Kruger National Park flooding: Major road closures & gate updates

Heavy rainfall in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has seen access to some areas of Kruger National Park (KNP) being restricted due to flooded rivers and roads.

The KNP posted on its official X account on Wednesday, January 14, that the Crocodile Bridge Gate is closed and the water level of the river is being monitored.

It added that visitors to Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge will not be able to leave the park until the water levels subside. It said further updates would be shared as the water levels changed.

In its statement on Wednesday, SANParks said guests need to be aware of the following open and closed routes:

• • Access to Skukuza Rest Camp is recommended via Paul Kruger Gate.
  • Phabeni Gate is currently still open but may be impacted at short notice due to levels of the river. Updates will be provided as to when the gate is closed.
  • Access to Malalane Satellite Camp and Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp is via Malalane Gate.
  • Access to Orpen Rest Camp and Satara Rest Camp is via Orpen Gate.
  • Access to Olifants Rest Camp, Letaba Rest Camp and Mopani Rest Camp is via Phalaborwa Gate or Orpen Gate.
  • Pafuri Gate and Punda Maria Gate remain closed and are not accessible.

SANParks added that there was also no access from Skukuza to Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Tshokwane and Satara as Sabie Low Water Bridge and detours are flooded.

There is also no access between Lower Sabie and Tshokwane due to the H10 road being closed and access to Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is via Numbi Gate or Phabeni Gate.

There is also no access to the north of the park. It urged guests to adhere strictly to all road closures, no-entry signs, and instructions from Park officials.

“Under no circumstances should barricades, logs or safety barriers be removed, as these are placed to prevent access to flooded or structurally compromised areas,” SANParks said.

For more stories from The Mercury, click the link: THE MERCURY