Kruger National Park Road & Camp Access Update – January 2026

last updated 30 January 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has provided an important update on road and camp access in Kruger National Park following the recent severe weather events. While conditions have improved across the park, several areas remain affected, and some access restrictions are still in place as recovery and repair work continues.

Gate and entry updates

• Phalaborwa Gate: Reopening for Day Visitors on Saturday, 31 January 2026. Visitors entering here may only travel as far as Satara Rest Camp.
• Pafuri Gate: Open, but the Pafuri Border Post remains closed.
• Orpen Gate: Remains closed until further notice.

Rest camp access

• Letaba and Olifants Rest Camps: Remain closed.
• Mopani Rest Camp: Open but accessible only via Punda Maria Gate; entry from Phalaborwa Gate is not permitted. Guests are advised to bring their own supplies, as the restaurant is closed.
• Shingwedzi Rest Camp: Only the shop and restaurant are open; the rest of the camp remains closed until further notice.

Bush camp access

• Bateleur Bush Camp: The only northern bush camp currently open.
• Sirheni, Shimuwini, and Tsendze Bush Camps: Remain closed.
• Boulders Bush Camp: Closed.

Road and bridge access

• In the southern section of Kruger National Park, the Sabie River and Sand River Bridges are now accessible.
• Visitors can travel:
• From Skukuza to Satara and Lower Sabie via H1-2 > H12 > H4-1
• From Skukuza to Lower Sabie via Tshokwane Picnic Site > H10
• Tshokwane and Nkhuhlu Picnic Sites: Now open, but with limited menu options.

SANParks urges all visitors to plan ahead, carry sufficient supplies, and check current road and camp statuses before entering Kruger National Park. Safety remains the top priority during ongoing recovery efforts.

 

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