Nearly three weeks after torrential rains inundated large sections of the southern and northern Kruger Park, news of the massive restoration program continues to trickle in.
While it may take some time to reach full operational capacity, dedicated teams are making steady progress.
Nevertheless, all news of the recovery and restoration effort is good news. The park incurred massive infrastructural and financial losses, so it’s encouraging to see SANParks and other stakeholders are taking the bull by the horns.
On Friday, 6 January, Latest Sightings updated readers on the latest developments regarding gates, roads and camps throughout the park.
Latest updates
Consequently, today we bring more updates on the latest developments regarding various camps and roads within the park.
⚠️Kruger Camps Update⚠️
— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) February 9, 2026
Status of certain Kruger camps – 9 February 2026
Singwedzi Rest Camp – fence to be restored. This will take at least another month.
Mopani Rest Camp – limited units available. At least six weeks before camp will be at 100% capacity.
In a message shared on social media, SANParks provided an update on various camps. In it, they gave an update on when these camps would return to partial or full operational status.
Dated today, 9 February, the statement announced the following:
Status of Kruger rest camps
- Shingwedzi Rest Camp – Repairing the camp’s perimeter fence will take at least a month, after which the park will allow overnight guests. In the interim, the camp’s shop, restaurant, and picnic site are open to day visitors.
- Mopani Rest Camp – At present, only limited accommodation units are available. Officials estimate it will be at least six weeks to return to 100% capacity. Additionally, teams must erect temporary restaurant facilities.
- Letaba Rest Camp – The camp suffered extensive damage to numerous accommodation units, the restaurant, and the perimeter fence. Officials expect a partial reopening in about three months and full operational status by the end of the year.
- Olifants Rest Camp – The camp will reopen once officials restore the water supply and test it for safe consumption.
Status of satellite camps
- Shimuwini Bush Camp – The camp sustained extensive damage and now requires building works that will likely take several months to complete.
- Sirheni Bush Camp – The camp will reopen to overnight guests once teams complete an alternative access road.
- Talamati Bush Camp – The camp will reopen once teams repair the access road.
- Balule Satellite Camp – The camp will reopen in several months once rebuilding work is complete.
Update on roads
Additionally, SANParks posted updates earlier on X and Facebook, regarding various roads across the park.
Of particular interest are the following announcements regarding affected routes:
- Lower Sabie Road (H4-1) – It is hoped this route will be fit for travel within two weeks. At present, traffic is diverted via H1-2 and H12 and back to H4-1.
- Phabeni Road (S1) – Expected reopening in the last quarter of 2026. An alternative route is in place.
- Nsemani Dam Wall – The structure suffered extensive damage and will take some time to repair. In the interim, one lane is open across the dam wall. Additionally, a bypass through S12 and S40 is being constructed, adding 6 km to the journey.
- H14 – Two bridges are yet to be assessed.
⚠️Kruger Roads Update⚠️
— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) February 9, 2026
Status of certain Kruger roads – 9 February 2026
Lower Sabie Road H4-1 – it is hoped to open this route within the next week or two (There is an alternative route via H1-2 and H12 and back to H4-1).
Latest Sighting will continue to provide updates as they become available. Please be sure to check official SANParks media channels for up-to-the-minute information.
If you would like to donate to the Kruger Recovery and Relief funds, you’ll find further information by following the links provided.