Franschhoek Pass closed indefinitely after Western Cape floods

Travellers heading to the Cape Winelands are being advised to adjust their routes after the Western Cape Government confirmed that the scenic Franschhoek Pass has been closed to all traffic following severe storm damage caused by recent heavy rains and flooding.

According to an announcement issued on 14 May 2026, the closure applies to all road users, including light motor vehicles, heavy vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists. Authorities reported numerous additional mud and rock slips along the route, as well as significant bridge damage, making the mountain pass unsafe for travel.

Roadblocks have been established at the mountain-side exit of Franschhoek and at the T-junction near the Theewaterskloof Dam. No exceptions are currently permitted.

Residents travelling to La Rochelle and Karmel can only access these areas via Franschhoek.

The Franschhoek Pass is one of the Western Cape’s most iconic scenic drives and a major tourism route linking the Franschhoek Valley with the Overberg region and Villiersdorp. The winding mountain road is especially popular with self-drive travellers, cyclists and motorcyclists due to its panoramic views over vineyards, mountain ranges and the Theewaterskloof Dam. The route also forms part of several popular Cape Winelands itineraries connecting Franschhoek's wine estates, guesthouses and restaurants with destinations further east.

The closure is expected to have a significant impact on tourism traffic in the region, particularly over weekends and during the winter travel season, when the pass is frequently used by domestic and international visitors exploring the Cape Winelands.

Motorists are urged to make use of alternative routes and allow additional travel time. Travellers planning trips between Franschhoek, Villiersdorp, Hermanus or the Overberg region should monitor official Western Cape Government channels for updates on reopening timelines and road conditions.

At this stage, authorities have not indicated when the Franschhoek Pass will reopen.

 

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Namibia road closure update: MR118 – Rosh Pinah to Oranjemund! [update #2]

update (12 May 2025): The water levels along MR118 (Oranjemund-Rosh Pinah road) have subsided. Hence, the affected section on MR118 got officially reopened to traffic on 10 May 2025.

update (09 May 2025): The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) has informed the public that a section on the MR118 (Oranjemund-Rosh Pinah road) remains closed as there is still water along the sides, making it unsafe to reopen at this stage.

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) has announced the closure of Main Road 118 (MR118), connecting Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund, effective from the evening of 07 May 2025. This precautionary measure is due to the rising water levels of the Orange River, which are expected to overtop the road overnight. Only emergency vehicles will be permitted passage under strict supervision.

Motorists are advised to use the following detour routes:

• Via Aus and Lüderitz (Namdeb Road):
• From Keetmanshoop, proceed via Aus and Lüderitz.
• Take the gravel road to Oranjemund.
• Operating hours: 07:00 – 15:00 daily.
• Important: Access is subject to NAMDEB's regulations. Travel is at motorists’ own risk.
• Only Light Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) and trucks are permitted; sedans and light vehicles are not allowed.
• Via Noordoewer and South Africa:
• From Keetmanshoop, travel via Grünau and Noordoewer.
• Cross into South Africa and proceed to Steinkopf, then Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay.
• Re-enter Namibia through the Oppenheimer Bridge to Oranjemund.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution, adhere to road regulations, and stay updated on further announcements from the Roads Authority.

Stay safe and plan your journey accordingly!

Northern Namibia: Temporary Closure of District Road 3636 (Okapya - Eheke - Onakamwandi)!

Namibia's Roads Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain the country's road sector, has informed the public that the Okapya-Eheke-Onakamwandi road is temporarily closed until further notice. This is due to flooding. Motorists who are traveling from Eheke and Onakamwandi should use the DR3644 (Eheke to Ombundja) and access the D3607 to Oshakati/Ongwediva/Ondangwa.
Alternatively motorists are advised to use the DR3644 and connect to the DR3660 from Ondanadhambinga to access the DR4102 to Omengee and connect to the DR4167 to Ongwediva/Oshakati/Ondangwa.

Kruger National Park: Roads & facilities closed due to rainfall! [update]

update (18 February 2020): According to South African National Parks' (SANParks) latest update, the following roads remain closed:

• S106, S39, S47, S48, S62, S63, S64, S69

update (17 February 2020): According to South African National Parks' (SANParks) latest update, the following roads and facilities have been opened/closed:

• North Roads: 
• S140 still closed, to reach Talamati camp go via S36.
  Shireni access road is open.
• Far North Region:
• The S64 and half of S56 are still closed, the other roads are open.
• Marula Region: 
• S147, S69, S62, S145, S125, S126, S39 & S48 still closed.
• Pafuri gate open.
• Sand River low water bridge open.
• The following roads have been opened: 
• S114, S139, S116, S119, S112, S23, S120, S110, S121, S118, S22, S28, S79 and S82

update (12 February 2020): According to South African National Parks (SANParks; via @SANParksKNP), the following camps, gravel roads etc. in Kruger National Park are temporarily closed:

• Nyalaland Wilderness Trail
• Sirheni Bush Camp
• Bateleur Bush Camp (only accessible via Nkokodzi turn-off)
• Balule Camp
• Talamati Bush Camp
• Pafuri Gate
• Tshokwane Picnic Site 
• Muzandzeni Picnic Site

• The Sand River low water bridge inaccessible. All gravel roads in the Nxanatseni (north) Region of Kruger National Park from Pafuri to Letaba will be closed; with exception of Giriyondo gravel road as it will be operational but monitored closely and a few others depending on the developments.
• Biyamiti Bush Camp is accessible via S25.

update (11 February 2020): According to South African National Parks' (SANParks) latest media release, most (not all as previously announced!) of the gravel roads in Kruger National Park are closed for safety reasons due to heavy rains. Travellers in the National Park are advised to be on the look-out and avoid using the gravel roads until further notice. These closed roads are mostly in the north of Kruger National Park. Some remote Camps in the northern Kruger National Park are closed for the same reason.
The remote camps and gravel roads which are temporarily closed are as follows:

• Nyalaland Wilderness Trail
• Sirheni Bush Camp
• Bateleur Bush Camp
• Shimuwini Bush Camp
• All gravel roads in the Nxanatseni (north) Region of Kruger National Park from Pafuri to Letaba will be closed; with an exception of the Giriyondo gravel road as it will be operational but monitored closely as well as few others depending on the developments.

update (11 February 2020): The Sand River low water bridge outside Skukuza Rest Camp is overflowing and closed. The low-level bridge at Balule Nature Reserve ("Balule Bridge") in Kruger National Park is also closed.

update (11 February 2020): All gravel roads in Kruger National Park are closed!

update (10 Februay 2020; 12:00): South African National Parks (SANParks) has release an update regarding the closure of roads in Kruger National Park due to heavy rains.

• Central region - all gravel roads and the H14 are closed
• The following roads are also closed:
• S79
• S28
• S82
• S130
• S27
• S25

South African National Park (SANParks) has closed several roads in Kruger National Park on 10 February 2020 due to rainfall in the area. Visitors are advised to be cautious and not go into roads with "No Entry" signs. We will update this post as soon as new official reports/statements/press releases from SANParks are coming in. According to the latest updates, the following roads in South Africa's most popular National Park are currently closed: 

• Lower Sabie Section - all gravel roads, except for Salitje/Old Tshokwane Road, are closed (84mm rain received)
• Kingfisherspruit Section (Orpen) - all gravel roads are closed (120 mm rain received)
  

Please note Shingwedzi Rest Camp has lost all telephone and cellphone communication.

Kruger National Park: Roads closed due to rainfall! [update]

update (27 January 2020): SANParks has released an update regarding the closure of roads inside Kruger National Park due to rainfall:

• All roads in the Kingfisherspruit section (Orpen area) are now open!

update (23 January 2020): SANParks has released an update regarding the closure of roads inside Kruger National Park due to rainfall:

• The following roads that are now open:
• S52
• S58
• S39
• S31 status to be confirmed
• The following road is closed: 
• S147 (undergoing maintenance work after damage from flooding)

update (21 January 2020): SANParks has released an update regarding the closure of roads inside Kruger National Park due to rainfall:

• The following roads remain closed:
• S58
• S135
• S52
• S48
• S131
• S39
• S79

update (20 January 2020): SANParks has released an update regarding the closure of roads inside Kruger National Park due to rainfall:

• In addition to the roads closed yesterday, the following roads have been closed:
• S131
• S47
• S48
• S52
• S58
• S79

update (19 January 2020): SANParks has released an update regarding the closure of roads inside Kruger National Park due to rainfall:

• Sable dam hide is flooded once again. Guests managed to get out of the hide safe, but their vehicles are flooded. Two vehicles will have to be towed out.
• Phalaborwa section: all gravel roads closed 
• Kingfisherspruit section (Orpen area): all gravel roads closed 
• Lower Sabie section: all gravel roads closed
• S28
• S37
• S39
• S90
• S130

update (15 January 2020): SANParks has released an update regarding the closure of roads inside Kruger National Park due to rainfall:

• S48 remains closed and is under construction
• S39 is currently the only closed road in the Kingfisherspruit section

The following roads in Marula south region are currently being opened:

• H5
• S25
• S28
• S130
• S137

update (11 January 2019): South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that localized flooding is still evident in some areas of Kruger National Park. Visitors are advised to be cautious, avoid low water bridges and not go into roads with "No Entry" signs.

South African National Park (SANParks) has closed several roads in Kruger National Park on 10 January 2020 due to rainfall in the area. Gravel roads & low lying bridges should be avoided. We will update this post as soon as new official reports/statements/press releases from SANParks are coming in. According to the latest updates, the following roads in South Africa's most popular National Park are currently closed: 

• S131
• S133
• S147
• S91
• S92
• S93
• S44
• S46
• S95
• S62
• S47
• S48
• S49
• S125
• S126
• S39

Kruger National Park: Roads closed due to rainfall! [update]

update (08 January 2020): Road works are completed on S21 in Kruger National Park. The road is open to the public again.

update (19 December 2019): The Balule Bridge is now open after having been flooded.

The following roads are now open:

• S48
• S147
• S125
• S86
• S33
• S35
• S79
• S76
• H2-2
• S108
• S26
• S25
• S27
• S83
• S84
• S85

The following roads remain closed:

• H5
• S21
• S102.

update (18 December 2019): The situation regarding the closed roads (see update 13 December 2019) in Kruger National Park has not changed. Please note that Sable Hide is closed (again). Balule low water bridge is still flooding and is closed.

update (17 December 2019): Low-level bridge at Balule Nature Reserve ("Balule Bridge") in Kruger National Park is currently flooded and impassable. The Olifants River has risen substantially due to the rains inland.
update (13 December 2019): The following roads in Kruger National Park remain closed:

• Nxanatseni:
• S48
• Marula:
• S147 
• S125 
• S86 
• S33  
• S35 
• S79 
• S76 
• H2-2  
• H5 
• S102  
• S108  
• S26  
• S25  
• S27 
• S83  
• S84  
• S85

update (12 December 2019; 13:00 SATC):

• Crocodile Bridge: most roads are closed and damaged
• Pretoriuskop: all roads open
• Malelane: all roads open
• Skukuza: all roads open

update (11 December 2019, 13:00 SATC): All gravel roads are temporarily closed throughout Kruger National Park due to heavy rains until further notice.
Closed roads are marked with "No Entry" signs or blocked with other objects. People should refrain from opening and driving on these roads as closures are necessary to ensure their safety. Technical services teams will continue to monitor the situation and request co-operation in this regard.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has closed several roads in Kruger National Park on 10 December 2019 due to rainfall in the area. We will update this post as soon as new official reports/statements/press releases from SANParks are coming in. According to the latest updates, the following roads in South Africa's most popular National Park are currently closed:

• Houtboschrand (as of 11 December 2019, 10:00 SATC):
• all gravel roads closed (S39, S127,S147, S89 & S90)
• Guest of Balule can still exit across the low water bridge over the Olifants river. SANParks will keep an eye on it since it is expected that the Olifants will rise because of the rain on the Highveld.
• Pretoriuskop (as of 11 December 2019, 10:00 SATC):
• all gravel roads closed
• Phalaborwa (as of 10 December 2019, 17:00 SATC):
• All gravel roads are closed
• S51 Sable dam loop, S131
• All Category D roads (management only roads, not open to the public)
• PLEASE NOTE: The road to Sable Hide as well as the Sabie Hide are closed
• Lower Sabie (as of 10 December 2019, 17:00 SATC):
• Closed roads: S79, S21, S128, S29 (to Mlondozi picnic site only), S129, S122.
• All roads apart from S30 and S29 between high water bridge and H10
• Nwanetsi (as of 10 December 2019, 17:00 SATC):
• S100
• S41
• S37
• Tshokwane (as of 10 December 2019, 17:00 SATC):
• S34
• S35
• S33
• Letaba (as of 10 December 2019, 17:00 SATC):
• all gravel roads closed
• Kingfisherspruit (as of 10 December 2019, 17:00 SATC):
• S39 only with restrictions on S140 to Talamati and Imbali staff and guests

Chapman's Peak Drive (Cape Town): Road closure for Two Oceans Marathon!

Due to the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town on 20 April 2019, the famous Chapman's Peak Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic. The temporary road closure will start from 03:30 and Chapman's Peak Drive should reopen between 12:00 and 14:00.
The Chapman's Peak Drive is a scenic 9km route between Noordhoek and Hout Bay along the western flank of the Chapman's Peak, a mountain on the western side of the Cape Peninsula, located about 15 kilometres south of Cape Town.


The Two Oceans Marathon is Africa’s biggest running event. Known as the world’s most beautiful marathon, it spans 56km of unrivalled scenic splendour. Cape Town's best loved race takes place every year on Easter Saturday – 20 April 2019, 11 April 2020 and 03 April 2021. The Two Oceans Marathon is host to more than 30 000 runners who "Run As One" in the 56km Ultra Marathon, Half Marathon, Trail Runs or cluster of Fun Runs. 

iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Temporary road closure in the uMkhuze section!

The management of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, has announced that there will be no access for tourist vehicles south of the Loop Road from 14 May 2018 due to road maintenance in the Park's uMkhuze section. The repairs are expected to last until late August 2018, weather permitting. Elsewhere in the uMkhuze section, routine maintenance is underway but it is not foreseen that this will cause any further closures. We'll keep you updated!

Eastern Cape: N2 between Grahamstown <> Peddie temporarily closed!

Due to the widening of the Great Fish River Bridge in the Eastern Cape, travellers are advised not to use the N2 between Grahamstown and Peddie, but the alternative route of the R72 via Port Alfred. The N2 will be closed for long periods from today (24 January 2017) until 27 January 2017.  The road will be open to two-way traffic between sunset and sunrise daily.

• 24 January 2017 - The N2 will be closed from 08:00 - 09:00, 10:00 - 11:00, 12:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 15:00 (expected delay: 1hrs per occurence)
• 25 January 2017 - The N2 will be closed from 08:00 - 09:00 (expected delay: 1hrs) , 11:00 - 13:00, 14:00 - 16:00 (expected delay: 2hrs per occurence)
• 26 Janaury 2017 - The N2 will be closed from 08:00 - 10:00, 11:00 - 13:00, 14:00 - 16:00 (expected delay: 2hrs per occurence)
• 27 January 2017 - The N2 will be closed from 08:00 - 10:00 (expected delay: 2hrs)

Flood update: Road & gate closures in Kruger National Park!

Due to heavy rain experienced in Kruger National Park on 08/09 March 2016, some gates, roads, gravel roads and low water bridges had to be closed. According to Kruger National Park' GM: Communications & Marketing, William Mabasa, there is a possibility that more roads might be closed due to more water coming in. All roads which are closed are marked with "No Entry" signs or blocked with other objects. Motorists are urged not to use those roads and to drive with caution. Motorists are also requested to be on the lookout for animals such as tortoise crossing roads or drinking water from little puddles on the road.

UPDATE (22 March 2016): South African National Parks has released an update on the current situation in Kruger National Park:

• Sirheni Bush Camp is accessible from 22 March 2016
• Phabeni Gate reopened on 18 March 2016
• Phabeni low water bridge has been reopened
• Road portion between S1 and S3 (from Phabeni Gate to intersection which leads to Numbi Gate) reopened on 18 March 2016
• Other roads in both Marula and Nxanatseni regions of the Park which were also temporarily closed and have since re-opened are: 
• S65 (between S1 – H1-1)
• S4 (between S3 – S1)
• S32, S34, S36 (between H1/2 – S125)
• S84 loop
• S125
• S135
• S56

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UPDATE (17 March 2016): South African National Parks has released an update on the current situation in Kruger National Park:

• Phabeni Gate and the S1 Road that leads from it, will reopen on 18 March 2016.

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UPDATE (15 March 2016): South African National Parks has released an update on the current situation in Kruger National Park:

• Tar road - H1-2 (from Skukuza to Satara) is now open/accessible. High water levels at Sabie Sand and Sand River low water bridges have subsided.
• Gravel roads that are still closed in the Marula Region are S65, S4, S32, S33, S34, S36 (H1/2 - S125), S84, S125, S37 (H13 -S135) and S35.
• S56 - Between N’warihlangari loop and the H1-7.
• S135 - Shingwedzi causeway.
• Phabeni Gate is closed until further notice. Guests are advised to use alternative gates.

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UPDATE (10 March 2016): South African National Parks has released an update on the current situation in Kruger National Park:

• Sabie and Sand River low water bridges which were overflowing now open (on road H1-2 between H4/1 - H12)
• Flights in and out of the Skukuza Airport are also operational as normal
• The roads which remain closed are:
• S1 from Phabeni Gate to S3 intersection (Phabeni Gate therefore remains closed until further notice)
• S65 (between S1 – H1-1)
• S4 (between S3 – S1)
• S32
• S33
• S34
• S36 (between H1/2 – S125)
• S84 loop
• S125
• S37
• S35

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Gates:

• Phabeni Gate (until further notice)

Roads:

• The low water bridge from Skukuza to the Skukuza Airport is now accessible (10 March 2016)
• S1 at Phabeni Gate up to the S3 intersection to Numbi Gate
• H1-2 (from Skukuza to Satara) > Guests are advised to use H12 – Lower Sabie high water bridge to Satara.

Gravel Roads:

• S32
• S33
• S34
• S36 (H1/2 – S125)
• S84 loop
• S125
• S37 (H13 -S135)
• S35
• S65
• S4

Low water bridges:

• Sabie Sand low water bridge (due to overflowing)
• Sand River low water bridge (due to overflowing)
• Phabeni Low water Bridge (due to damages)

Snow shuts down major roads in KwaZulu Natal & Eastern Cape

update (28 July 2011, 07:35): The N3 between Johannesburg and Durban has been re-opened with restricted lane usage in places. It is advised to postpone travelling on the tour to at least today. The N3 highway at Van Reenen's Pass between the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal was closed to at least yesterday morning.

update (27 July 2011, 11:45): According to several weather forecasters, the skies in South Africa will clear soon/cleared already up. Snowfall stopped in most places last night. The Lesotho area will remain rather cold but no more snow was forecast.

update (27 July 2011, 07:05): Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa said yesterday that all long-distance train services had to be cancelled because of the bad weather. The Trans Natal, between Johannesburg and Durban, and the Amatola, between Johannesburg and East London, will not run today.

update (26 July 2011, 13:15): the following roads are currently also closed:

• R56 between Matatiele and Mount Fletcher
• R56 in Kokstad, Maluti
• N10 from Middelburg to Bloemfontein all closed
• All roads leading to Dordrecht, except Queenstown via Lady Frere
• Boesmanshoek between Queenstown and Molteno
• Roads between Elliot and Indwe and Ngcobo and Cala
• N10 between Middelburg and Murraysburg
• Road between Middelburg and Colesberg
• N9 between Middelburg and De Aar
• Road between Cradock to Graaff Reinet
• R56 between Cala and Elliot closed
• R58 between Ngcobo and Elliot
• R67 in Fort Beaufort, Seymour, Cathcart
• R351 between Cathcart and Whittlesea
• Barkly pass on R58 between Elliot and Barkly East
• R56 between Mount Fletcher, Maclear and Matatiele 

Due to snowfall some major roads in South Africa are currently closed. The N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban has been closed from the Wilge toll plaza near Villiers to the Tugela toll plaza near Ladysmith.


View snow in SA 26 July 2011 in a larger map

The N5 and N11 have been closed at mountain passes.
The N2 between Kokstad and Mount Ayliff is currently closed, as well as the Wapadsberg and Lootsberg passes, and the R72 between Kenton on Sea and Alexandria.

Snow & rain: Road closures in Camdeboo, Karoo & Mountain Zebra National Parks

update (26 July 2011): All tourist roads in Mountain Zebra National Park are closed, including the 4x4 Trails and the Kranskop Loop. 

There are important road closures to take note of when travelling to Camdeboo National Park and Karoo National Park [via sanparks.org]

• All the tourist roads in the Karoo National Park are closed today, with the exception of the Lammertjiesleegte Route, due to snowfall. (update 26 July 2011): The Park is currently running on generator power during 18:00 - 22:00 in the evenings.
• The Valley of Desolation and Game Viewing Area in Camdeboo National Park are closed today due to snowfall and heavy rain respectively.

South Africa: Temporary road closure in Karoo National Park

Due to vital maintenance on tourist roads in the Karoo National Park, sections of the Potlekkertjie Loop will be closed until further notice (via Sanparks.org)

The affected areas are:

• The Potlekkertjie Loop will be closed from the top of the Klipspringer Pass to the section just before the Doornhoek Picnic Site.
• Visitors will still be able to access Klipspringer Pass but will need to turn around at the top of the Pass instead of exiting via the Potlekkertjie Loop.
• Part of the Potlekkertjie Loop will be accessible via the entrance to this Loop which starts near the entrance to the Klipspringer Pass.
• The Pienaars Pass 4x4 Trail is closed until further notice due to the road maintenance.

 accommodation in & around the Karoo NP >>

Kruger National Park: S3 Road temporarily closed

The S3 Road (gravel road towards Kruger Gate) in the Kruger National Park (KNP) is temporarily closed until further notice (26 Jan 2011). Maintenance work will be done from the S3 road to the S3/S1 junction. The closure will allow for maintenance work to be carried out after the recent rains throughout the park.

Also be aware that low water bridges and various other roads might be temporarily closed and re-opened once the water has subsided. [src.]

Kruger National Park tours >>

Kruger National Park info guide >>

flights to South Africa >>

Road & gate closures in Kruger National Park (06 April 2010)

Due to the continuous heavy rainfall in both the highveld and the lowveld regions, some low-level bridges and crossings in the southern part of the Kruger National Park are currently under deep waters making it impossable to use.

Entrance gates:

• Crocodile Bridge Entrance Gate will remain closed until further notice.

Tourist roads (Marula region):

• S25 – from H4/2 to S139
• S114 – from S23 to H2/2
• S4 - from S1 to S3
• S3 – from S1 to H11
• S65 – from S1 to H1/1

Kruger National Park info guide >>
Kruger National Park tours >>
accommodation in the Kruger NP area >>

online car hire >>

SANParks: Road closure for Nature's Valley visitors during January - May 2010

There will be a road closure of the R102, eastern approach towards Garden Route National Park’s (GRNP’s) Nature’s Valley from 13 Jan 2010 to 31 May 2010.

The road will be closed at two locations (click here for a map):

• Between the Tsitsikamma Camp site/Car park and the Groot River Bridge (appr. co-ordinates S 33 58.140 E 23 33.599).
• At the viewing point 3.5km from Nature’s Valley at the top of the eastern side of the Groot River Pass (appr. co-ordinates S33 57.610 E 23 33.881).
• Temporary road signs will erected at R 102 turn-off from the Toll gate at the N2 and at the bottom by Nature’s Valley turn-off of the R102.

Garden Route info guide >>
online car hire >>
accommodation along the Garden Route >>
tours & activities along the Garden Route >>