Heavy rainfall has prompted the emergency closure of several camps and multiple roads and access routes into the Kruger National Park (KNP) as water levels in the park’s major rivers continue to rise.
Guests and staff from the Shingwedzi, Sirheni and Bateleur camps were evacuated as a precautionary measure on Saturday, January 10, while guests and staff from the Talamati, Mbiyamiti and Roodewal bush camps were transferred to Satara and Lower Sabie.
In a subsequent update issued on Monday, January 11, SANParks said the Pafuri and Punda Maria gates – along with all roads leading from Lower Sabie to Skukuza and Satara – were closed.
Plans are in place to transfer guests flying in and out of Skukuza Airport via the Shalati Railway Station.
SANParks warned that rapidly rising water levels in the Crocodile River could soon render the Crocodile River Bridge in the south of the park inaccessible, “posing a real risk of guests being trapped inside the park”.
SANParks said it is actively contacting all guests with imminent arrivals to the KNP to reschedule their visits.
“The safety of guests, staff and surrounding communities remains SANParks’ highest priority. We thank all visitors for their cooperation and understanding during this period.”
SANParks said water levels in the Sabie River, which runs through the adjacent Sabi Sands Nature Reserve, are also rising.
MORE Collection, which runs four camps along the Sabie River, issued an update on Sunday, stating that water levels in the Lion Sands section of the Sabi Sands are rising and subsiding, posing little risk of flooding.
“Guest experiences are continuing with flexibility. Game drives are operating during clear weather windows, with adjusted timings where needed, and sightings remain good. Due to saturated ground, some internal routes are restricted and guests may be rerouted to alternative collection or departure points,” said MORE Collection CEO Robert More. A further update will be issued on Tuesday, January 13, he added.
A Level 6 warning from the South African Weather Service remains in place for heavy rainfall throughout the Greater KNP until at least the end of Tuesday.
