Good news for lovers of the Kruger Park’s northern reaches as floodwaters continue to subside. SANParks recently announced that it would reopen some areas to the public from Sunday, 25/01.
Media Release
In an announcement, released to the media on Friday, 23 January, SANParks said it made the decision in response to “improved weather conditions in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, including areas in the Kruger National Park.
The statement said that, “following ongoing safety assessments, day and overnight visitors are now permitted access to Punda Maria Gate, Babalala Picnic Side and Punda Maria Rest Camps as of Sunday, 25 January 2026.“
Other restrictions remain
The statement goes on to inform the public that not all gates or camps have reopened.
According to SANParks’ JP Louw, SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson, both Letaba and Pafuri Restcamps, including Pafuri Border Post, remain inaccessible.
Additionally, Phalaborwa Gate remains closed to day visitors.
Further south, Orpen Gate also remains closed to day visitors, with access limited to those with bookings at Orpen, Maroela, or Tamboti Camps.
The statement added that emergency services and essential deliveries may also make use of the gate.
All of the park’s access gates in the park’s southern region are open, except for Phabeni Gate.
The public is reminded that the situation on the ground is dynamic, and is advised to get the latest updates from the SANParks Website or their official X feed.
Gravel roads remain closed
Louw’s statement also reiterates that all gravel roads remain closed and urges the public not to remove or attempt to bypass the barriers in place.
This is particularly important because many of these roads have suffered severe erosion, and officials have not yet inspected them for safety.
Considering the scale of the assessment required, the public’s patience and cooperation are essential.
Furthermore, it was reported that “The situation across the park continues to be monitored, and access restrictions will be reviewed as conditions improve and repairs progress. Further updates will be communicated through official SANParks channels.”
Improving conditions
As Latest Sightings previously reported, the park is slowly increasing its operational capacity. It was announced last week that Crocodile Bridge Gate has reopened.
However, considering the scale of the disaster, it will likely be some time before the park returns to full capacity.
Last week, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, announced measures taken to address the challenges ahead.
For its part, the government has established the Kruger Recovery Fund.
Additionally, the Honorary Rangers have set up a separate fund for donations. 100% of the money received will go to addressing the crisis.
Earlier, EWN reported that the current estimated cost to repair damage caused by the flooding may total over R700m.
According to the report, Minister Aucamp flew over the area, witnessing firsthand the scale of the damage. Subsequently, he said,
“SANParks does not have the budget to absorb losses on this scale, forcing the government to reprioritise funds and seek additional support through a disaster declaration.”