update (16 January 2025): SANParks has updated its "Road Closure Register" (pdf)
update (16 January 2025): SANParks released an update on the road and infrastructure conditions in Kruger National Park following the recent heavy rains:
The following gravel roads have now been opened after repair work was done by the technical services team: S140,S106, S36 to S145.
The following Tshokwane gravel roads are also open, except for road S33, due to causeway water that’s too high for low clearance vehicles. The Sand and Sabie low bridges are also clear.
update (15 January 2025): SANParks has updated its "Road Closure Register" (pdf)
update (15 January 2025): SANParks released an update on the road and infrastructure conditions in Kruger National Park following the recent heavy rains:
- Crocodile Bridge Gate is operational and all gravel roads are opened around Crocodile Bridge (S25, S28, S130 and H5)
- Sandriver: High clearance vehicles can cross the low water bridge.
- S34 open. S36 opened from H1-2 to the S34 /36 junction. I.e. S36 route from tar road north to S34 exiting at picnic site.
- North of this S33 and remaining S36 to remain closed.
update (14 January 2025): SANParks announced that the H141 Letaba low- water bridge is now accessible. Lower Sabie low-water Bridge, now H10 open.
update (14 January 2025): SANParks announced that the Sabie low-level bridge in Kruger National Park is still not accessible, the bridge is still overflowing with plenty of water.
Tshokwane gravel roads will also remain closed, nwasinsonto still in flood, therefore linking gravel roads E - W from the tarred at road have been closed with barricades.
KingFisherspruit gravel roads will remain closed. Talamati guests have been diverted to other camps. Imbali have access to Orpen via S140.
Sandriver very full and remains closed. All rivers are gradually dropping, with exception of Olifants which is increasing. However flows remain high. Expect low water bridges to remain inaccessible during the course of day at Sabie, Sand, Olifants and Letaba.
Crocodile Bridge is open
update (13 January 2025): SANParks announced that the Crocodile Low-water Bridge water flow has subsided. The bridge is cleared and accessible for now.
update (13 January 2025): The recent heavy rains experienced in most parts of South Africa have resulted in the closure of some of the camps and gravel roads in Kruger National Park. Some of the main roads between Skukuza and Lower Sabie were damaged. The flooding is largely localised in the south of the Olifants River, but all gates are open and operational. Waterflow forecasts suggest that Sabie and Sand rivers will be inundated with heavy flows for some time.
The rain has also been heavy in the north of Kruger National Park with the Luvuvhu river at its highest level this season. Roads in the area are also being monitored, and road users are requested to observe road closures.
Thus far, no casualties or damage to personal properties have been reported, however road users are strongly advised to be extra vigilant and cautious when crossing low level bridges and not alight from their vehicles to remove debris.
update (13 January 2025): SANParks announced that the water flow at Crocodile River in Kruger National Park has increased excessively at the Riverside weir (Malelane). Guests can expect Crocodile Bridge to become inaccessible later today.The Risk Management team further advised that Crooks corner is currently not accessible. Luvuvhu has also burst its banks near old picnic spot.
update (13 January 2025): SANParks announced that the detour that was fixed yesterday has been damaged again. The Skukuza low bridge is also over flowing at the moment. Skukuza - Tshokwane is not accessible.
update (13 January 2025): SANParks announced that the S93, S44 and S46 in Kruger National Park have been closed. The roads department team is on their way to monitor the level of water at Balule bridge and S92.
South African National Parks (SANParks) has released several updates on the road conditions in Kruger National Park over the weekend. Due to heavy rains, several roads and facilities had to be closed. This is a sum up of SANParks' announcements.
This morning (13 January 2025), SANParks announced that the low-water bridges via Nkuhlu Picnic Site are overflowing and subsequently closed. There is no access from Skukuza to Nkuhlu at the moment. Nkuhlu will remain closed until further notice.
Access to the Skukuza airport will be affected from the Skukuza side.
Phabeni gate is open and accessible for now.
On 12 January 2025, SANParks announced that access to the Skukuza Airport has been cleared and back to normal again.
Also on 12 January 2025 SANParks posted that all Malelane Gravel roads, turning off at H3 to the East will stay close for the day, pending forecast of more rain later today.
In a third post, SANParks said that following alternative routes: from Skukuza to Lower Sabie/ Croc bridge, take the S114 onto H5(provided the vurhami on H5 doesn't overflow). Access to the north will only be from Lower Sabie via H10. SANParks took the precautionary decision to keep Biyamiti closed as more rain is predicted today.
In a fouth posting SANParks said that Pretoriaskop, Phabeni, Hazyview and Mkhuhlu areas are receiving heavy rains as predicted. Sand River and other low-level bridges can be expected to overflow tonight and in the morning and will for this reason be closely monitored as a precautionary measure. Biyamiti and Talamati water levels have subsided but will remain closed as more rain falls.
On 11 January 2025, SANParks posted that in the Lower Sabie area, the following dirt roads are closed: S82, S128, S30, S122, S29, S21 and S129. This also applies to all gravel roads in the Kingfisher Ranger Station area (Orpen). The S36, S12, S39, S126 and S125 in the Satara are are closed. H1-1 overflowing on the bridge before Del aporte. No access Skukuza via Del aporte.
Lower water bridge over Sand River at Skukuza is closed due to overflowing.
In another post, SANParks announced on 11 January 2025 that the H4-1 at T junction at Skukuza currently not passable to Lower Sabie. Biyamiti River is in flood.
In a third post on 11 January 2025, SANParks said that the airport is now isolated, access to airport via Shalati Train Bridge. S145 and S140 bridge overflowing. Talamati camp being evacuated. Biyamiti camp being considered for evacuation.
In a fourth update on 11 January 2025, SANParks announced that some gravel roads in the southern part of the Kruger National Park remain temporarily closed due to the recent heavy rains. Guests are further advised not to open or travel on any roads which have been closed and not to cross any low-water bridges as the dangers of being washed away remain high.
Biyamiti and Balule bush camps are currently not accessible. The Skukuza Airport is only accessible via Shalati Lodge Bridge. No threat or danger to lives has been experienced in the park with Park Management working hard to keep all guests in the affected areas safe.
Technical Services with the assistance of Ranger Services have been assessing access and are working to find possible solutions. The floods remain fluid, with more heavy rains anticipated in the coming week. The teams will continue with assessments of all affected camps and roads, and updates will be communicated through social media as well as in person to the affected guests.
All access gates into Kruger National Park are open, and guests can enter and exit the south of the park from the open gates.
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