last updated (05 January 2025):
- SANParks has released an updated Kruger National Park Road Closure Register on facebook! (05 January 2026)
last updated (05 January 2025):
- Berg en Dal Rest Camp is currently experiencing a power failure. The transformer that supplies camping sites and some units has burned. Arrangements for a late permit for guests to Pretoriuskop has been made. Please enquire at reception, or with the Duty Manager - number on Conditions of Entry document. (04 January 2026; 19:00)
- Access to Sirheni Camp has been restored (04 January 2026; 15:00)
last updated 03 January 2026:
- Crocodile Bridge gate currently remains open for visitors to exit the park. Please use Malelane Gate to enter Kruger National Park. (02 January 2025 17:20)
- Access to Sirheni Camp has been washed away by the heavy flowing river this afternoon. The camp is inaccessible again. Guests are to please call Shingwedzi Rest Camp for further information regarding alternative accommodation. (02 January 2026 17:30)
- Sand River low water bridge is still overflowing. (02 January 2026 17:30)
last updated 02 January 2026:
- Current status of low water bridge over Sabie River near Skukuza - overflowing.
- Sand River bridge is also overflowing.
last updated 30 December 2025:
- Mathekenyane is open to tourists!
last updated 30 December 2025:
- The low water bridge over the Sabie River is only accessible for officials and tourists flying in and out of Skukuza airport. No other tourists may cross this bridge.
- Sand River low water bridge is still closed.
last updated 29 December 2025:
- Sirheni Camp is open! Access road has been repaired. (29 December 2025)
- The low water bridge over the Sand River near Skukuza is overflowing. (29 December 2025)
- The Sabie River is rising so vehicles are being turned back and not permitted to cross as they might not be able to return. A helicopter is on standby for emergencies. (29 December 2025)
- Access to Skukuza airport is via Shalati. (29 December 2025)
- SANParks has released an updated Kruger Roads Closure Report (29 December 2025)
last updated 27 December 2025:
- The Roads Department will be starting with the road repairs on Sirheni road today. (27 December 2025)
- SANParks request visitors to PLEASE NOT MOVE OR REMOVE the yellow “No Entry” barriers at the Sabie Low Water Bridge and Sand River Low Water Bridge.
The barrier at Sabie Low Water Bridge is in place to prevent tourists from travelling further and ending up at the Sand River Low Water Bridge (closed), or using the route towards Skukuza Airport (MAJOC and SA Airlink), which is a No Entry road. Only the Roads Department is authorized to move or remove the yellow barriers.
Roads are closed to ensure the safety of visitors and staff in the park and visitors are reminded not to remove or move any barriers or no entry signs placed to close roads. (24 December 2025)
last updated 24 December 2025:
- Sand River, main stream still flowing strong, low water to bridge remain closed.
- Sabie River low level bridge, access granted to Skukuza airport and Tinga.
last updated 24 December 2025: SANParks has confirmed that Sirheni Bush Camp in the north of Kruger National Park is currently closed, and alternative accommodation for guests booked at the camp is being arranged. As soon as the river water levels drop, road/bridge access to the camp will be restored. Timing is difficult to predict, but possibly by the coming weekend.
update (23 December 2025): As of 08:00, both Sabie and Sand river low water bridges are flooded and closed. Access to the airport for passengers only is from the day visitors/Shalati bridge and will be open to assist passengers from 09:30.
update (22 December 2025): South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an update on road and access conditions inside Kruger National Park following ongoing heavy rainfall. The update was released on 22 December 2025 at 15:00, with several critical developments affecting visitor movement and safety.
- Sirheni Rest Camp evacuation:
- Guests and staff have been evacuated after the Shisha Spruit flooded, making the area unsafe.
- Skukuza Airport access disrupted:
- Access to Skukuza Airport is currently cut off due to flooding at the Lower Bridge.
- Alternative access is available via Shalati Bridge.
- Tshokwane–Skukuza road:
- The main road between Tshokwane and Skukuza remains open at this stage.
- Skukuza–Lower Sabie bypass:
- The bypass road is opening and closing intermittently as water levels continue to rise.
- Dirt roads:
- All gravel and dirt roads remain closed, as previously communicated, due to unsafe conditions.
- Mathekenyane access closed:
- The Mathekenyane area is closed until further notice because lionesses with cubs have been spotted nearby.
Aerial Assessment Findings (22 December 2025, 14:00)
An aerial inspection conducted by helicopter from Skukuza revealed the following:
- Sand and Sabie Rivers are flowing strongly and are full, but have not breached their banks
- Nwatitshaka River appears stable
- Skukuza staff village low-water bridge is currently in good condition
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that exceptional rainfall across Kruger National Park has caused extensive damage to several roads, prompting temporary closures for visitor safety.
Park rangers are actively conducting road inspections throughout Kruger National Park, with updates being issued as conditions change. The following road closures are currently in effect:
- S65 Causeway – closed on 18 December 2025
- S28 Makambeni – closed on 18 December 2025
- Biyamiti Camp access: Currently only accessible via Crocodile Bridge using the S25 road. All surrounding roads remain closed due to flooding at low-water bridges (19 December 2025).
- Crocodile Bridge Road (S25) at the Biyamiti turnoff – closed pending inspection (21 December 2025).
- Tshokwane region: All gravel roads closed as a precautionary safety measure (21 December 2025).
Further north, significant rainfall has been recorded, with Pafuri receiving 303 mm and Punda Maria more than 100 mm overnight (22 December 2025). As a result:
- All gravel roads in the Pafuri and Punda Maria sections are closed
- Damage has also been reported on several tarred roads
SANParks urges visitors to exercise caution, adhere strictly to road closure signage, and check for official updates before travelling. Conditions remain dynamic, and further closures may be implemented as assessments continue.
Travellers planning visits to Kruger National Park during this period are advised to allow extra travel time, remain flexible, and prioritise safety at all times.
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