Severe Weather Disrupts Access to Kruger National Park as Flood Risks Rise

JOHANNESBURG — Prolonged severe weather across parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga has disrupted access to sections of the Kruger National Park, prompting South African National Parks (SANParks) to restrict movement and warn of the risk that some guests could be temporarily cut off if conditions worsen.

SANParks said guests currently staying at Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge rest camps no longer have access to Skukuza, one of the park’s main hubs, as rising water levels in the Crocodile River threaten key routes. At present, the only available exit for affected visitors is via the Crocodile River bridge, but officials caution that this access may soon become impassable if water levels continue to rise.

The advisory follows weather forecasts and on-the-ground observations indicating rapidly increasing river levels, raising the possibility that the Crocodile River bridge could flood. Should that happen, guests may be unable to leave the affected areas until water levels recede.

In response, SANParks has begun contacting visitors with imminent bookings to the Kruger National Park to reschedule their trips, particularly those planning to enter through affected gates or stay at impacted camps.

Several operational changes are already in place. Pafuri Gate remains closed due to flooding and unsafe conditions, while Punda Maria Gate is also shut, leaving Phalaborwa Gate as the only access point to the northern region of the park. Roads linking Lower Sabie to Skukuza and Satara have been closed, and the Mopani Restaurant has been shut as a precaution.

Crocodile Bridge Gate remains under close monitoring and will be closed should the Crocodile River bridge become flooded.

SANParks has urged all visitors to strictly comply with road closures, no-entry signs and instructions from park officials. Guests have been warned not to remove barricades, logs or safety barriers under any circumstances, as these measures are in place to prevent access to flooded or structurally compromised areas.

The national parks authority said it is working closely with the South African Weather Service and other relevant authorities to monitor conditions and assess risks as the situation develops.

“The safety of our guests, staff and surrounding communities remains our highest priority,” SANParks said, thanking visitors for their cooperation and understanding during the disruption.