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Heavy Rains Leave Potholes Temporarily Closed
January 12, 2026
Two international border posts within the Kruger National Park have been temporarily closed following severe weather conditions affecting parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
The Border Management Authority has confirmed the closure of the Pafuri and Giriyondo border posts after continuous heavy rainfall across the park, which follows a Level 6 severe weather warning issued for the region. Visitors have been urged to revise their travel plans and comply with guidance from park officials.
Several rivers within the park are currently flowing at high speed, with water levels expected to rise further. These include the De Laporte, N’watshitsaka and Crocodile rivers. The Sabie River is also rising and is expected to impact the Sand River, which may disrupt travel routes between Satara Rest Camp, Tshokwane Picnic Site, Lower Sabie Rest Camp and Skukuza Rest Camp.
Park management has cautioned that road closures may occur at short notice for safety reasons. Campers in affected areas will be relocated within camps, with those in caravans and motorhomes being moved closer to chalet zones. Visitors have also been advised not to remain in low-lying camping areas vulnerable to flooding.
Guests travelling to Skukuza Airport from north of Tshokwane have been advised to use Kruger Gate via Satara or Orpen Gate, or alternatively access the airport from outside the park via the R40. Travellers are urged to allow extra time to avoid missing flights.
Rainfall recorded overnight ranged from 25 mm in Phalaborwa to as high as 90 mm in Pafuri, with Tshokwane, Shingwedzi, Mooiplaas and Houtboschrand also recording significant rainfall.
SANParks has strongly urged all visitors and staff to obey no-entry and road-closure signage, avoid flooded roads and low-lying bridges, and not to remove debris or barriers placed on roads.
The South African Weather Service continues to monitor conditions and will issue updates as the situation evolves. The safety of visitors, staff and surrounding communities remains the park’s highest priority.
