Kruger Park gates reopen after floods

Some access points and visitor facilities in the Kruger National Park are reopening as weather conditions improve in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, while safety assessments and repair work continue across the park.

SANParks confirmed that day and overnight visitors are permitted to enter through Phalaborwa Gate from Monday, 26 January 2026, and Phabeni Gate from Tuesday, 27 January 2026. Guests will use the S3 and S4 routes to connect to Pretoriuskop and Skukuza.

In the north, Bateleur Bush Camp is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, 28 January. Shops will resume trading in phases: Punda Maria shop reopens on 26 January, Shingwedzi and Mopani shops on 28 January, and the Letaba shop on 30 January.

SANParks also announced that Mopani Rest Camp will reopen on Friday, 30 January (the notice referenced “2025”, but the dates provided indicate this is for the current recovery period). The camp will operate without the restaurant and swimming pool. Letaba and Shingwedzi Rest Camps, as well as the Pafuri Border Post, remain inaccessible and closed.

In the Marula Region, Biyamiti and Talamati Bush Camps are still closed, while Satara Rest Camp and N’wanetsi Picnic Spot are open. Orpen Gate remains inaccessible and may only be used by overnight guests, emergency services and essential deliveries. Visitors heading towards Orpen have also been advised to stay alert on the R40 near Dwarsloop, where protests have been reported.

SANParks urged visitors not to move barricades or attempt to enter closed areas, stressing that restrictions are in place for public safety and to support ongoing infrastructure assessments. All gravel roads remain closed until further notice, and park access will be reviewed as conditions improve.