Kruger National Park Flood Update: Gate access & camp routes for travellers!

last updated: 14 January 2026

Crocodile Bridge Gate officially closed. The water level is constantly being monitored and alerts will be updated when the levels change. Visitors to Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge will not be able to leave Kruger National Park until the water levels subside and the bridge opened. (14 January 2026 12:30)

last updated: 14 January 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that persistent heavy rainfall across Limpopo and Mpumalanga continues to impact access routes and gate operations at Kruger National Park (KNP). Several internal roads and river crossings remain flooded, affecting travel between camps and limiting access points into the park.

To reduce delays, avoid unnecessary detours, and help visitors reach their booked camps via the most direct and safest routes, SANParks has issued the following gate access recommendations, which all travellers are strongly advised to follow.

Recommended Access Gates by Camp

Skukuza Rest Camp
• Access recommended via Paul Kruger Gate
• No access from Skukuza to Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Tshokwane, or Satara due to flooding at the Sabie Low Water Bridge and surrounding detours

Malelane Satellite Camp & Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
• Access via Malelane Gate

Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp & Lower Sabie Rest Camp
• Access via Crocodile Bridge Gate
• River levels are being closely monitored; updates will be issued should this gate become inaccessible

Orpen Rest Camp & Satara Rest Camp
• Access via Orpen Gate

Olifants Rest Camp, Letaba Rest Camp & Mopani Rest Camp
• Access via Phalaborwa Gate or Orpen Gate

Pretoriuskop Rest Camp
• Access via Numbi Gate or Phabeni Gate

Gate Status Updates

• Phabeni Gate remains open but may close at short notice depending on river levels
• Pafuri Gate and Punda Maria Gate remain closed and are currently inaccessible
• There is no access to the far northern section of Kruger National Park

Road Closures Inside the Park

• H10 Road (Lower Sabie – Tshokwane) is closed
• No access between Lower Sabie and Tshokwane
• Flooding continues to affect key internal routes, limiting camp-to-camp travel

Important Advice for Travellers

Visitors are urged not to attempt closed routes or flooded crossings, as this has resulted in significant frustration and delays. Always follow official gate guidance and monitor SANParks updates before and during travel.

We will continue to track developments and provide timely updates for travellers planning visits to Kruger National Park during this period of severe weather.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa.