• Attractions

Kruger National Park to Reopen Key Camps and Gates from 25 January 2026 Following Flood Damage Kruger National Park to Reopen Key Camps and Gates from 25 January 2026 Following Flood Damage

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an updated operational status report for Kruger National Park as of 24 January 2026, detailing which rest camps, bush camps, gates, and picnic sites remain open or closed after recent severe rainfall and flooding.

While many facilities remain temporarily closed due to infrastructure damage and ongoing safety assessments, SANParks confirmed that several important camps and access points will reopen from 25 January 2026, allowing limited visitor access to resume in specific areas.

Main Rest Camps reopening on 25 January: Punda Maria, Orpen, Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Pretoriuskop, Crocodile Bridge, Berg-en-Dal. Notably, Shingwedzi and Satara remain closed to overnight guests but will open for day visitors, with limited services available. Camps such as Pafuri, Mopani, Letaba, Olifants remain closed.

Bush Camps remain closed until further notice, including Sirheni, Bataleur, Shimuweni, Talamati, Biyamiti.

Satellite Camps have mixed status: Tamboti, Maroela, and Malelane Satellite Camp are open for overnight guests, while Balule and Tsendze remain closed.

Private Concession Camps such as Boulders and Roodewal remain closed.

Gate Access: Punda Maria, Paul Kruger, Numbi, Malelane, Crocodile Bridge gates will be open from 25 January, with Orpen Gate offering restricted access only to overnight guests of certain camps. Pafuri, Phalaborwa, Phabeni gates remain closed. SANParks-guided drives will resume from Phalaborwa Gate on 25 January.

Picnic Sites: Tshokwane and Mundzandzeni picnic sites are open, while Babalala remains closed.

Road Conditions: Roads H14 and H9 are open for limited travel only and should be treated as dead ends; visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

SANParks urges visitors to monitor official updates regularly, adhere strictly to gate and road restrictions, avoid closed areas, and carefully plan fuel, food, and water supplies, especially when visiting northern parts of the park.

This reopening follows improved weather conditions and ongoing safety assessments, but many areas remain inaccessible due to flood damage to roads, bridges, and infrastructure. SANParks continues to prioritize visitor safety and will provide further updates as repairs progress.