Mpumalanga: R40 between Barberton & the Josefsdal/Bulembu Border Post (South Africa/eSwatini) temporarily closed! [update #2]

update (14 March 2023): The road has been reopened!

update (07 March 2023): The R40 between Barberton in Mpumalanga and the Josefsdal/Bulembu Border Post between South Africa and eSwatini is still closed, but, according to the MTPA, construction is underway and the reopening is expected to be next week. We'll keep you posted!

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced that the R40 between Barberton in Mpumalanga and the Josefsdal/Bulembu Border Post between South Africa and eSwatini is currently closed until further notice. This is due to the damages caused by the recent heavy rains in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality. The closure of the R40 also affects the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail, which follows the road from Barberton to Josefsdal.

The Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail is a 37km self-drive trail through the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site, displaying information about the area’s remarkable geology and it’s links to the plant diversity and history. The estimated time to drive the geotrail is 6 hours, if you want to stop at most of 11 roadside geosites located at stops and panoramic viewpoints along the route.

Kruger National Park: R40 blocked by protesters between Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge!

South African National Parks (SANParks) earlier today (25 January 2023) announced that the R40 has been blocked by protesters between Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge. Guests traveling between Orpen Gate/ Orpen Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park and the town of Hazyview outside the National Park are adviced to use alternative routes preferably travel inside Kruger National Park.
Orpen Gate/ Orpen Rest Camp is situated centrally on the western border of the Kruger National Park. According to SANPArks, the recommended way to get to Orpen Gate/ Orpen Rest Camp from central Gauteng by road is the following: Head toward Nelspruit on the N4 and take the R540 Belfast turn off. At Lydenburg turn left onto the R36 heading north. 30 km before Hoedspruit turn right onto the R531 and head to Orpen Gate. Allow between 4 to 5 hours for the trip to the gate. Orpen Rest Camp is right at the gate.