In mid-January 2026, severe floods struck the Kruger National Par, the worst in recent memory. Although no one lost their life, the floods caused extensive damage to tourism infrastructure.
Consequently, officials temporarily closed the park to day visitors during the floods and evacuated some guests and staff.
Laters, as the waters receded, they revealed damaged bridges, waterlogged roads, and devastated camps.
Subsequently, we at Latest Sightings have endeavoured to keep our readers informed of developments relating to the gradual reopening of affected infrastructure.
Consequently, on 9 February, we provided a comprehensive update, which readers can consult alongside the information that follows.
SATSA updates members
On 13 February, we received an update from the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), informing members of the latest developments related to access and facilities.
According to SATSA, these updates were given “to support recovery efforts, provide clarity on the visitor experience, and ensure that credible, factual information is shared with tourism industry stakeholders.”
To ensure that the public stay informed, we’d like to share all the developments since our earlier article.
Detailed Road Access Staus
Orpen – Punda Maria – Pafuri Area
- Most main routes are open. Many minor roads are still restricted.
Shingwedzi Area
- Key loops and causeways (e.g., S53, S135) are still closed
- Sections of H1-7 and S52 open
Mopani Area
- S143, S144 are now open
- S136, S142 (Shongololo Loop), S146 are still closed
- H1-6 is partially open. Closed from H15, with no access to Letaba
- S49/50 have partial closures restricting access to Mopani and Shongololo/Shingwedzi
Phalaborwa Area
- H14 near Phalaborwa Gate is partially open, although there is still no access to Shimuwini or Mopani Camps
Satara/Orpen Area
- Main routes are open
- All minor loops and side roads (e.g., S90, S100 & S125) are closed
- Officials have reopened the H7 (Orpen-Satara) route, although traffic moves through only one lane at Nsemani Dam, and they have restricted heavy vehicles (over 8 tonnes).
- Construction of the bypass via S12 & S40 is ongoing.
Tshokwane Area
- Mix of open and closed tracks, with some open only to high-clearance/4×4 vehicles
Skukuza Area
- Most major routes are open
- Some minor roads, e.g., parts of S1 and Maroela Loop are still closed
Lower Sabie Area
- H4-1, H4-2, H10, S82 & S130 are open
- Some smaller gravel roads remain closed (e.g., S28, S137)
Berg-en-Dal to Malelane Area
- Tar road (S110) is open
- Gravel links, including S116, S118, S119, S120, S121 remain closed
Crocodile Bridge Area
- H4-2 & H5 are open
- Several gravel roads remain closed
Updated Status of Rest Camps & Satellite Camps
Letaba Rest Camp
- While the accommodation is still closed, the good news is that the shop, filling station, and Elephant Museum reopened on 10 February.
Satellite & Smaller Camps
Tamboti & Maroela
- Open
Talamati
- Open with access via S106/S140
Tsendze
- Open as of 2 February
Closed satellite camps
- Unfortunately, Balule, Biyamithi, Shipandani Hide, Roodewaal, and Boulders remain closed due to extensive damage. Consequently, it will take some time before they reopen.
Gate & access points updated
- Crocodile Bridge, Malelane, Numbi, Pafuri, Paul Kruger, Punda Maria, Phalaborwa, and Orpen are open, although restrictions may apply.
- For example, entrants at Phalaborwa may not travel further south than Satara
- Open safari vehicles may now enter at Orpen under a quota system
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
Other sites updated
Picnic sites:
- Open: Afsaal, Babalala, Mooiplaas, Nkuhlu, Nwanetsi & Tshokwane
- Closed: Makhadzi, Mundzandzeni & Pafuri
Shops:
- Open: Punda Maria, Shingwedzi, Letaba
Border posts:
- Both Pafuri and Giriyondo Border Posts remain closed
Further cooperation required
As a result of the above, while progress is being made, it may take a while for the park to be fully operational.
Meanwhile, SANParks thanks the public for their cooperation, and asks visitors to adhere to all rules and official guidance.
Furthermore, please do not remove or bypass any road barriers. They are there for the safety of the public.
Also, please check their official website and social media channels for the latest updates.
Rebuilding Kruger will take all of us.
— SANParks (@SANParks) February 13, 2026
The SANParks #KrugerRecoveryFund has been created to mobilise national and global support for restoration efforts.'
Here’s how you can help. pic.twitter.com/2FYcvUK0X3
Additionally, to help with the relief and reconstruction effort, please take a look at our previous articles.