Following a fire incident reported this morning, 21 April 2026 affecting the retail shop at Lower Sabie rest camp in the Kruger National Park, guests with bookings at the camp are advised to stock-up on supplies before arrival or get supplies e.g. wood, ice etc. at the other camps such as Skukuza, Crocodile Bridge, Satara, Tshokwane or Nkuhlu.
ACCESS IN THE NORTH OF KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
The central and northern regions of the Kruger National Park (KNP) are currently experiencing flooding conditions which is affecting access to several camps. Due to substantial rain received from both outside and inside the park, the river levels have risen sharply. Rivers along the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu systems have increased and are expected to continue fluctuating in the coming days as further rains are expected this week.
The park received exceptional rains in January this year, therefore the catchments remain extremely saturated and vulnerable to sudden increase in river flow. Although the Shingwedzi river is rising, it is not at a stage that evacuation process for guests and staff in the camp is required. However, management is monitoring the Shisha stream near Babalala/Sirheni which is pouring out to the tar road.
All access gates and camps in the southern part of the park are operational whilst Biyamiti Bush Camp is accessible only via Crocodile Bridge side (open from S25 intersection). There is currently no access to S114.
Phalaborwa Gate, Olifants Rest Camp as well as Letaba’s filling station, the Elephant Hall and shop remain operational in the north of the park. In the central parts, the Orpen Gate including Tamboti and Maroela as well as Orpen and Satara Rest Camps are open.
Visitors are urged to remain alert and to adhere to the signage on the roads as most gravel roads in the north and central of the park are temporarily closed. The following tourist facilities are also affected:
• Punda Maria Gate
• Pafuri Gate
• Giriyondo Border Gate including Makhadzi Picnic Site
• Sirheni, Bateleur and Shimuwini Bush Camps
• The Letaba High Level Bridge is still inaccessible with the repair work suspended until further notice.
• Roodewal Bush Lodge
• Balule Satellite Camp
• Talamati Bush Camp
SANParks continues to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any changes as they occur. The safety of guests, staff and infrastructure remains the organisation’s highest priority.
Link to update on roads and camps
All flood debris was removed by 13 February. A total of 21 truckloads of debris was removed and dumped.
The camping area has been totally cleared.
The rain has abated and the water subsided in all the rivers, at least for a while, as the medium-to-long term weather forecasts predict more rain. This has given Park Management time to make a preliminary assessment of the damage and potential costs to replace, repair and rehabilitate. Initial estimates amount to half a billion Rand.
SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR)respond to the overwhelming call from SANParks’ online community, members, friends and SANParks stakeholders to establish a dedicated disaster fund to support Kruger National Park during and following the current floods.
Due to persistent and heavy rainfall affecting the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces, the park has taken a precautionary decision not to allow day visitors into Kruger National Park until conditions improve.
Proactive measures have been implemented at Kruger National Park to ensure the safety of guests and staff, in light of the Level 6 severe weather warning issued for Limpopo Province from Sunday, 11 January, to Monday, 12 January 2026.
As a precaution, Shingwedzi, Sirheni, and Bateleur Camps have been evacuated to avoid challenges in the event of flooding, while guests at Balule and Pafuri are given the option to stay, as these areas are not at risk.
Members of the Vaal Triangle Region are delighted to have funded the repair of a very important piece of veterinary equipment for the Kruger National Park’s Veterinary and Wildlife Services.
A report by Workplace Enrichment Consultants (WEC) has found that Field Rangers in South African National Parks (SANParks) benefit from the services of a wellness programme, named “Embrace”, offered by members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers.
The Embrace Project aims to enhance the resilience of Rangers by teaching life skills.
In a generous act of support towards wildlife conservation, the Magalies Region of the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR) made a significant donation to the anti-poaching K9 Unit based at Kingfisherspruit ranger section in the Kruger National Park. This contribution is poised to bolster efforts to safeguard the park’s magnificent wildlife from the devastating effects of poaching.
Sorry, no posts matched your criteria
SANParks
