park updates access and restriction information
Only a few access restrictions and closures remain in place in the Kruger National Park.
The Kruger National Park (KPN) has released an update on road and camp access following recent severe weather conditions that affected the park.
In a statement issued by SANParks, spokesperson JP Louw said that while conditions have improved and key assessments are completed, several areas in the park remain restricted.
According to Louw for safety reasons, a few access restrictions and closures remained in place as recovery and repair work continued.
ALSO READ: Floods update: Phabeni Gate to Kruger National Park closed
“At this stage Phalaborwa Gate will open for Day Visitors as of Saturday, January 31. Guests are requested to note that Day Visitors entering through Phalaborwa Gate may travel only up to Satara Rest Camp. Pafuri Gate is open. However, the Pafuri Border Post remains closed,” said Louw.
“Letaba and Olifants Rest Camps remain closed, while Mopani Rest Camp is open and can only be accessed through Punda Maria Gate, not Phalaborwa Gate,” added Louw.
He said guests were urged to bring own supplies as the restaurant in Mopani Rest Camp remained closed while only the shop and restaurant remain open at Shingwedzi Rest Camp.
@lowvelder Heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding in parts of the Kruger National Park, particularly in and around the Letaba Rest Camp, where water levels have reached those recorded during the catastrophic floods of 2000. Parts of Sabie and the Olifants area have also been affected.2026floods
Minister @PatriciaDeLille addressing the devastating recent floods that affected tourism and infrastructure in three provinces and the Kruger National Park.#WeDoTourism I #SANParks I @SANParks pic.twitter.com/zoYFa5ARMu
— Dept of Tourism (@Tourism_gov_za) January 28, 2026
Louw explained that Bateleur Bush Camp was the only one open in the north while other bush camps such as Sirheni, Shimuwini, Tsendze remain closed.
“South of the park, the Sabie River and Sand River Bridges are now accessible. Visitors may travel from Skukuza to Satara and Lower Sabie via H1-2, joining H12 and H4-1 and may also use Skukuza to Lower Sabie via Tshokwane Picnic Site and H10,” said Louw
“Access to Lower Sabie from Skukuza is only via Tshokwane Picnic Site through H10 road,” added Louw.
He said both Tshokwane and Nkhuhlu Picnic Sites were open but with limited menu options while Boulders Bush Camp remained closed.
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He said Orpen Gate also remained closed until further notice.
“Visitors are urged to follow official SANParks communication platforms for the most up-to-date information and to adhere strictly to all travel restrictions currently in place. SANParks thanks all visitors and stakeholders for their patience, understanding and cooperation during this recovery period,” concluded Louw.
He promised that further updates would be communicated as the situation evolved.
@lowvelder SANParks is continuing to evacuate staff and visitors alike from the Letaba Rest Camp where flood levels have reached a 26-year high. > Video: SANParks
