Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp has confirmed the establishment of SANParks’ Kruger Recovery Fund following extensive flood damage in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
Delivering an update to media on January 22, Aucamp said the recent floods caused severe damage to infrastructure across the park. SANParks estimates losses running into hundreds of millions of rand. The floods also affected wider parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, resulting in loss of life, homes and critical infrastructure. Government has declared it a national disaster in terms of Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act of 2002.
Despite the damage, Aucamp confirmed no lives were lost in KNP. “SANParks’ highly effective early warning systems and the swift, coordinated response of park management and emergency services enable safe evacuation of all guests and staff.”
The extent of damage at KNP includes:
- Damage to bridges, roads, water and electrical systems
- Destruction of staff villages and tourist accommodation
- Suspension of tourist facilities and commercial operations
- 15 camps currently closed (some inaccessible due to road and bridge damage)
- Temporary gate closures affecting overnight and day visits
Between January 9 and 19, the park recorded 24 073 guest entries – a 41% decline compared to the same period in 2025. Aucamp said SANParks generates close to 80% of its operating budget, placing the sustainability of the broader parks network at risk.
Kruger Recovery Fund
The Kruger Recovery Fund has been established to support long-term recovery and infrastructure reconstruction. The fund will be administered through three audit firms on SANParks’ panel, providing independent governance, transparent reporting and donor oversight.
Aucamp confirmed the Honorary Rangers will support fundraising through the “Kruger Flood 2026 Fund” campaign.
“The SANParks’ Kruger Recovery Fund and Honorary Rangers’ Kruger Flood 2026 Fund are the only two legitimate funds authorised to receive donations for the recovery efforts,” Aucamp said, warning of potential fraudulent schemes.
Current access and closures
In the northern Nxanatseni region, several key roads and bridges remain inaccessible including routes to Sirheni, Mopani and Letaba. The Tshokwane picnic site, Satara Rest Camp and northern regions are currently inaccessible.
All tourist camps in the northern region remain closed including Punda Maria, Shingwedzi, Letaba, Olifants and Mopani.
In the southern Marula region, road closures affect routes between Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Phabeni and Afsaal. Closed camps include Crocodile Bridge, Lower Sabie, Mbiyamiti, Satara and Talamati.
Malelane, Numbi and Paul Kruger gates remain open under an entry quota system. Northern and southern areas of the park remain cut off from each other.
