Kruger National Park: Malelane Gate to close temporarily on 22 September 2026

update 22 September 2026: SANParks confirms that following a peaceful march today by unemployed youth from the neighbouring Nkomazi area, Malelane Gate is now open and safe for use. Normal operations have resumed, and guests, staff, suppliers, and visitors may access Kruger National Park through the gate as usual. 

Travellers planning to enter or leave the Kruger National Park through Malelane Gate on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 should make alternative arrangements.

South African National Parks (SANParks) says the gate will be temporarily closed from 08:00 on 22 September because of a planned march by unemployed youth from the Nkomazi area bordering the park.

The protest is expected to focus on concerns affecting unemployed young people in the area. SANParks says the march is intended to be peaceful, but the gate will remain closed as a precaution to protect visitors, staff and protesters.

What this means for travellers

Anyone planning to use Malelane Gate to enter or exit Kruger National Park on Tuesday should use another park entrance where possible. The closure will remain in place until the protesters have left the affected area and SANParks considers it safe to resume normal operations.

This could affect itineraries involving Malelane, Berg-en-Dal, Pretoriuskop and the southern Kruger National Park area, particularly for visitors with accommodation bookings or onward travel arrangements based around the gate.

Travellers should therefore allow extra time if using an alternative entrance and check the latest SANParks information before setting out.

SANParks has not given a fixed reopening time and says it will provide updates if the situation changes or Malelane Gate can reopen earlier.

Travellers should check the gate status before travelling to Malelane Gate on 22 September 2026.

 

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Kruger National Park: Malelane Gate temporarily inaccessible due to labour protest! [update]

update (27 November 2020): The protest action outside Malelane Gate has been resolved and the gate is fully operational again.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that a labour protest organised by one of the local political parties against a farming establishment outside Kruger National Park is planned to take place on 27 November 2020 along the R570 (which leads to Kruger National Park). The road to the Malelane Gate might therefore be inaccessible. SANParks recommends travellers planning to visit Kruger National Park to use alternative gates such as Phabeni Gate and Paul Kruger Gate to enter or exit Kruger National Park as a precautionary measure until further notice. We'll keep you posted!

Kruger National Park: Malelane Gate closed for the day for travellers without reservations!

South African National Parks (SANParks) just announced on Facebook that Kruger National Park's Malelane Gate is temporarily closed for the day (22 March 2019). Only visitors with reservations can use the gate to enter the National Park. SANParks advises everyone else to use alternative gates, such as Crocodile Bridge Gate or Numbi Gate. SANParks does not name any reasons why Malelane Gate is closed for the day. 

Kruger National Park: Delays en route to Malelane Gate!

In case you're planning to access Kruger National Park via the Malelane Gate in the next few days, expect a 30 - 90 minute delay due to stop-and-go roadworks points en route to the gate. South African National Parks recommends to take the R40, which leading directly from White River to Hazyview, instead and to access or exit Kruger via Phabeni Gate or Paul Kruger Gate.

Post by South African National Parks.