Mpumalanga reopens tourist sites

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) announced, on January 21, that all attraction sites managed by the entity are now open.

This announcement follows a comprehensive assessment conducted after recent heavy rainfall that affected Mpumalanga’s tourism sector.

Citing the safety of visitors as a top priority, the agency urged visitors to exercise caution and adhere to all safety rules and guidelines when exploring the attraction sites as roads may be slippery due to persistent rainfall.

The MTPA said employees will be available to assist visitors at all facilities.

Crocodile Bridge Gate

The Kruger National Park’s Crocodile Bridge Gate will reopen for day visitors from January 22.

SANParks advised that the situation remains dynamic as a dam wall outside the park is reportedly compromised. As a result, this may affect operational conditions at short notice, including access through Crocodile Bridge Gate.

Water levels at Crocodile Bridge on January 21. Source: SANParks

The entity also announced that all gravel roads remain closed until further notice, urging visitors not to remove barricades placed at closed gates or on restricted roads for public safety and infrastructure protection.

The southern and northern areas of the park remain cut off from each other, resulting in the inaccessibility of Tshokwane Picnic Site, Satara Rest Camp and the further northern regions of the park.

Malelane Gate, Numbi Gate and Paul Kruger Gate remained open at the time of publication with the entry quota system still in place.