Heavy Rains Leave Some Kruger Guests Cut Off As Rivers Rise

When Nature Rewrites The Travel Plan

For some visitors inside the Kruger National Park, the safari soundtrack this week has shifted from birdsong to the sound of rushing water. Severe weather across parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga has disrupted access routes in the park, leaving guests at Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge rest camps unable to travel to Skukuza.

According to park officials, rising water levels in the Crocodile River have made the situation increasingly risky. The Crocodile River bridge is currently the only exit route available to affected guests, but rapidly swelling waters mean that access could soon become impassable.

If that happens, visitors may be temporarily cut off until water levels drop and it is safe to move again.

What Areas Are Affected Right Now

SANParks has confirmed that guests staying at Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge cannot reach Skukuza under current conditions. Forecasts and on the ground observations show that the Crocodile River is rising fast, raising the real possibility that the bridge could close completely.

This has prompted precautionary measures across the southern parts of the park, especially around river crossings and low lying roads.

SANParks Response And Safety Warnings

Park management says it is actively contacting guests with upcoming bookings, particularly those planning to enter through affected gates or stay at impacted camps. Many visitors are being offered the option to reschedule their trips rather than risk disruption or safety concerns.

Officials have also issued a strong warning to all guests inside the park. Road closures, no entry signs, barricades and safety barriers must be respected at all times. These measures are not optional and are put in place to prevent access to flooded roads or structurally compromised bridges.

SANParks has stressed that under no circumstances should any barrier or log be moved, even if conditions appear calm.

A Seasonal Reminder For Summer Safaris

Heavy rainfall is not unusual at this time of year. Kruger’s summer months often bring sudden downpours, fast rising rivers and temporary road closures. While it can disrupt carefully planned itineraries, it is also when the bush is at its greenest and wildlife activity around water sources peaks.

For now, SANParks continues to monitor conditions closely and urges guests to stay informed, remain patient and prioritise safety over schedules.

{Source:SABC News}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com