Kruger National Park access update: Gate closures and recommended routes!

last update 19 January 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an updated access advisory for the Kruger National Park following widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. Visitors are urged to take note of the current gate closures, restricted routes, and recommended access points when planning their travel.

Southern Kruger National Park Access

• Skukuza Rest Camp: Access is recommended via Paul Kruger Gate.
• Phabeni Gate remains closed after the Ingwe Donga bridge, between Phabeni Gate and the Kruger Gate road, was washed away.
• Malelane Satellite Camp and Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp: Access is only via Malelane Gate.
• Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp and Lower Sabie Rest Camp: No access is currently possible. Crocodile Bridge Gate is flooded and remains closed until further notice.

Internal Road Closures

• There is no access from Skukuza to Lower Sabie, Tshokwane, or Satara. The Sabie Low Water Bridge and surrounding detour routes are flooded.
• The H10 between Lower Sabie and Tshokwane is closed, resulting in no connectivity between these camps.

Central Kruger National Park Access

• Orpen Rest Camp and Satara Rest Camp: Access is via Orpen Gate only.

Olifants Region

• Olifants Rest Camp is currently inaccessible and temporarily cut off from both Letaba and Satara.
• Water levels across surrounding roads are being closely monitored. Guests at Olifants will be permitted to depart toward Phalaborwa Gate once conditions are deemed safe.

Northern Kruger National Park Closures

• There is no access to the northern regions of Kruger National Park.
• Pafuri Gate and Punda Maria Gate remain closed and inaccessible, with no change to the situation at this stage.

SANParks continues to monitor weather conditions and infrastructure safety across the Kruger National Park. Visitors are strongly advised to follow official updates and comply with all access restrictions to ensure their safety. 

 

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