Kruger National Park Travel Update: Road and camp status – March 2026

last update 16 March 2026

SANParks released a Kruger Roads Alert (15 March 2026)
Access to Mbiyamiti Camp 
The S25 is closed from the Malelane side. Guests may access Mbiyamiti from Crocodile Bridge side.

SANParks released a Kruger Roads Update (14 March 2026)
Please note that one can drive from Skukuza, over the 'Alpha' loop and causeway, back onto the H4-1 and onto Lower Sabie, or Satara. 

last update 13 March 2026

SANParks released a Kruger Roads Update on 12 March 2026

Please note that travellers can now drive from Skukuza, over the 'Alpha' loop and causeway, back onto the H4-1 and onto Lower Sabie, or Satara.  

last update 11 March 2026

SANParks released new Kruger Roads Update (11 March 2026) 

last update 09 March 2026

SANParks released new Kruger Roads Update (09 March 2026)  

last update 05 March 2026

Travellers should also note that the Selwane Bridge over the Letaba River on the D3260 route between Phalaborwa and Giyani is currently closed. The closure mainly affects local traffic travelling between Giyani and Phalaborwa. Visitors planning to travel between these areas or approaching the northern parts of Kruger National Park from Giyani may need to detour via Letsitele and use the R529 to reach Giyani. The closure does not affect the main tourist access routes to Kruger National Park, including Phalaborwa Gate via the R71 from Tzaneen. 

last update 04 March 2026

SANParks released new Kruger Roads Update (04 March 2026)  

last updated 03 March 2026

Visitors to the Kruger National Park should note an important temporary road closure affecting travel in the central-southern section of the park. Due to rising water levels in the Sand River, the H1-2 main tar road is currently closed between:

• The Skukuza Airport turnoff
• The H1-2 / H12 junction

According to SANParks, the closure is a precautionary safety measure following increased river flow.

Alternative Route: Use the H4-1 Bypass
SANParks advises visitors to make use of the H4-1 bypass route, which remains accessible.

If travelling north from Skukuza: 

• Use the H4-1 and reconnect via the H12 bridge.

If travelling south toward:

• Lower Sabie Rest Camp
• Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp
• Crocodile Bridge Gate

The H4-1 provides a safe and operational alternative. 

last updated 03 March 2026 

Infrastructure restoration efforts are continuing in the northern section of the Kruger National Park following the severe January 2026 floods. South African National Parks (SANParks) has officially announced that Shingwedzi Rest Camp will reopen on Friday, 06 March 2026.

The reopening marks an important milestone in the park’s post-flood recovery process and will restore access to one of the most popular camps in the far north of Kruger National Park.

Shingwedzi Rest Camp Reopening: Important access information

While Shingwedzi Rest Camp is reopening, access remains limited due to ongoing infrastructure repairs.

For now, visitors can only reach Shingwedzi via:

• Punda Maria Gate
• Pafuri Gate

The Letaba high-water bridge - which connects the tar road between Mopani and Letaba - is still under repair. Until this bridge is fully restored and declared safe, travellers cannot use the direct tar route between Mopani and Letaba Rest Camps. SANParks will issue an update once the bridge becomes accessible again.

Camps currently open in northern Kruger National Park

Despite flood-related disruptions, several camps in northern Kruger National Park are operational:

• Punda Maria Rest Camp
• Bateleur Bush Camp
• Mopani Rest Camp (partially open, access via Punda Maria or Pafuri Gates)
• Olifants Rest Camp (accessible via Phalaborwa Gate)

Travellers heading to these camps should allow extra travel time and verify route conditions before departure.

Talamati Bush Camp currently inaccessible

Following heavy rainfall on Monday, 02 March 2026, Talamati Bush Camp has become inaccessible. Guests with confirmed reservations are being redirected to alternative camps within the park.

If you have a booking at Talamati, it is advisable to contact SANParks directly for updated arrangements before travelling.

Critical safety reminder for self-drive visitors

Flood damage remains evident across sections of northern Kruger National Park. Visitors are strictly reminded:

• Do not use gravel roads marked with “No Entry” signs.
• Do not attempt to bypass barricades or damaged infrastructure.
• Avoid low-water crossings after rainfall.

Ignoring these restrictions can result in vehicle damage, recovery costs, fines, or serious safety risks.

Travel planning advice for March 2026

If you are planning a March safari in northern Kruger National Park:

• Enter via Punda Maria, Pafuri, or Phalaborwa Gates only.
• Build buffer time into your itinerary.
• Expect possible last-minute road closures after rainfall.
• Monitor official SANParks updates before and during your trip.

The reopening of Shingwedzi Rest Camp marks an important step in restoring normal operations in northern Kruger National Park, but travellers should remain flexible while rehabilitation work continues.

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Nyawutsi Bird Hide in Kruger National Park temporarily closed for maintenance!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the temporary closure of the Nyawutsi Bird Hide in the northern region of Kruger National Park. The popular hide is currently undergoing essential maintenance and will remain inaccessible until further notice. SANParks advises all visitors to to stay clear of the hide for the duration that it will be inaccessible for.
Located along the eastern side of the S50 gravel road, approximately 20 km north of Shingwedzi Rest Camp and just a few kilometres north of Grootvlei Dam, the Nyawutsi Bird Hide is a well-loved destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. The hide overlooks a small, tranquil waterhole surrounded by lush, tropical riverine vegetation, attracting a wide variety of birdlife, including the Malachite Kingfisher and African Hawk-Eagle.
The hide is known for its wheelchair-accessible design, featuring a ramp and ample space, making it a welcoming spot for guests with limited mobility. However, it’s important to note that no toilet facilities are available on-site; the nearest restrooms are located at Shingwedzi Rest Camp.
We will provide an update once the Nyawutsi Bird Hide reopens to the public. Until then, visitors to Kruger National Park are encouraged to explore other hides and lookout points in the area.

Kruger National Parks: Temporary closure of main communal ablution block at Shingwedzi Rest Camp!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the main communal ablution block at Shingwedzi Rest Camp in Kruger National Park will be temporarily closed for renovations from 01 February 2025 to 31 March 2025. During this period, construction work will also render the laundromat facilities inaccessible, so guests are encouraged to use laundry services at the nearest camp.

Situated in the northern section of Kruger National Park, Shingwedzi Rest Camp offers visitors an authentic taste of Africa's rugged, untamed landscape—far removed from the busier southern camps. It offers a range of accommodations—from basic campsites and bushveld bungalows to more comfortable chalets.
The closest rest camp to Shingwedzi Rest Camp is Punda Maria Rest Camp. Located in Kruger National Park's northern section, Punda Maria Rest Camp is the only other full-service camp in that area, offering essential amenities and serving as a convenient base for exploring the northern wilderness.

Kruger National Park: Temporary closure of Shingwedzi Rest Camp in September 2023!

The Shingwedzi Rest Camp, located in the northern part of Kruger National Park, is hosting the the annual "Baroque in the Bush" concert event from 11 September 2023 to 20 September 2023. This is during the same time as the annual SA National Parks Week (16 September 2023 - 24 September 2023) is taking place. Shingwedzi Rest Camp is fully booked during that period and will not be accessible to day visitors. According to SANParks, this is a long standing arrangement with the organisers of the "Baroque in the Bush" concert event as they have exclusivity to the camp for the duration of their stay.

Kruger National Park: Swimming pools at Shingwedzi Rest Camp & Letaba Rest Camp temporarily closed! [update]

update (20 February 2020): The swimming pool at Shingwedzi Rest Camp has been re-opened!

update (29 January 2020): The swimming pool at Shingwedzi Rest Camp is still closed!

update (13 January 2020): The swimming pool at Letaba Rest Camp has been re-opened!

update (08 January 2020): SANParks expects the swimming pool at Letaba Rest Camp to re-open at the end of January 2020. At the Rest Camp, guests may use the day visitors pool, they must just take along with unit key, or camping permit and will not be charged for entry.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the swimming pools at Shingwedzi Rest Camp and at Letaba Rest Camp, both located in Kruger National Park, have been temporarily closed until further notice due to maintenance work. Shingwedzi Rest Camp lies in the northern part of the Kruger National Park in the heart of mopane country, while Letaba Rest Camp is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River, midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park.

There are swimming pools at the following camps in Kruger National Park: Berg-en-Dal, Letaba, Lower Sabie, Mopani, Olifants, Orpen, Pretoriuskop, Punda Maria, Satara, Shingwedzi and Skukuza (2 pools). These pools are for camp residents only. There are additional pools for day visitors at the Skukuza and Letaba day visitor areas.

Kruger National Park: Temporary closure of Shingwedzi Rest Camp in September 2019!

Shingwedzi Rest Camp, located in the northern part of Kruger National Park, is hosting the 25th edition of the "Baroque in the Bush" concert event from 16 to 25 September 2019. The rest camp is fully booked during that period and inaccessible to other guests except for the performing artists and the concert-goers. However, the filling station, shop, restrooms and the restaurant for take-aways will operate as usual at Shingwedzi Rest Camp and are open to the public.

Kruger National Park: Shortage of unleaded fuel in Shingwedzi Rest Camp!

South African National Parks (SANParks) just informed travellers visiting Kruger National Park that Shingwedzi Rest Camp is set to experience a shortage unleaded fuel. This is due to construction work at the filling station in the Rest Camp, that will take place from 09 November 2018 until 16 November 2018. Shingwedzi Rest Camp is situated in the northern part of Kruger National Park and set on the banks of the Shingwedzi River.


Leaded fuel, unleaded fuel and diesel are usually available at all major camps in Kruger National Park. All fuel stations accept legitimate petrol/fuel/garage cards, any VISA/MasterCard cards or cash as a form of payment.

Kruger National Park: Temporary closure of Shingwedzi Rest Camp in September 2018!

The Shingwedzi Rest Camp, located in the northern part of the Kruger National Park, is hosting the 24th edition of the "Baroque in the Bush" concert event from 17 to 23 September 2018. The rest camp is fully booked during that period and inaccessible to other guests except for the performing artists and the concert-goers. However, the filling station, shop and the public ablutions will operate as usual at Shingwedzi Rest Camp and are open to the public.

Kruger National Park: Unleaded fuel & Diesel available again at Shingwedzi Rest Camp!

The filling station at the Shingwedzi Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park is in full operation again, so that unleaded fuel and diesel are now available. Due to underground tank maintenance fuel was not available at the Rest Camp since 06 November 2017.

Kruger National Park: Shortage of leaded and unleaded fuel at Shingwedzi Rest Camp!

South African National Parks (SANParks) just informed travellers visiting Kruger National Park that Shingwedzi Rest Camp is experiencing a shortage of leaded and unleaded fuel. This is due to underground tank maintenance that is currently taking place at the Rest Camp from 06 November 2017 until further notice.

Kruger National Park: Temporary closure of Shingwedzi Rest Camp in September 2017!

The Shingwedzi Rest Camp, located in the northern part of the Kruger National Park, will be hosting the 23rd edition of the "Baroque in the Bush" concert event from 18 to 24 September 2017. The rest camp is fully booked during that period and inaccessible to other guests except for the performing artists and the concert-goers. However, the filling station, shop and the public ablutions will operate as usual at Shingwedzi Rest Camp and are open to the public.



NB: The camp site at Shingwedzi Rest Camp is currently being upgraded. The expected completion date is 30 October 2017.

Kruger National Park: No leaded & unleaded fuel at Shingwedzi Rest Camp!

update (17 Oct 2016): Unleaded petrol available again at Shingwedzi Rest Camp in Kruger National Park. Leaded petrol is still not available. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) announced on 05 October 2016 that leaded and unleaded fuel is currently not available at Shingwedzi Rest Camp in Kruger National Park. Both fuel pumps are out of operation until further notice due to the decontamination of the tanks. The diesel fuel pumps are not affected by the decontamination, so that diesel is still available at the restcamp in the northern section of the Kruger National Park. We'll keep you posted!

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Kruger National Park: Shingwedzi Rest Camp reopens some of its facilities

update (19 Nov 2013): The Shingwedzi Restaurant in the Shingwedzi Rest Camp, the Shingwedzi Eastern Gate and the old Causeway and S135 (Shingwedzi Causeway Road) have been reopened!

update (25 Sept 2013): The following accommodation and facilities in the Shingwedzi Rest Camp, have been reopened: A-Circle accommodation, B-Circle accommodation, Rentmeester Guest House, filling station, Reception, swimming pool, camp shop, the (old) day visitor's area
Facilities that remain closed: Shingwedzi Restaurant, East Gate (expected to reopen in October 2013), birdhide near the Kanniedood Dam, (new) day visitor's area outside the camp

update (09 Sept 2013): The shop in the Shingwedzi Rest Camp will open on 15 September 2013. In the meantime a small tuck shop is being run in the office joining the reception. The Shingwedzi Restaurant is likely to only reopen on the 01 October 2013. The swimming pool will be operational as from the 15 September 2013. The Rentmeester Guest House reopened on 01 September 2013. The birdhide near the Kanniedood Dam remains closed. The A-Circle accommodation will reopen on the 14th of September 2013.
The Shingwedzi Rest Camp will be hosting a group of artists from 21 to 23 September 2013. The classical music artists will be performing in the bush and have booked the entire camp. The camp will therefore be totally inaccessible to guests. The filling station, tuck shop and restrooms however, will operate as usual and anyone may visit these facilities. 

update (08 July 2013): The Mphongolo Trail, a primitive Backpacking Trail that starts from Shingwedzi Rest Camp, has been reopened!

update (03 July 2013): According to the latest update (02 July 2013, 11:00) on the Kruger National Park flood damage, issued by SANParks, the Day Visitors Area, Shop, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, A-circle and Eastern Gate in the Shingwedzi Rest Camp remain closed. The small tuck stop has very limited supplies. The Filling Station has reopened, although diesel is not yet available is now available. The Camp Site is fully operational and B-circle has partially reopened ansd is expected to be fully reopened by the end of July 2013 while A-circle and Rentmeester Guest House is expected to reopen by 01 September 2013.

South African National Parks (SANParks) earlier announced that the Shingwedzi Rest Camp in the North of the Kruger National Park will reopen some of its facilities to tourists on 14 July 2013. The whole Rest Camp was set under water during massive floods in January 2013 and was therefore closed since then.

The facilities and services at Shingwedzi Rest Camp which will be open to tourists for now are:

• Reception
• Temporary Tuck shop
• Filling Station
• Camping Site
• Units found at B circle that will gradually be reopened before 30 June 2013

The following facilities at Shingwedzi Rest Camp are still closed:

• Day Visitors areas (new and old site)
• Bird hide at Kanniedood dam (to open by the end of August 2013)
• Swimming pool (to open by the end of August 2013)
• Restaurant (to open in September 2013)
• A Circle units (to open by the end of August 2013)
• The S50 road alongside the Shingwedzi River via Kanniedood dam
• The Dipeni outpost will open on 20 June 2013

Kruger National Park: Shingwedzi Rest Camp closed to day visitors from 24-27 September 2011

The Shingwedzi Restcamp, located in the Northern part of the Kruger National Park, will be closed for day visitors from 24 to 27 September 2011. During this time the camp will be hosting the "Baroque in the bush" group.


View Shingwedzi Rest Camp Kruger National Park in a larger map

From from 24 to 27 September 2011 day visitors will only be allowed access to:

• the filling station
• the shop
• the restaurant (inside only) & restrooms

Temporary closures in Kruger NP: Pretoriuskop’s Day Visitor’s Area & Shingwedzi Rest Camp

Pretoriuskop’s Day Visitor’s Area temporarily closed
The Day Visitor’s Area at the Pretoriuskop Rest Camp has been temporarily closed until further notice. In the meantime, Numbi Gate will be temporarily used as a Day Visitor’s Area.

Temporary closure of KNP’s Shingwedzi Rest Camp
Shingwedzi Rest Camp will be temporarily closed as it will be hosting a group of artists from 23 to 26 September 2010. These global classic music artists will perform in the bush and have booked the whole camp, including facilities such as the day visitors’ area. Shingwedzi Rest Camp will therefore be totally inaccessible to other guests except the artists during this period. However the filling station, restaurant and shop will operate as usual at the camp and therefore anyone may visit these facilities.

View Temporary closures in Kruger NP: Pretoriuskop’s Day Visitor’s Area & Shingwedzi Rest Camp in a larger map

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Kruger National Park: Shingwedzi Rest Camp filling station closed

The Shingwedzi Rest Camp filling station in the Kruger National Park (KNP) is temporarily closed until further notice. The closure is due to petrol tanks being flooded by the heavy rains last night (18 Feb 2010). Guests are advised to fill up their tanks at the nearest camps either at Mopani (south) or Punda Maria (north) Rest Camps.

View KNP's Shingwedzi filling station closed in a larger map

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