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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