Kruger National Park flood recovery update: Re-opening timeline for camps, roads and bridges (February 2026)

last updated: 20 February 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an updated timeline for the phased re-opening of flood-affected rest camps, bush camps, roads and bridges in Kruger National Park on 19 February 2026.

Following severe flooding earlier this year, infrastructure repairs in Kruger National Park are progressing steadily. While many facilities are already open, several key camps and access routes remain under restoration. Below is a traveller-focused breakdown to help you plan your Kruger National Park safari in 2026.

Please note: All dates below are expected timeframes and remain subject to change depending on repair progress and weather conditions.

Northern Kruger National Park: Camp re-openings

Shingwedzi Rest Camp
Expected reopening: 07 March 2026
Fence restoration is currently underway. Once complete, the camp will resume normal operations.

Mopani Rest Camp
Expected 100% tourism capacity: 13 March 2026

• Temporary restaurant facilities available from reopening
• Full restaurant operations expected by end May 2026

Mopani will return to full accommodation capacity first, with dining services phased in shortly thereafter.

Shimuwini Bush Camp
Expected reopening: 01 September 2026
This smaller, intimate bush camp is undergoing extensive civil and building works and will reopen once fully restored.

Letaba Rest Camp
Currently open: Shop, filling station and museum
Phased reopening schedule:

• 07 March 2026: Coffee/Food trailer for day visitors
• 05 May 2026: Partial reopening of undamaged tourism facilities (Circle A, B, C; Family Cottages; Guest Houses; Line Rooms)
• 02 June 2026: Restaurant fully operational
• 01 August 2026: Moderately damaged facilities reopen
• 02 November 2026: Camp fully operational

Olifants Rest Camp
Open

Sirheni Bush Camp
Open (access via alternative bypass route)

Balule Satellite Camp
Status: Yet to be assessed

Sable Sleepover Hide
Infrastructure remains submerged. Assessment pending.

Road and Bridge Updates

Access remains one of the most important considerations for self-drive visitors in Kruger National Park. Several key routes have reopened, while others remain under repair.

• Lower Sabie Road: Open
• Alternative route available via H1-2 > H12 > H4-1
• Phabeni Road (S1): Expected reopening October 2026
• Alternative route currently in place
• Letaba High-Level Bridge (HL): Expected reopening 13 March 2026
• Minor non-obstructive works will continue thereafter
• Letaba Low-Level Bridge (LL): Expected reopening 30 June 2026
• S12 & S40: OPEN (Nsemani Dam bypass operational)
• S39: Open

What This Means for Travellers

If you're planning a Kruger National Park safari in 2026:

• Southern and central regions are largely accessible and suitable for current bookings.
• Northern Kruger National Park will progressively reopen through mid- to late-2026.
• Expect occasional detours and temporary dining solutions in some camps.
• Always check the latest SANParks updates before departure.

The positive takeaway: recovery is well underway, and Kruger National Park remains very much open for unforgettable wildlife experiences.

For families, photographers and self-drive enthusiasts, flexibility will be key over the coming months — but Kruger National Park's wildlife viewing remains world-class.

 

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