Kruger National Park Reopens to Day Visitors After Floods, Northern Areas Still Closed

After days of uncertainty brought on by torrential rain and flooding, the gates of the Kruger National Park are beginning to reopen — cautiously.

Day visits to the iconic reserve will resume on Monday after South African National Parks (SANParks) completed damage assessments in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga affected by heavy rainfall.

While access has been partially restored, significant damage to roads and bridges has forced the continued closure of the park’s northern section.

For visitors eager to return, SANParks has issued a strong note of caution. Spokesperson JP Louw urged guests to avoid gravel roads, many of which remain vulnerable after being saturated or eroded by floodwaters, and to strictly adhere to all official signage and instructions while inside the park.

Adding to the challenge, shops within the park are currently running on limited stock due to earlier access disruptions. Visitors have been advised to arrive prepared with essential supplies to avoid inconvenience during their visit.

For now, day visitors will only be permitted entry into the southern region of the park via the Paul Kruger, Numbi, Malelane and Phabeni gates. Phabeni Gate remains under close watch as water levels in a nearby stream continue to fluctuate and may be closed at short notice should conditions worsen. Crocodile Bridge Gate remains closed until further notice.

SANParks said ongoing monitoring of weather patterns and infrastructure would determine when further areas of the park can safely reopen, with updates to be issued as conditions evolve.

DAILY NEWS