Kruger National Park to Resume Day Visits Starting January 20, 2026, as Weather Improves

Kruger National Park, Africa’s largest game reserve, will resume day visits effective January 20, 2026, as seasonal weather patterns stabilize. The decision follows a two-week suspension of public access due to heavy rainfall and flooding that disrupted park infrastructure and restricted vehicle access. Park authorities confirmed that all main entry gates and internal roads are now safe for travel. The reopening marks a key step in restoring tourism operations in the region, which contributes approximately 2.7% to South Africa’s national GDP and supports over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. The park typically attracts around 1.2 million visitors annually, with day visitors accounting for roughly 65% of total attendance. This resurgence is expected to stimulate local businesses, including lodges, tour operators, and transport services in the surrounding areas of Kruger Mpumalanga. Financially, the tourism sector’s recovery could provide a modest tailwind to South Africa’s broader economy. The JSE:JSE index has shown incremental gains over the past quarter, with consumer discretionary stocks rising 3.2% since October 2025. While the reopening itself is not expected to shift macroeconomic indicators, it reinforces investor confidence in the resilience of the domestic tourism sector. The ZAR=X currency has strengthened modestly against the USD, gaining 1.8% over the past month, partly reflecting improved sentiment around travel and hospitality recovery. Analysts note that sustained visitor numbers will depend on continued weather stability and global travel trends, particularly from key markets such as the UK, Germany, and China.