Persistent rainfall has caused flooding in the central and northern parts of the Kruger National Park, leaving several camps, gates and tourist facilities inaccessible as river levels continue to rise.

SANParks said on Monday, 16 March 2026, that heavy rain falling both inside and outside the park had sharply increased water levels in rivers along the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu systems. With more rain expected during the week, officials warned that conditions could still change in the coming days.

The park said the situation has been worsened by the exceptional rainfall received in January, which left catchment areas saturated and vulnerable to sudden surges in river flow.

Although the Shingwedzi River is rising, SANParks said it has not yet reached a point where guests and staff at Shingwedzi Camp need to be evacuated. Management is, however, closely monitoring the Shisha stream near the Babalala and Sirheni area, where water is already spilling onto the tar road.

In the south of the park, all access gates and camps remain open. Biyamiti Bush Camp is still accessible, but only from the Crocodile Bridge side through the S25 intersection. There is currently no access to the S114 route.

Some parts of the north and central regions are still operating. Phalaborwa Gate, Olifants Rest Camp, and Letaba’s filling station, shop and Elephant Hall remain open. In the central region, Orpen Gate, Tamboti, Maroela, Orpen Rest Camp and Satara Rest Camp are also open to visitors.

However, several facilities have been affected by the flooding. These include Punda Maria Gate, Pafuri Gate, the Giriyondo Border Gate and Makhadzi Picnic Site, as well as Sirheni, Bateleur and Shimuwini bush camps. Roodewal Bush Lodge, Balule Satellite Camp and Talamati Bush Camp are also affected.

SANParks added that the Letaba High Level Bridge remains inaccessible, with repair work suspended until further notice.

Visitors have been urged to stay alert and obey road signage, as many gravel roads in the northern and central sections of the park have been temporarily closed for safety reasons.

SANParks said it is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any further changes as they occur, stressing that the safety of guests, staff and infrastructure remains its top priority.