All MTPA attraction sites in Mpumalanga reopen after heavy rainfall!

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has confirmed that all attraction sites managed by the Agency are now fully open to visitors. This announcement follows a comprehensive post-rainfall assessment conducted after recent heavy rains impacted parts of Mpumalanga’s tourism sector.

Visitor safety remains MTPA’s highest priority. While all sites are operational, tourists are advised to exercise caution, particularly when travelling on access roads that may still be slippery due to ongoing or residual rainfall. Visitors are encouraged to drive carefully and remain alert while exploring natural and outdoor attractions across the province.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, MTPA staff are deployed on-site at all facilities to assist visitors and provide guidance where needed. Tourists are requested to strictly adhere to all posted safety regulations, instructions from officials, and general park guidelines during their visit.

In addition to popular destinations, the MTPA is encouraging travellers to explore a wider range of attractions across Mpumalanga, including lesser-visited sites in the Nkangala and Gert Sibande regions. These areas offer diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities that complement the province’s well-known nature reserves and scenic routes.

With all MTPA-managed attractions now open, Mpumalanga once again welcomes visitors to experience its rich natural heritage, wildlife, and tourism offerings - responsibly and safely.

 

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Mpumalanga Travel Advisory: God’s Window, The Pinnacle and Bourke’s Luck Potholes closed! [update]

last update 14 January 2026

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has the precautionay decision to close the Swadini viewing sites and the Three Rondavels viewing sites due to persistent heavy rainfall. 

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced the temporary closure of God’s Window and The Pinnacle, following the earlier shutdown of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, as persistent heavy rainfall continues to affect parts of the Mpumalanga escarpment.

According to the MTPA, the decision follows additional on-site safety assessments, which identified heightened risks linked to saturated ground, slippery walkways, reduced visibility, and potential rockfalls. These precautionary closures have been implemented to protect both visitors and staff until weather conditions improve and the sites can be safely reopened.

What travellers should know about God’s Window
God’s Window is one of the most iconic viewpoints along the Panorama Route, offering sweeping views over the Lowveld and, on clear days, as far as the Kruger National Park and Mozambique. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,700 metres above sea level, the site is particularly vulnerable to mist, strong winds, and heavy rainfall, which can significantly reduce visibility and make footpaths hazardous. During adverse weather, the lookout often becomes completely obscured by cloud, limiting the visitor experience even when technically accessible.

Closure impact at The Pinnacle
The Pinnacle is a dramatic freestanding quartzite rock column rising from indigenous forest near Graskop. The site is accessed via steep paths and viewing platforms, which can become extremely slippery during prolonged rainfall. Ongoing wet conditions increase the risk of erosion and falling debris, prompting authorities to restrict access until safety standards can be assured.

Travel advice for the Panorama Route
Travellers planning to explore the Panorama Route are advised to monitor official updates from the MTPA, allow for itinerary flexibility, and consider alternative attractions that remain open and safe. Weather conditions in the region can change rapidly, particularly during the rainy season, and further closures may be announced at short notice.

Visitors are strongly urged not to attempt access to closed viewpoints and to respect all safety signage and instructions. Updates on reopening dates will be communicated once conditions stabilise and thorough safety inspections have been completed.

 

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Updated Travel Advisory: Severe weather disrupts access to Kruger National Park! [update #7]

last update: 14 January 2026 

• River level at Lower Sabie low water bridge has strongly picked up and H10 is still closed. (14 January 2026 07:00)
• H4-1,2 from Crocodile Bridge to Lower Sabie is accessible.  (14 January 2026 07:00)
• Rangers busy assessing H12 Nwatindlopfu high water bridge.  (14 January 2026 07:00)

last update: 14 January 2026

• Sabie low water bridge (Skukuza) overflowing. Currently no access to Tshokwane. (14 January 2026 06:00)

last update: 13 January 2026

• Letaba river. Bridge over river on H14 completely submerged. (13 January 2026 16:00)
• Letaba high water bridge over flowing and is closed. (13 January 2026 16:00
• River levels have risen significantly during the day. (13 January 2026 16:00)

last update: 13 January 2026

• The Sabie River level at Lower Sabie low water bridge is subsiding a slowly. (13 January 2026  09:00)
• H10 remains closed. (13 January 2026  09:00)
• H4-1&2, Nwatindlopfu high water bridge, and from Tshokwane up to Orpen/Satara is still accessible. (13 January 2026  09:00)

last update: 13 January 2026

• Crocodile River water level is currently stable and Crocodile Bridge gate is open. (13 January 2026 06:30)

last update: 12 January 2026

The South African Weather Service (SAWS)  has published a weather update. According to the SAWS, a persistent low-pressure system is currently affecting the north-eastern regions of South Africa, bringing in significant amounts of rainfall. Therefore, the SAWS has issued Impact-Based Severe Weather Warnings, including Orange Level 9 and Orange Level 6 warnings for disruptive rainfall over the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga today and tomorrow (12 and 13 January 2026), as well as the extreme north-eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal tomorrow (13 January 2026). READ MORE 

last update: 12 January 2026

• SANParks has released an updated road closure register as of 13:00 on 12 January 2026 

last updated 12 January 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an updated travel advisory for the Kruger National Park as severe weather conditions continue to impact parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, including several critical areas within the park.

This update follows an earlier advisory and reflects rapidly deteriorating conditions, with rising river levels, widespread road closures, and restricted access to key rest camps. As a result, visitor movement within the southern region of the park has been significantly affected, impacting both guests currently inside the park and those with imminent arrival plans.

SANParks has confirmed that guests staying at Lower Sabie Rest Camp and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp currently do not have access to Skukuza due to multiple road closures and safety concerns.

At present, the only available exit route for these camps is via the Crocodile River bridge. However, SANParks has warned that water levels in the Crocodile River are rising rapidly, and the bridge is expected to become inaccessible should flooding continue. This poses a real risk that guests may be temporarily cut off until water levels recede.

In response to the evolving situation, SANParks is actively contacting guests with imminent arrivals to the Kruger National Park to assist with rescheduling their visits, particularly those planning to enter through affected gates or stay at impacted camps. 

Confirmed operational updates
SANParks has issued the following official updates:

• Crocodile Bridge Gate is under continuous monitoring and will be closed if flooding of the Crocodile River bridge occurs.
• Pafuri Gate remains closed due to flooding and unsafe conditions.
• Punda Maria Gate is also closed, leaving Phalaborwa Gate as the only access point to the northern region of Kruger National Park.
• All roads between Lower Sabie and Skukuza as well as Satara are closed.
• Mopani Restaurant has been closed as a precautionary safety measure.

Safety advisory for visitors
SANParks strongly urges all guests to strictly comply with road closures, no-entry signage, and instructions issued by park officials. Visitors are reminded that barricades, logs, and safety barriers must never be removed, as these measures are in place to prevent access to flooded, damaged, or structurally compromised areas.
Guests are advised to remain vigilant, stay informed through official SANParks communication channels, and prioritise safety while weather conditions remain unstable.

 

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SANParks activates safety measures at Kruger National Park following Level 6 weather warning! [update #3]

last updated 12 January 2026:

• Lower Sabie low water bridge is flooded.  (12 January 2026 09:00) 
• Crocodile river is still strong flowing, but has been stable since this morning. (12 January 2026 09:00) 

last updated 11 January 2026:

• Pafuri border post is closed 
• Several rivers are currently flowing at high speed, with water levels expected to rise significantly during today particularly at Delaport River, Nwatshitaka River and Crocodile River. (11 January 2026)
• Sabie River is rising, which is expected to impact the Sand River, potentially affecting travel routes between Satara Rest Camp, Tshokwane Picnic Site, Lower Sabie Rest Camp and Skukuza Rest Camp. (11 January 2026)
• Guests wishing to access Skukuza Airport from North of Tshokwane should use Kruger Gate via Satara / Orpen gate or access from outside of the park through the R40, and need to be mindful of added traveling times so not to miss their flights. (11 January 2026)

last updated 11 January 2026: 

• SANParks has released an updated road closure register as of 11:00 on 11 January 2026
• Current status of Sabie and Sand low water bridges (Skukuza) on 11 January 2026 at 07:00
• Sabie (not overflowing)
• Sand (overflowing)
• Due to heavy rains, the Giriyondo border post is closed for today. The situation will be reassessed tomorrow. This also includes Makhadzi picnic spot. (11 January 2026)

last updated 11 January 2026:  

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that proactive safety measures have been implemented at Kruger National Park (KNP) following a Level 6 severe weather warning issued for Limpopo Province, effective from Sunday, 11 January, to Monday, 12 January 2026.

The warning, which includes the risk of heavy rainfall and potential flooding, has prompted SANParks to activate its disaster management protocols to protect guests, staff, and surrounding communities.

Preventative camp evacuations underway
As a precautionary measure, Shingwedzi, Sirheni, and Bateleur Camps have been temporarily evacuated to avoid access and safety challenges should flooding occur. These actions are preventative and aimed at ensuring guest safety should river levels rise.

Guests staying at Balule and Pafuri Camps have been given the option to remain, as these areas are currently assessed to be outside the flood risk zones.

Bush camp guests relocated to accessible rest camps
Guests and staff at the following bush camps:

• Talamati
• Mbiyamiti
• Roodewaal

are being relocated to Satara and Lower Sabie Rest Camps, which remain safely accessible via Tshokwane. This relocation ensures continued access to essential services and emergency support during the severe weather period.

Skukuza Airport access and airline support
For visitors flying in and out of Skukuza Airport, SANParks has confirmed that safe access routes are in place via Shalati Railway Station. All concession operators within the park are actively participating in the Disaster Management Committee, ensuring coordinated planning and response.

In addition, Airlink will deploy additional operational resources from Johannesburg to support the safe movement of tourists between Skukuza Airport and accommodation facilities within Kruger National Park.

Ongoing monitoring and guest advisory
SANParks has reiterated that the safety of guests, staff, and neighbouring communities remains the Kruger National Park's highest priority. Weather conditions are being closely monitored, and further operational decisions will be taken should the situation evolve.

Guests are strongly advised to:

• Remain vigilant
• Follow official SANParks communication channels for updates
• Cooperate fully with park officials and emergency personnel

Booking changes and camping advisory
Guests who wish to cancel or reschedule their bookings may contact SANParks Central Reservations during working hours on 012 428 9111.
Campers are encouraged to book tourism accommodation instead of remaining at campsites during this period. SANParks has confirmed that no additional costs will be charged for this accommodation change, as part of its safety-focused response.

 

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