Kruger National Park accommodation, gates and picnic sites status update – January 2026!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an updated operational status report for Kruger National Park, outlining which rest camps, bush camps, gates and picnic sites are open or closed following severe rainfall and flooding experienced over recent weeks.
While the majority of facilities remain temporarily closed due to infrastructure damage and ongoing safety assessments, SANParks has confirmed that several key camps and access points will reopen from 25 January 2026, allowing limited visitor access to resume in specific areas of Kruger National Park.

Below is the latest confirmed status update, accurate as of 24 January 2026.

Main Rest Camps – Kruger National Park

• Punda Maria – Open from 25 January 2026
• Pafuri Border Camp – Closed
• Shingwedzi – Closed to overnight guests
• Open as a day visitor site only from 25 January 2026
• Shop, restaurant and fuel station closed
• Day visitors must bring their own food, drinking water and ensure sufficient fuel
• Mopani – Closed
• Letaba – Closed
• Olifants – Closed
• Satara – Closed to overnight guests
• Open for day visits
• Restaurant and shop operational
• Orpen Rest Camp – Open from 25 January 2026
• Skukuza – Open
• Lower Sabie – Open
• Pretoriuskop – Open
• Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp – Open
• Berg-en-Dal – Open

Bush Camps

All bush camps remain closed until further notice:

• Sirheni
• Bataleur
• Shimuweni
• Talamati
• Biyamiti

Satellite Camps

• Balule – Closed
• Tsendze – Closed
• Tamboti – Open for overnight guests
• Maroela – Open for overnight guests
• Malelane Satellite Camp – Open

Private Concession Camps

• Boulders – Closed
• Roodewal – Closed

Gate Access Status

• Pafuri Gate – Closed
• Punda Maria Gate – Open from 25 January 2026
• Phalaborwa Gate – Closed
• SANParks-guided drives to resume from 25 January
• Orpen Gate – Restricted access
• Open only to overnight guests for Orpen, Maroela and Tamboti
• Emergency services and essential deliveries permitted
• Paul Kruger Gate – Open
• Phabeni Gate – Closed
• Numbi Gate – Open
• Malelane Gate – Open
• Crocodile Bridge Gate – Open

Picnic Sites

• Babalala Picnic Site – Closed
• Tshokwane Picnic Site – Open
• Accessible only to guests travelling from Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge
• Mundzandzeni Picnic Site (S36) – Open
• Accessible from the Orpen side

Road Conditions Advisory

• H14 and H9 roads are open for limited travel only
• Visitors should treat these routes as dead ends and plan itineraries accordingly

Important Visitor Advisory

SANParks strongly urges all visitors to:

• Monitor official updates regularly
• Adhere strictly to gate and road restrictions
• Avoid closed areas and barricaded roads
• Plan fuel, food and water supplies carefully, especially in northern Kruger National Park

Further updates will be issued as repairs, safety assessments and weather conditions improve.

 

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FlySafair suspends Hoedspruit flights until mid-February 2026 after flood damage!

South African regional airline FlySafair has confirmed the suspension of all flights to and from Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, until 14 February 2026, citing severe flood damage to critical airport infrastructure.

The decision follows widespread heavy rainfall and flooding across the greater Lowveld region, which has recently been declared a national disaster. The extreme weather has caused extensive damage across Limpopo and Mpumalanga, including parts of the Kruger National Park, significantly disrupting transport networks and tourism operations.

Hoedspruit Airport Infrastructure Severely Affected
At Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), prolonged heavy rainfall has caused substantial runway damage, while the airport’s radar system is currently non-operational. According to FlySafair, these conditions have compromised operational safety, making it unsafe for aircraft to land or depart until repairs are completed and safety assessments are finalised.

FlySafair has emphasised that the suspension is a safety-driven decision, in line with aviation regulations and established risk management protocols.

Passenger rebooking and refund options
All passengers affected by the suspension will be contacted directly using the details provided at the time of booking. Customers will be offered the following options:

• Rebook to a later travel date or an alternative route at no additional cost, or
• Request a full refund for the affected flight(s).

Passengers are advised to monitor their email inboxes and FlySafair’s official communication channels for further updates.

Impact on tourism in the greater Lowveld region/greater Kruger region
Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) serves as a key gateway to the Greater Kruger National Park, including private reserves and lodges in the Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa, and surrounding Lowveld areas. The suspension is expected to temporarily affect travel plans for both domestic and international visitors, particularly during the late summer safari season.

Other airlines operating at hoedspruit
South African regional airlines Airlink and CemAir are currently operating flights to and from Hoedspruit Airport (HDS).

• Airlink resumed scheduled services on 16 January 2026, following a brief suspension. Operations remain subject to favourable local weather and road conditions.
• CemAir has also reinstated its flights, following improved weather assessments issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

Travellers are advised to remain flexible and confirm flight status directly with their airline prior to departure.

 

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Kruger National Park Access Update: SANParks confirms eased restrictions as weather conditions improve!

last update 23 January 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued a new operational update confirming that weather conditions across Limpopo and Mpumalanga - including key areas of Kruger National Park - have improved sufficiently to allow limited easing of access restrictions.

Following ongoing safety inspections and infrastructure assessments, day and overnight visitors are now permitted to access Punda Maria Gate, Babalala Picnic Site, and Punda Maria Rest Camp with effect from Sunday, 25 January 2026.

Areas and facilities that Remain closed
Despite the improved conditions, several sections of Kruger National Park remain inaccessible due to continued safety concerns and infrastructure recovery work:

• Letaba Rest Camp – Closed
• Pafuri Rest Camp – Closed
• Pafuri Border Post – Closed
• Phalaborwa Gate – Closed to day visitors
• Orpen Gate – Restricted access only for:
• Overnight guests
• Emergency services
• Essential supply and service deliveries

Due to limited operational facilities at this stage, Open Safari Vehicles (OSVs) are not permitted to operate anywhere in Kruger National Park until further notice.

Road conditions in Kruger National Park
SANParks has confirmed that all gravel roads across Kruger National Park remain closed. Visitors are strongly advised to plan routes carefully and adhere strictly to official guidance.

SANParks has reiterated its warning to visitors not to remove barricades or attempt to access closed roads, as these restrictions are critical to ensuring visitor safety and allowing engineers and maintenance teams to complete assessments and repairs.

Ongoing monitoring and future updates
The situation across Kruger National Park continues to be actively monitored. Access restrictions will be reviewed progressively as weather conditions stabilize further and infrastructure rehabilitation advances.

SANParks has assured visitors that additional updates will be communicated through official SANParks platforms as conditions evolve.

Visitor advisory
SANParks has thanked all visitors for their patience, cooperation, and understanding during this recovery period and encourages travelers to remain flexible with travel plans.

Travellers heading to Kruger National Park are advised to check official SANParks updates regularly before departure.

 

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Mozambique Flooding Update: Tourism impacts & travel advisory – January 2026!

last updated - 24 January 2026!

Should you travel to Mozambique right now?
Mozambique remains open to tourism, but travel to flood-affected provinces is strongly discouraged at present. Severe flooding continues to impact road access, national parks, and coastal routes in parts of Gaza, Maputo Province, and Sofala. While international flights are operating, ground transport is unreliable and safety risks remain elevated. Travellers should postpone non-essential trips to affected regions, confirm accommodation and transfers directly with operators, and ensure travel insurance covers weather-related disruptions and evacuation. Flexible itineraries and real-time monitoring are essential. 

last updated - 23 Januay 2026! 

Mozambique is currently facing one of its most severe flooding emergencies in decades, with widespread impacts across southern and central provinces. While the country is not closed to tourism, the ongoing situation has significant implications for travel planning, road access, national parks, coastal resorts, and hospitality services.

This update provides a tourism-focused overview of the current conditions and practical guidance for travellers and tour operators as of 23 January 2026.

Current flooding situation in Mozambique

Prolonged heavy rainfall, overflowing river systems, and controlled dam releases have led to extensive flooding in Mozambique, particularly in Gaza, Maputo, Sofala, Inhambane, and parts of Manica Province. More than 600,000 people have been affected nationwide, with hundreds of thousands displaced into temporary accommodation centres.

Mozambique remains under a national Red Alert, and authorities warn that conditions remain dynamic as the country is still within the peak cyclone and rainy season.

Impact on key tourism areas

National Parks & wildlife tourism

• Limpopo National Park (Gaza Province) has been severely affected, with internal roads flooded, access routes damaged, and several areas currently inaccessible.
• Safari operations, self-drive routes, and lodge access within the park are restricted or suspended until floodwaters recede and safety assessments are completed.
• Travellers should expect temporary closures and operational disruptions across low-lying conservation areas.

Coastal & beach destinations

• Parts of Maputo Province’s coastal belt and surrounding low-lying areas have experienced flooding and isolation due to damaged road access.
• Some beach lodges and resorts may remain operational, but access reliability varies significantly.
• Travellers should confirm road conditions, transfer arrangements, and service availability directly with accommodation providers.

Road access & transport

• Sections of Mozambique's main north–south artery, the EN1 highway, and several secondary routes have been cut or damaged.
• Overland travel between Maputo, Gaza, and Sofala provinces is unreliable and subject to sudden closures.
• Flooded bridges, washed-out roads, and detours are common, affecting self-drive itineraries and scheduled transfers.
• Air travel remains operational, but onward ground connections may be disrupted.

Accommodation & Hospitality Sector

Lodges, hotels, and guesthouses in affected provinces are facing:

• Intermittent power and water supply issues
• Staffing challenges due to displacement
• Cancellations and booking flexibility requests

Property-specific conditions vary widely; direct confirmation with operators is essential.

Health & safety considerations for travellers

Flooding has increased the risk of water-borne diseases, particularly in affected regions. Travellers in Mozambique are advised to:

• Avoid flood-affected areas and low-lying river basins
• Follow official weather and emergency updates
• Ensure comprehensive travel insurance covering weather-related disruptions and emergency evacuation
• Build flexibility into itineraries and onward travel plans

Is Mozambique Still Open to Tourism?

Yes — Mozambique remains open to international visitors, and there has been no nationwide suspension of tourism activities. However, localized impacts are substantial, and travel in affected regions requires heightened caution, up-to-date information, and flexible planning.

Short-term outlook for tourism

Floodwaters in Mozambique are expected to persist in some areas for weeks, with road and infrastructure repairs continuing well beyond the immediate emergency phase.

Tourism recovery will depend on:

• Receding water levels
• Road and bridge rehabilitation
• Safety assessments of parks, lodges, and transport routes

Travellers planning visits in late January and February 2026 should closely monitor updates and consider alternative routes or destinations where feasible.

Travel advisory summary

• International flights: operating
• Road travel: highly disrupted in affected provinces
• National parks: access restrictions and closures likely
• Coastal travel: possible, but access varies
• Tourism not suspended, but careful planning essential

We will continue to monitor the situation in Mozambique and provide verified updates relevant to travellers, tour operators, and self-drive visitors across southern Africa.

 

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Botswana issues travel advisory for Chobe National Park roads!

last update 22 January 2026 

The Botswana Ministry of Environment and Tourism, through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), has issued an important advisory regarding current road conditions in and around Chobe National Park following widespread heavy rainfall.

Recent downpours have resulted in deep standing water, muddy tracks, and severely degraded access routes, particularly in the Mababe, Savuti, Ghoha and Linyanti regions. Self-drive visitors are urged to plan routes carefully and strictly follow official guidance to ensure safety.

Mababe – Savuti Routes

• Marsh Road: Closed. Do not attempt to use this route under any circumstances.
• Sand Ridge Road: Open, but significantly affected by deep water puddles.
• Solo travel and single-vehicle convoys are strongly discouraged.

Savuti – Ghoha Routes

• Airstrip Route: Affected by deep water.
• Direct (Straight) Route: Also waterlogged but currently in better condition than the Airstrip Route.
• Pimple Hill Route: Recommended route.
• This track is narrower, less flooded, and requires extra caution. The route is available on Google Maps.

Access to Linyanti

• Ghoha – Linyanti Park Boundary Road: Closed due to high-risk conditions.
• Alternative access: Visitors should use the Savuti – Linyanti Road only.

Mababe Gate – Mababe Village / Moremi Access

• Upon exiting Mababe Gate, take the right-hand turn to join the Maun–Khwai Access Road.
• The Maun–Khwai Access Road is currently in poor condition; drivers should proceed with extreme caution.

Important safety notice for tourists

All visitors travelling in these remote areas must have 24-hour emergency communication, such as a satellite phone or equivalent device. Recovery services may be delayed due to road conditions and weather.

Travellers are advised to monitor official updates from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP and to adjust itineraries where necessary. Conditions may change rapidly depending on further rainfall.

About Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is one of Botswana's premier safari destinations and forms a critical part of the country’s northern conservation network, linking the Chobe Riverfront, Savuti, Linyanti and Nogatsaa regions. Renowned for its vast elephant population, diverse wildlife habitats and seasonal floodplains, the park attracts both guided and self-drive visitors year-round. During the rainy season, however, access routes within Chobe National Park can deteriorate rapidly, making up-to-date road condition information essential for safe travel planning. 

 

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Durban beach water quality update: Majority of beaches safe for swimming!

The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that the vast majority of Durban’s monitored beaches are currently safe for swimming, following the release of the latest coastal water quality test results dated 20 January 2026. According to the official assessment, 21 of the city’s 23 regularly monitored beaches meet required safety standards, reaffirming Durban’s reputation as one of South Africa’s leading year-round beach destinations.

Despite the end of the peak December holiday season, Durban continues to attract visitors thanks to its subtropical climate, warm Indian Ocean waters, and long stretches of sandy coastline. From the vibrant Golden Mile to quieter northern and southern beaches, conditions remain favourable for swimming, surfing, and family-friendly coastal activities.

Coastal water quality monitoring in Durban
To safeguard public health and ensure the safe recreational use of its coastline, the eThekwini Municipality operates a comprehensive coastal water quality monitoring programme. This ongoing initiative includes:

• Regular seawater sampling at designated beaches
• Laboratory-based microbiological testing
• Transparent public reporting, especially during high-use periods such as school holidays and long weekends

The most recent test results confirm that Durban's bathing waters comply with national safety standards, reinforcing confidence in the city’s environmental management and coastal monitoring systems.

Durban beaches currently open for swimming
Based on the latest official water quality assessment, 21 monitored beaches in Durban are open for recreational swimming. Municipal lifeguards are deployed daily from 06:00 to 18:30, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers, surfers, and beachgoing families.

Beaches currently open include:

1. Point Beach
2. uMgababa
3. uShaka
4. Addington
5. North Beach
6. Bay of Plenty
7. Battery Beach
8. Thekwini Beach
9. South Beach
10. Wedge Beach
11. Brighton
12. Westbrook
13. mDloti Main
14. Anstey’s Beach
15. uMhlanga Main
16. Bronze Beach
17. Winklespruit
18. Doonside Beach
19. Laguna Beach
20. Pipeline Beach
21. Toti Main Beach

All listed beaches are considered suitable for swimming, subject to ongoing monitoring and changing environmental conditions.

Durban beaches currently closed
At present, Reunion Beach and Country Club Beach remain closed due to water quality concerns. The municipality continues to monitor conditions closely, and updates will be issued once it is safe for these beaches to reopen.

Public swimming pools: A safe alternative
For visitors seeking a more controlled swimming environment, Durban offers approximately 40 municipal swimming pools across the metropolitan area. These facilities are particularly popular with families, children, and fitness swimmers, especially during periods of rough sea conditions.

All public swimming pools are:

• Regularly maintained
• Supervised by trained lifeguards
• Continuously monitored for hygiene and safety throughout the summer season

Essential beach safety advice for visitors
While current conditions are favourable, beachgoers are reminded to follow basic safety guidelines:

• Swim only at designated beaches during official lifeguard hours
• Always obey beach signage and municipal safety notices
• Exercise additional caution after heavy rainfall, which can temporarily impact water quality

Traveller takeaway
With most of Durban's beaches open, safe, and actively monitored, visitors can enjoy the city’s coastline with confidence. As coastal conditions can change rapidly, staying informed through official updates and adhering to safety guidance remains essential for a safe and enjoyable beach experience in Durban.

 

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Crocodile Bridge Gate to reopen as conditions improve in Kruger National Park!

last update 22 January 2026 

• Lower Sabie Rest Camp is now accessible for guests via Crocodile Bridge Gate.

last update 21 January 2026 

As weather conditions continue to stabilise across parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, including sections of the Kruger National Park, South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that Crocodile Bridge Gate will reopen to day visitors from Thursday, 22 January 2026.

While this reopening marks an important step toward normal operations, SANParks cautions that the situation remains fluid and subject to rapid change. A dam wall located outside Kruger National Park has reportedly been compromised, which could affect access and operational conditions at short notice, including the potential closure of Crocodile Bridge Gate should safety concerns arise.

Road closures and safety warnings
All gravel roads within the Kruger National Park remain closed until further notice. Visitors are strongly advised not to remove barricades at closed gates or restricted roads, as these measures are in place to protect public safety and prevent further damage to park infrastructure following recent flooding.

SANParks has also requested visitors to take their waste with them when exiting Kruger National Park, as waste management and other operational services continue to operate under strain due to flood-related disruptions.

Gate access status
The following gates are currently operational, subject to the existing entry quota system:

• Malelane Gate
• Numbi Gate
• Paul Kruger Gate

Phabeni Gate remains closed until further notice.

In addition, the southern and northern regions of Kruger National Park remain inaccessible to each other, meaning that key facilities such as Tshokwane Picnic Site, Satara Rest Camp, and the northern sections of the national park are not accessible at this time.

Ongoing monitoring
SANParks continues to closely monitor weather patterns, water levels, and infrastructure stability across Kruger National Park. Visitors are urged to strictly follow all official instructions, signage, and staff guidance to ensure their safety.

Further updates will be issued as conditions evolve and additional areas of Kruger National Park become accessible.