Persistent and heavy rainfall across the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces has led to significant and widespread disruptions within Kruger National Park. As of January 14, 2026, the Crocodile Bridge Gate has been officially closed due to critical water levels at the Crocodile River bridge, rendering it unsafe for passage. This closure has effectively isolated guests currently staying at the Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge rest camps, preventing their exit until conditions improve and the bridge is declared safe for reopening.

South African National Parks (SANParks) is closely monitoring the evolving situation and has issued urgent advisories to all visitors. The continuous rainfall has not only impacted the Crocodile Bridge area but has also caused extensive flooding of internal roads and numerous river crossings throughout the park. This has necessitated the closure of several key access points and severely restricted travel between various camps, with some routes becoming completely impassable.

For visitors planning to enter or currently navigating the park, SANParks has provided updated guidance on the safest and most direct access routes to specific camps. Skukuza Rest Camp is now exclusively accessible via the Paul Kruger Gate; passage from Skukuza to Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Tshokwane, or Satara is currently impossible due to flooding at the Sabie Low Water Bridge. Malelane Satellite Camp and Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp remain accessible through the Malelane Gate. For those heading to Orpen Rest Camp and Satara Rest Camp, the Orpen Gate is the recommended entry point. Olifants, Letaba, and Mopani Rest Camps can be reached via either the Phalaborwa or Orpen Gates, while Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is accessible through Numbi or Phabeni Gates, though the Phabeni Gate may face short-notice closures if river levels continue to rise.

In the northern sections of the park, both Pafuri Gate and Punda Maria Gate are currently closed, effectively cutting off direct access to the far northern region. The only viable entry into the northern reaches is presently through the Phalaborwa Gate. Internally, the H10 road, which connects Lower Sabie and Tshokwane, is closed, and all routes between these two camps are impassable due to flooding. These numerous closures further restrict inter-camp travel and complicate logistical operations for both park visitors and staff.

SANParks has strongly cautioned all guests against attempting to use closed routes or traverse flooded crossings, emphasizing that such actions have already resulted in considerable delays and frustration. Visitors are urged to strictly adhere to official guidance, diligently monitor real-time updates provided by SANParks, and exercise patience as authorities work to manage the dynamic weather situation. This period of severe weather underscores the critical importance of flexibility and preparedness for individuals and businesses operating in or selling travel to Kruger National Park. The current disruptions highlight the necessity for robust contingency planning and clear communication with clients, especially given the increasing frequency and unpredictability of climate-related events. For Africa’s tourism professionals, staying well-informed and responsive to these developments will be paramount in maintaining client trust and ensuring guest safety and satisfaction in the coming years.