South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an updated operational status report for Kruger National Park, effective 24 January 2026, following recent severe rainfall and flooding.

While numerous facilities sustained damage and remain temporarily closed, SANParks confirmed that several key camps and access points will reopen from 25 January, allowing limited visitor access in specific areas.

Among the Main Rest Camps, Punda Maria, Orpen, Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Pretoriuskop, Crocodile Bridge, and Berg-en-Dal will reopen for overnight guests. Shingwedzi and Satara will open for day visitors only, while Pafuri, Mopani, Letaba, and Olifants remain closed.

All Bush Camps, including Sirheni, Bataleur, Shimuweni, Talamati, and Biyamiti, will remain closed. Satellite Camps have a mixed status: Tamboti, Maroela, and Malelane Satellite Camp are open for overnight guests, whereas Balule and Tsendze remain closed.

Private Concession Camps, specifically Boulders and Roodewal, are also currently closed.

Gate Access and Guided Activities

Gate operations are also being adjusted. Punda Maria, Paul Kruger, Numbi, Malelane, and Crocodile Bridge gates will reopen on 25 January.

Orpen Gate will allow restricted access for overnight guests only, while Pafuri, Phalaborwa, and Phabeni gates remain closed. SANParks-guided drives are scheduled to resume from Phalaborwa Gate starting 25 January.

Picnic sites Tshokwane and Mundzandzeni are open, whereas Babalala remains closed. Visitors are advised that roads H14 and H9 are open for limited travel only and should be treated as dead ends.

Safety Precautions and Visitor Guidance

SANParks strongly urges all visitors to monitor official updates, strictly follow gate and road restrictions, avoid closed areas, and carefully plan fuel, food, and water supplies, particularly when venturing into northern parts of the park.

This phased reopening follows improved weather conditions and ongoing safety assessments, but many areas remain inaccessible due to extensive flood damage to roads, bridges, and infrastructure. SANParks emphasizes that visitor safety is the top priority and will continue issuing updates as repair efforts progress.