HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!
This morning, 4 March 2026, Latest Sightings received news of the imminent reopening of Shingwedzi Rest Camp. In an email, Kruger Communications Manager Rey T Thakhuli announced that the camp would reopen to overnight visitors on 6 March 2026.
Closed due to flooding
Widespread flooding in the Kruger National Park in early January this year force the closure of Shingwedzi Rest Camp.
As the waters of the adjacent Shingwedzi River rose, SANParks officials decided to begin evacuations of guests around 10 January. While the camp itself remained initially safe, inundated access roads prompted the evacuation.
Subsequently, the floodwaters damaged the camp’s perimeter fence. This necessitated the complete evacuation of all guests and personnel due to safety concerns.
While floodwaters spared the camp’s accommodation, officials could not fully reopen the camp until they repaired the fence. However, the floodwaters receded soon after, and the camp reopened its shop, restaurant, and picnic area.
Further afield, park officials pre-emptively evacuated other camps within the park, and some sustained severe damage to infrastructure. Additionally, the park’s road network sustained extensive damage, with numerous roads washed away and bridges severely damaged.
Press release
In the SANParks press release, Thakhuli said,
“As infrastructure restoration efforts in the Kruger National Park continue following the January 2026 floods, Shingwedzi Rest Camp will re-open as from Friday, 6 March.“
However, the statement goes on to add that limited routes can access Shingwedzi. For now, visitors can only reach the camp via the Punda Maria and Pafuri Gates. These gates sit to the north of Shingwedzi.
It goes on to add that “repairs are underway at the approach of the Letaba high water bridge.”
This bridge connects the tar road between Letaba and Mopani Rest Camps to the south. It is integral to southern access to Shingwedzi, especially if entering at Phalaborwa Gate.
Thakhuli said that he would inform the public once the bridge is repaired and accessible.
Other camps open
The statement also confirms the operational status, or otherwise, of other camps situated in the northern reaches of the park.
Starting from the northernmost extremes of the park, the following camps are open or partially open:
- Punda Maria Rest Camp
- Bateleur Bush Camp
- Mopani Rest Camp is partially open
- Mopani is only accessible via the Pafuri and Punda Maria Gates to the north
- Olifants Rest Camp is open, although visitors can only reach it via Phalaborwa Gate to its west.
Setback announced
Further rain has hampered restoration efforts despite the promising news. According to the statement, Talamati Bush Camp, southeast of Orpen, is once again inaccessible. This follows further rainfall that fell in its vicinity on Monday, 2 March.
Accordingly, guests with bookings for that camp are now being directed to other camps.
In closing, SANParks has emphasised that gravel roads marked with “No Entry” signs must not be accessed under any circumstances.