Kruger National Park reopening update: Selected gates and camps resume operations!

last update 30 January 2026

SANParks has released the latest Kruger road closure register (30 January 2026 11:00)

last updated 30 January 2026

SANParks just confirmed that the much anticipated route between Skukuza and Satara is now open.  

last updated 30 January 2026

SANParks confirmed this morning that the much anticipated Sand River Low Water Bridge is now open. The bridge is located on the H1-2 road between Skukuza and Tshokwane/Lower Sabie in the southern section of Kruger National Park. It lies east of Skukuza Rest Camp on the route that connects the central Skukuza area with roads heading toward Lower Sabie and the Tshokwane picnic site. 

last update 29 January 2026

SANParks has released the latest Kruger road closure register (29 January 2026 11:00)

last update 28 January 2026

• Main Camps
• Punda Maria - Open
• Pafuri Border Camp - Closed
• Shingwedzi - Closed to overnight guests.
• Day visitor site open from 25 Jan. Restaurant open 07h00-16h00
• Mopani - Open 30 Jan. Limited units available, fuel shortage and no diesel, restaurant only to sell coffee and beverages, shop still awaiting deliveries
• Letaba - Closed
• Olifants - Closed
• Satara - Open. Guests are advised to use Phalaborwa Gate for access
• Orpen - Open
• Skukuza - Open
• Lower Sabie - Open
• Pretoriuskop - Open
• Crocodile Bridge - Open
• Berg-en-Dal - Open
• Bush Camps
• Sirheni - Closed
• Bataleur - Open 28 Jan
• Shimuweni - Closed
• Talamati - Closed
• Mbiyamiti - Closed
• Satellite Camps
• Balule - Closed
• Tsendze - Closed
• Tamboti - open for overnight guests
• Maroela - open for overnight guests
• Malelane - Open
• Private Camps
• Boulders - Closed
• Roodewal - Closed
• Gates
• Pafuri - Open
• Punda Maria - Open
• Phalaborwa - Closed. Only overnight visitors traveling to Satara may enter, and SANParks guided drives.
• Orpen - Open only for overnight guests to the camp and Maroela and Tamboti, emergency services and essential deliveries
• Paul Kruger - Open
• Phabeni - Open 27 Jan. Guests to use S3 & S4 to connect to Pretoriaskop and Skukuza
• Numbi - Open
• Malelane - Open
• Croc Bridge - Open
• Picnic Sites
• Babalala - Closed
• Makhadzi - Closed
• Tshokwane - Open
• Mundzandzeni - Closed
• Afsaal - Open
• Nwanetsi - Open
• Skukuza Day Visitors - Open
• Pafuri - Closed
• Shops
• Punda Maria - Open 26 Jan
• Shingwedzi - Open 28 Jan
• Mopani - Open 28 Jan. Limited stock, still awaiting deliveries
• Letaba - Open 3 February
• Giriyondo border gate - Closed
• Pafuri border post - Closed  

last update 28 January 2026

Skukuza Day Visitor site reopens today!

last update 27 January 2026 

Due to repair work taking longer than anticipated:

• Letaba shop will open Tuesday 03 February 2026, not 30 January 2026 as per previous update.
• Skukuza Day Visitors area remains closed.  

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South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that several gates and facilities in Kruger National Park are reopening, following improved weather conditions and ongoing safety assessments in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

As of 26 January 2026, overnight visitors are once again permitted to enter the park via Phalaborwa Gate. Phabeni Gate will reopen to overnight guests from 27 January 2026. Visitors entering through these gates will be routed via the S3 and S4 roads, providing access to Pretoriuskop and Skukuza Rest Camps.

Camp and Facility Reopenings

• Bateleur Bush Camp reopens on Wednesday, 28 January
• Mopani Rest Camp reopens on Friday, 30 January 2026, excluding the restaurant and swimming pool
• Northern region shops reopening schedule:
• Punda Maria Shop – 26 January
• Shingwedzi & Mopani Shops – 28 January
• Letaba Shop – 30 January

However, Letaba and Shingwedzi Rest Camps, as well as the Pafuri Border Post, remain closed and inaccessible.

Marula Region and Central Kruger Status
In the Marula Region, Satara Rest Camp and N’wanetsi Picnic Site are open. Biyamiti and Talamati Bush Camps remain closed until further notice.

Orpen Gate is still inaccessible and may only be used by overnight guests, emergency services, and essential supply vehicles. SANParks has also warned visitors travelling to Orpen to remain alert along the R40 near Dwarsloop, where protest activity has been reported.

Important Travel and Safety Advisory
SANParks strongly urges visitors not to remove barricades or attempt to access closed roads, as these restrictions are critical for visitor safety and ongoing infrastructure recovery. All gravel roads across Kruger National Park remain closed until further notice.

Kruger National Park authorities continue to monitor conditions closely, and access restrictions will be reviewed as repairs progress. Further updates will be communicated through official SANParks channels.

SANParks has thanked all visitors for their patience, cooperation, and understanding during this recovery period as the park gradually returns to full operational capacity.

 

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Kruger National Park: Skukuza Safari Lodge remains open after fire!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the Skukuza Safari Lodge, located located within the Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park, remains fully operational, after a fire damaged part of its restaurant dining hall on 29 October 2025.

According to SANParks, guests were safely evacuated from the restaurant, and no injuries were reported during the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

To ensure minimal disruption to guests, a temporary dining facility has been established at the lodge, supported by back-up systems to maintain normal operations. While a section of the restaurant roof was damaged by the fire and water used during firefighting efforts, clean-up and repair work is already underway.

SANParks and aha Hotels & Lodges, which manages the Skukuza Safari Lodge, have expressed their gratitude to the Skukuza Airport emergency team, SANParks rangers, and the Bushbuckridge Fire Brigade for their rapid and effective response that helped contain the situation swiftly.

Further updates on the restoration progress will be shared as they become available.

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Temporary water supply disruption at Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park! [update]

update (07 August 2025): SANParks has cofirned that the recently announced water issue in Skukuza Rest Camp has been resolved. The previously affected tented camps and units have full running water again. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued a notice regarding a temporary water supply issue currently affecting one of the camping areas and accommodation units 210 to 216 at Skukuza Rest Camp, located in the world-renowned Kruger National Park. SANParks teams are actively investigating the cause of the problem and working diligently to restore normal water services as quickly as possible. Guests checking in are advised to enquire at reception to confirm whether their specific campsite or accommodation is impacted. SANParks has appealed to all visitors for patience and understanding during this time.
Skukuza Rest Camp is the largest and most popular camp in Kruger National Park, situated on the southern banks of the Sabie River. It serves as the park’s administrative headquarters and offers a wide range of facilities, including a restaurant, shop, fuel station, swimming pool, and conference centre. The camp is a favorite among local and international tourists for its variety of accommodation options, from campsites to luxury riverside bungalows, and for its excellent game-viewing opportunities. Skukuza Rest Camp is also conveniently located near several prime wildlife viewing routes and hosts a nearby airport for easy access.

 

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Temporary water interruption at Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park on 28 July 2025!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that Skukuza Rest Camp, the largest and most popular camp in the iconic Kruger National Park, will temporarily be without water on Monday, 28 July 2025, from 10:00 to 14:00. This planned interruption is due to essential maintenance work and valve installation on the camp's fire water reticulation system. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly and make necessary preparations in advance.

Located on the scenic banks of the Sabie River, Skukuza Rest Camp is often referred to as the capital of Kruger National Park. It offers a wide range of accommodation options, including campsites, safari tents, family bungalows, and luxury riverside units. With outstanding facilities such as restaurants, shops, a spa, swimming pools, a golf course, and even a nearby airport, Skukuza Rest Camp is the perfect gateway for spotting the Big Five, embarking on guided game drives and bush walks, and enjoying the best of Kruger National Park's wildlife and natural beauty.

 

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Kruger National Park: Muslim prayer and ablution facilities available at selected camps and picnic sites!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has launched prayer and ablution (wudu) facilities for for both male and female Muslim guests at at Skukuza Rest Camp, Lower Sabie Rest Camp, Satara Rest Camp, Afsaal Picnic Site and Tshokwane Picnic Site in Kruger National Park.

• Skukuza Rest Camp - located just off the walkway between the Clock Tower and Museum.
• Lower Sabie Rest Camp - located adjacent to the ablutions in the parking area.
• Satara Rest Camp - located inside the day visitors’ area.
• Afsaal Picnic Site - located adjacent to ablutions. (between the building and tar road)
• Tshokwane Picnic Site - located on the extreme right of the picnic site, if you are facing the retail area – behind the ablutions

South Africa: South African National Parks launches prayer facilities for the Muslim community in Kruger National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has launched prayer facilities for the Muslim community at Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park on 03 December 2018. The facility, which is located on the pathway between the Clock Tower and the Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library, includes a wash up area (wudhu facility for both males and females); Muslim guests need to provide their own prayer mats (musallas).
SANParks is planning to open four more prayer facilities in due course at Lower Sabie Rest Camp and Satara Rest Camp as well the Afsaal Picnic Site and Tshokwane Picnic Site. 

Kruger National Park: Mathekenyane Lookout Point temporarily closed for maintenance!

The Mathekenyane Lookout Point, located on the Mathekenyane Koppie (385m) aproximately 11 kilometers south from Skukuza Rest Camp long the Pretoriuskop-Skukuza Road (H1-1, Napi Road) in the southern part of Kruger National Park, is temporarily closed for maintenance since 12 June 2018. The lookout point is scheduled to reopen on 22 June 2018.



The Mathekenyane Lookout Point is known to be one of the best lookout points in Kruger National Park. It is an excellent game viewing point that provides stunning views of the bush.

Kruger National Park: Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre has been reopened after renovation!

The Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre, situated at Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park, has been reopened on 11 June 2018. The Centre was closed to the public for necessary maintenance since September 2017.

The Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre boasts a vibrant reference library and a museum with artefacts from the Kruger National Park's history dating back to the establishment of the Park.

Kruger National Park: Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre closed for maintenance!

The Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre, situated at Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park, is closed for maintenance from today (06 Sept 2017) until further notice. According to the Park's General Manager, Communications and Marketing, William Mabasa, South African National Parks (SANParks) has "to attend to the necessary maintenance on the whole building before it can re-open". 

The Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre boasts a vibrant reference library and a museum with artefacts from the Kruger National Park's history dating back to the establishment of the Park.

Kruger National Park: Serious damage on the H1/2 between Tshokwane and Skukuza!

Due to flood water coming down from a small dam which burst on Saturday night (04 March 2017), the road towards Tshokwane Picnic Site from Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park, approximately 5 km after the Sabie River high water bridge, is seriously damaged. The only access road between Skukuza Rest Camp and Tshokwane Picnic Site will be via the low water bridge just east of Lower Sabie Rest Camp. The H1/2 5 kilometers after the Sabie River high water bridge will remain closed for at least two weeks whilst a detour is created.

Airlink launched daily flights to Skukuza in the Kruger National Park

South African airline Airlink has launched scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Skukuza as well as between Cape Town and Skukuza. The airline's morning Johannesburg - Skukuza flight departs OR Tambo International at 10:00 and arrives in Skukuza at 10:50. The flight has been specifically timed to connect with the morning international arriving flight wave banks, as well as other connecting domestic and regional flights. The return Skukuza - Johannesburg flight departs Skukuza at 13:30 and arrives in Johannesburg at 14:35. A second afternoon Johannesburg – Skukuza flight, will commence from 01 August 2014, departing OR Tambo international at 13:20 and returning from Skukuza at 14:50. The Cape Town – Skukuza flight departs at 10:35 arriving Skukuza at 13:05, while the return flight departs Skukuza at 11:20 and arrives Cape Town International Airport at 13:55.
Skukuza is the main camp and the largest rest camp of the Kruger National Park. It is located on the southern bank of the Sabie River in the southern part of South Africa's largest National Park.

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South Africa: Skukuza Airport to close for maintenance

update (30 Oct 2013): The Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park will be closed from 04 Nov - 13 Dec 2013.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has just announced that the Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park will close for maintenance purposes from 04 November to 13 December 2013. There will be no flights allowed into the airport during this time. Alternative airports that can be used include Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and Phalaborwa Airport in Phalaborwa. South African airline Airlink will launch scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Skukuza Airport and between Cape Town and Skukuza Airport in June 2014.

South Africa: Airlink to launch flights to Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park

update (04 Dec 2013): Airlink will also operate afternoon flights between Johannesburg and Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park. From 01 Aug 2014, the airline will service the route with daily flights departing Johannesburg at 13:20 (arrival: 14:10) and Skukuza at 14:35 (arrival: 15:40).

update (17 Sept 2013): Airlink initially planned to start flights between Johannesburg and Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park and between Cape Town and Skukuza Airport in March 2014. For some reasons plans have changed and the airline will now operate flights from 02 June 2014. Airlink's flights to Skukuza Airport are now available for sale.

Johannesburg to Skukuza Launch Schedule*:
Johannesburg 10h00 >  Skukuza 10h50
Skukuza 11h35 > Johannesburg 12h40

Cape Town to Skukuza Launch Schedule*:
Cape Town 10h35 > Skukuza 13h05
Skukuza 10h30 > Cape Town 13h30
*02 June 2014 

South African airline Airlink will launch flights to Skukuza Airport, located north of the Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park, in March 2014. The Skukuza Airport Management Company (Pty) Ltd, jointly owned by Lion Sands, Federal Air and Airlink, therefore signed a Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with South African National Parks (SANParks) for a period of ten years. The PPP oversees the refurbishment and enhancement of Skukuza Airport runway and terminal building facilities to the international standards required to be able to handle airline traffic.
Work on the construction and rehabilitation of Skukuza Airport will begin on 01 September 2013. It is envisaged that the upgrades should be substantially completed by 01 November 2013 to achieve the necessary licensing by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). It is furthermore anticipated that the licensing process will be completed before the first quarter of 2014 with scheduled flights set to commence in March 2014. Airlink's initial scheduling includes a daily service to Cape Town, a twice daily service to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport and eventually, flights to King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
The Skukuza Airport was closed in 2001 after the SACAA did not renew the airport's operating licence.

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Kruger National Park museum at Skukuza Restcamp temporarily closed

update (01 July 2013): South African National Parks (SANParks) just announced on their facebook page, that the museum section of the Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre at the Skukuza Restcamp in the Kruger National Park remains closed and will only re-open on 31 July 2013.

The museum section of the Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre at the Skukuza Restcamp in the Kruger National Park is undergoing a complete refurbishment and will therefore be closed from 05 Dec 2012 - 30 June 2013. The Stevenson-Hamilton Knowledge Resource Centre is one of the main attractions at the Skukuza Restcamp for visitors and researchers. The centre has a museum where the Kruger National Park's historic monuments are kept for public consumption and a library section with vast collection of reference materials. It hosts rich information on ecology, nature and conservation which assist in the management of the park. The library and its functions will not be affected by the refurbishment of the museum section.
Skukuza Restcamp is the administrative headquarters, the main camp as well as the largest camp of the Kruger National Park. It is located on the southern banks of the Sabie River in the southern section of Kruger.

Kruger National Park: More World Cup reserved accommodation released

South African National Parks (SANParks) just announced that MATCH has released a second batch of reserved accommodation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup during the period 9 June 2010 to 3 July 2010. This time, only units at Kruger National Park’s (KNP’s) Skukuza Rest Camp have been released.

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