Severe Flooding Forces Crocodile Bridge Gate Closure, Stranding Visitors in Kruger National Park

Persistent heavy rainfall across Limpopo and Mpumalanga has led to significant disruptions in Kruger National Park, with the Crocodile Bridge Gate now officially closed as of January 14, 2026. The closure comes after water levels at the Crocodile River bridge reached critical heights, making it unsafe for any passage. This development means that guests currently at Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge rest camps are unable to exit the park until conditions improve and the bridge is deemed safe for reopening .

The situation is being closely monitored by South African National Parks (SANParks), which has issued urgent advisories to all visitors. The ongoing rainfall has not only affected the Crocodile Bridge area but has also caused widespread flooding of internal roads and river crossings throughout the park. This has resulted in the closure of several key access points and severely limited travel between camps, with some routes rendered completely impassable.

For those planning to visit or currently navigating the park, SANParks has provided updated guidance on the safest and most direct access routes to various camps. Skukuza Rest Camp is now only accessible via the Paul Kruger Gate, with no passage possible from Skukuza to Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Tshokwane, or Satara due to the flooding at the Sabie Low Water Bridge. Malelane Satellite Camp and Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp remain accessible via the Malelane Gate. For Orpen Rest Camp and Satara Rest Camp, the Orpen Gate is recommended, while Olifants, Letaba, and Mopani Rest Camps can be reached through either the Phalaborwa or Orpen Gates. Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is accessible via Numbi or Phabeni Gates, though Phabeni may close at short notice if river levels rise further .

In the northern reaches of the park, both Pafuri Gate and Punda Maria Gate remain closed, effectively cutting off access to the far northern section. The only viable entry to the northern region is currently through the Phalaborwa Gate .

Inside the park, the H10 road connecting Lower Sabie and Tshokwane is closed, and all routes between Lower Sabie and Tshokwane are impassable. The flooding has also affected other key internal roads, further restricting camp-to-camp travel and complicating logistics for both visitors and staff [[2]](https://novanews.co.za/watch-visitors-to-kruger-park-face-isolation-as-severe-flooding-threatens-access-routes/).

SANParks has strongly advised all guests to avoid attempting closed routes or flooded crossings, as such actions have already led to significant delays and frustration. Instead, visitors are urged to adhere strictly to official guidance, monitor real-time updates, and remain patient as authorities work to manage the evolving situation .

This period of severe weather underscores the importance of flexibility and preparedness for those operating in or selling travel to Kruger National Park. The current disruptions highlight the need for robust contingency planning and clear communication with clients, especially as climate-related events become more frequent and unpredictable. For Africa’s tourism professionals, staying informed and responsive to such developments will be crucial in maintaining trust and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of guests in the years ahead.