The Kruger National Park (KNP) has promptly implemented a gate quota system to prioritize visitor safety and manage traffic effectively, following a period of persistent heavy rainfall. Last week, significant downpours across the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces led to substantial increases in river levels, with several major rivers including the Crocodile, Sabie, Letaba, Sand, Luvuvhu, and Limpopo experiencing overflows. Further rainfall on Sunday night exacerbated the situation, causing additional damage to the park's critical infrastructure.

As part of the new system, a gate quota will be applied at Malelane Gate, Numbi Gate, and Paul Kruger Gate. All Open Safari Vehicles (OSVs) will also be subject to these quotas. The KNP has advised guests to ensure their vehicles are adequately fueled, as camp filling stations may be impacted by the ongoing adverse weather conditions. However, essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers (requiring proof of a valid flight ticket), and authorized officials will be granted entry exclusively through Paul Kruger Gate.

Accessibility within the park has been significantly affected. The route from Skukuza to Phabeni Gate is currently closed due to severe flooding, where a stream has cut off access along the S1 road, rendering Phabeni Gate inaccessible via Skukuza. Furthermore, Orpen Gate will remain closed indefinitely due to safety concerns. The entire northern section of the KNP is presently inaccessible, leading to the closure of all gates situated in the north.

The South African National Parks (SANParks), which manages the KNP, continues to vigilantly monitor both the prevailing weather conditions and the status of all roads and infrastructure. The KNP assures the public that further updates regarding the situation and any changes will be communicated as they unfold.