Heavy and persistent rainfall has led to flooding in parts of the northern and central regions of Kruger National Park (KNP) just months after devastating floods in January.
Access to several gates, roads, and tourist facilities has been affected.
The Situation
JP Louw, SANParks spokesperson, said substantial rainfall from both outside and inside the park has caused river levels to rise sharply.
Rivers along the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu systems have risen and are expected to continue fluctuating as further rains are forecast this week.
“The park received exceptional rains in January this year, the catchments remain extremely saturated and vulnerable to a sudden increase in river flow.”
Although the Shingwedzi river is rising, evacuation of guests and staff is not yet required. However, management is monitoring the Shisha stream near Babalala/Sirheni, which is pouring out onto the tar road.
What’s Open
All access gates and camps in the southern part of the park are operational.
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Biyamiti Bush Camp: Accessible only via Crocodile Bridge side (open from the S25 intersection). No access to S114.
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Phalaborwa Gate, Olifants Rest Camp, Letaba’s filling station, Elephant Hall, and shop: Operational in the north.
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Orpen Gate, Tamboti, Maroela, Orpen and Satara Rest Camps: Open in the central parts.
What’s Closed or Affected
Gates and access:
Bush camps:
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Sirheni
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Bateleur
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Shimuwini
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Talamati Bush Camp
Other facilities:
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Makhadzi Picnic Site
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Roodewal Bush Lodge
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Balule Satellite Camp
Most gravel roads in the north and central parts are temporarily closed.
The Warning
“Visitors are urged to remain alert and to adhere to the signage on the roads as most gravel roads in the north and central parts of the park are temporarily closed.”
The January Floods
In January, devastating floods in Limpopo and Mpumalanga killed at least 38 people and severely affected Kruger’s infrastructure.
A Level 10 weather warning and record-breaking rainfall saw major riversincluding the Sabie, Olifants, and Crocodileburst their banks, washing away bridges, collapsing roads, and inundating 15 tourist camps.
The Bottom Line
Kruger is flooding again.
The rivers are rising. The roads are closing. The camps are affected.
SANParks says safety is the priority. For visitors, that means checking conditions before you traveland obeying the signs when you arrive.
