Kruger National Park Implements Gate Quota System Due Further Damages to Park Infrastructure
19 January 2026
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Willie Aucamp, has visited flood-hit Kruger National Park where he spent time assessing the damage and engaging with various stakeholders, including SANParks leadership.
“While we have witnessed major disruptions and damage owing to the heavy rains in Mpumalanga and Limpopo over the last few days, what has been even more incredible to witness has been the well-planned and executed response from the Park,” said Minister Aucamp. “Our early warning systems meant that the emergency teams could act timeously to evacuate staff and guests in a coordinated manner.”
The Minister also commended the team for applying a safety-first, human-centric approach despite facing massive disruptions to operations and infrastructure – including road and gate closures, electricity outages and interruptions to other basic services. “The outpouring of support has been tremendous,” said the Minister, “I am pleased to announce that SANParks have committed to establishing the Kruger Relief Fund to help with rebuilding efforts, emergency supplies and any other necessities.”
The Fund will be managed and audited by two independent auditing firms.
Although the indications are that the disruptive rainfall may continue over the next couple of days, the SANParks team and emergency services are well equipped to manage the situation.
SANParks has confirmed that day visits remain restricted until further notice. Due to increased rainfall overnight, which has resulted in further damages to park infrastructure, the Kruger National Park (KNP) has implemented a gate quota system with immediate effect in the interest of visitor safety and effective traffic management.
A gate quota system will apply at the following open gates, Malelane Gate, Numbi Gate and Paul Kruger Gate and all Open Safari Vehicles (OSVs) will form part of these gate quotas. Guests are requested to ensure that their vehicles have fuel as the filling stations at camps might be affected by the persisting rain.
Essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers (with proof of a valid flight ticket) and officials will be allowed entry through Paul Kruger Gate only.
The Skukuza to Phabeni Gate route is currently closed due to flooding, as a stream has cut off access along the S1 road. Phabeni Gate is therefore inaccessible via Skukuza at this stage.
Orpen Gate will remain closed until further notice due to safety concerns. The northern part of the KNP remains inaccessible and as result all gates in the north are closed.
Having visited the Park last week when the heavy rains started, the Minister confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored, and that updates are being provided as they occur. The safety of guests, staff and infrastructure remains the highest priority. Members of the public are encouraged to follow SANParks’ official communication platforms for verified updates.
“We are grateful that no loss of lives has been recorded and evacuations have progressed smoothly, and I once again extend my gratitude to the Park’s Management team and emergency services for their swift response,” said Minister Aucamp.
SANParks will shortly issue further details about the KrugerRelief Fund.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)