Mbombela (Nelspruit) – SANParks has announced the resumption of day visitation to the Kruger National Park.
Owing to the significantly improved weather conditions, SANParks said day visitation to the park will resume today, Monday, 19 January 2026.
However, SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said: “Guests entering the park are advised to exercise caution and are strongly requested not to venture onto gravel roads, as some sections may still be affected by recent rainfall.
“Visitors are further advised that shops within the park are currently low on stock due to earlier access limitations.
“Guests are therefore encouraged to bring along their own essential supplies to ensure a comfortable visit.”
The northern part of the Kruger National Park remains inaccessible at this stage, as several roads and bridges have been washed away.
“These areas will remain closed until it is safe to reopen them,” said JP Louw.
Entry into the southern region of the park will be permitted through Paul Kruger Gate, Numbi Gate, Malelane Gate, and Phabeni Gate.
“Please note that Phabeni Gate is being closely monitored due to fluctuating water levels in the nearby stream and may be closed at short notice should conditions change,” implored the SANParks spokesperson.
Crocodile Bridge Gate remains closed until further notice.
SANParks said it will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as necessary.
“The safety of guests and staff remains our highest priority,” reassured SANParks.
“Visitors are urged to adhere to all instructions and signage while in the park, transgressor will be issued with a fine and may face prosecution.”
In another development, SANParks said: “Due to increased rainfall overnight, which has resulted in further damage to park infrastructure, the Kruger National Park has implemented a gate quota system with immediate effect in the interest of visitor safety and effective traffic management”.
The gate quota system will apply at the following open gates: Malelane Gate, Numbi Gate, and Paul Kruger Gate, and all Open Safari Vehicles (OSVs) will form part of these gate quotas.
Guests are requested to ensure that their vehicles have fuel, as the filling stations at camps might be affected by the persisting rain.
Essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers (with proof of a valid flight ticket), and officials will be allowed entry through the Paul Kruger Gate only.
The Skukuza to Phabeni Gate route is currently closed due to flooding, as a stream has cut off access along the S1 road. Phabeni Gate is therefore inaccessible via Skukuza at this stage.
Orpen Gate will remain closed until further notice due to safety concerns. The northern part of the KNP remains inaccessible, and as a result, all gates in the north are closed.
On Saturday, 17 January 2026, Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Minister Willie Aucamp visited flood-hit Kruger National Park, where he spent time assessing the damage and engaging with various stakeholders, including SANParks leadership.
“While we have witnessed major disruptions and damage owing to the heavy rains in Mpumalanga and Limpopo over the last few days, what has been even more incredible to witness has been the well-planned and executed response from the Park,” said Minister Aucamp.
“Our early warning systems meant that the emergency teams could act timeously to evacuate staff and guests in a coordinated manner.”
The Minister also commended the team for applying a safety-first, human-centric approach despite facing massive disruptions to operations and infrastructure – including road and gate closures, electricity outages, and interruptions to other basic services.
“We are grateful that no loss of lives has been recorded and evacuations have progressed smoothly, and I once again extend my gratitude to the Park’s Management team and emergency services for their swift response,” said Minister Aucamp.
“The outpouring of support has been tremendous.
“I am pleased to announce that SANParks have committed to establishing the Kruger Relief Fund to help with rebuilding efforts, emergency supplies, and any other necessities.”
