Persistent rainfall impacts Kruger National Park, visitors urged to heed warnings

Travellers are being urged to heed road closure warnings amid persistent heavy rains that have caused widespread flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

While heavier downpours are predicted over the coming days, the Kruger National Park remains closed to day visitors until conditions improve.

⚠️Social Media Alert ⚠️
16 Jan 2016 07.30

Letaba river water level has dropped and there is currently no water inside the camp. CAMP REMAINS CLOSED. Guests will be contacted to arrange collection of their possessions left in the camp once the risk assessments have been completed pic.twitter.com/Mw5Lyw6ENo

— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) January 16, 2026

“Earlier this week, the park was faced with a challenging situation in which several day visitors were unable to exit the park after a bridge at Crocodile Bridge Gate was covered by water because of rising river levels.

“While all affected visitors were safely managed, the incident highlighted the risks posed by the ongoing weather conditions,” said the park in a statement on Thursday.

The public is requested to note that with immediate effect, access to the park will be strictly limited to essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers, subject to proof of confirmed flight bookings, guests with existing overnight bookings pic.twitter.com/tyHNd8q7k6

— SANParks (@SANParks) January 16, 2026

“SANParks is mindful of the current strain on operational and emergency responses on resources during this period of persistent rainfall. As such, the organisation would prefer to focus available resources on real emergencies and ensuring the safety of guests, staff and surrounding communities, rather than avoidable incidents linked to non-essential travel within the park.

“The decision to restrict day visitor access is a preventative safety measure and will be reviewed continuously as weather and road conditions change.”

Weather update: 16 January 2026. A Red Level 10 Warning for Disruptive Rain remains in place for the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, especially over Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge, and the City of Mbombela. On-and-off showers and periods of rain are still expected today. #saws #weatheroutlook pic.twitter.com/SH7CHnkhFP

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 16, 202

The recent heavy rainfall has reportedly caused river levels to rise significantly, with overflows reported in the Crocodile, Sabie, Letaba, Sand, Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers.

Northern areas such as Pafuri have been particularly impacted, leading to road closures, bridge overflows, and restrictions at several gates including Crocodile Bridge and Pafuri.

Access between key regions such as Skukuza, Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge has also been limited.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp said the safety of visitors, staff, surrounding communities and wildlife remains the highest priority.

“No fatalities have been reported, thanks to swift and coordinated action by SANParks officials and partners.

“Their swift action has ensured the safety of thousands of visitors and protected critical infrastructure,” said the minister.

“Affected visitors are advised to contact SANParks central reservations on 012 4289111 for cancellations, rescheduling or refunds, to monitor official SANParks updates regularly, to heed road closure signs and avoid crossing flooded areas, and to plan conservatively amid changing conditions.”

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