Kruger National Park
S56 Mphongolo Loop, Kruger National Park
The S56 Mphongolo Loop is a 31.4 km gravel road in Kruger National Park about 30.4 km from Punda Maria Gate. It connects to H1-7 and S57. Here's what lives along it, where to stop.
The S56, the Mphongolo loop, is a gravel loop north of Shingwedzi that leaves the H1-7, follows the Mphongolo River and rejoins the H1-7 at Babalala picnic site. It passes the Hippos and Crocs viewpoint, and the S57 links it to Boyela waterhole.
Where the S56 Mphongolo Loop runs
Recent activity on the S56 Mphongolo Loop
No sightings logged on the S56 Mphongolo Loop yet
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Open in opspoorWildlife you can see on the S56 Mphongolo Loop
Based on the habitat the road runs through, not on today's sightings.
Habitat along the S56 Mphongolo Loop
Mixed bushveld: Mixed woodland with a broken canopy and thicker bush between the trees.
Habitat mapped by opspoor. Data sources
Waterholes and stops on the S56 Mphongolo Loop
- Babalala WaterholeViewpointBabalala Waterhole lies beside the Babalala Picnic Site on the H1-7 between Shingwedzi and Punda Maria. The small waterhole sits between open mopane shrubveld and mixed mopane woodland, creating a…On the road
- Mphongolo Loop ViewpointViewpointThis unnamed viewpoint along the Mphongolo Loop offers a quiet view across the surrounding northern Kruger landscape and riverine bush. The nearby Mphongolo River supports dense vegetation and…50 m off the road
- Hippos & Crocs ViewpointViewpointHippos & Crocs Viewpoint is a scenic stop in the northern Kruger near the Shingwedzi River system, where a small pool can attract impressive concentrations of hippos and crocodiles. The surrounding…100 m off the road
See every waterhole, hide and viewpoint on the map, and navigate to them, in the opspoor app.
S56 Mphongolo Loop questions
Where is the S56 Mphongolo Loop in Kruger National Park?
The S56 Mphongolo Loop is a 31.4 km gravel road in Kruger National Park about 30.4 km from Punda Maria Gate. It connects to H1-7 and S57.
How long does it take to drive the S56 Mphongolo Loop?
About 47 minutes without stopping at the 40 km/h limit. Allow much longer if you stop at the waterholes and for sightings.
What animals can you see on the S56 Mphongolo Loop?
The S56 Mphongolo Loop runs through mixed bushveld, riverine forest and open grassland, which suits hooded vulture, kudu (greater), smiths bush squirrel, white headed vulture and hadeda ibis.
Are there waterholes or hides on the S56 Mphongolo Loop?
Yes. Along the S56 Mphongolo Loop you'll find Babalala Waterhole, Mphongolo Loop Viewpoint and Hippos & Crocs Viewpoint.
Can I use opspoor on the S56 Mphongolo Loop without signal?
Yes. Signal in Kruger National Park can be patchy, and opspoor works fully offline: you can see sightings you've already loaded and log your own, which sync when you're back in range.
Roads connecting to the S56 Mphongolo Loop
Driving the S56 Mphongolo Loop soon? See recent sightings on this road, alerts when something's spotted nearby, and a map that works with no signal.