The Kruger National Park (KNP) has closed several gravel roads until further notice due to heavy rainfall.
The park has received intense heavy rainfall since Monday (February 10), particularly in the north. SANParks said the rain should start clearing by today (Wednesday) but rivers will continue to rise for some time.
SANParks Acting Head of Communications, Reynold Thakhuli, said the decision to close most of the gravel roads in the park was for safety reasons. “As a precautionary measure gravel roads and remote camps mostly in the north of the park have temporarily been closed and guests booked in the flagged camps are being moved to safer camps,” said Thakhuli.
“These closures are necessary to ensure visitors’ safety during this time and we would like to advise guests to stick to the tar roads whilst driving inside the park.” Guests are advised to avoid all roads with a ‘No Entry’ signs or blocked with other objects.
General Manager of Communications and Marketing at KNP, Isaac Phaahla, told Tourism Update that KNP remained operational and that they would wait for the water to subside. “All guests have been safely relocated to other camps. The more rustic camps were badly affected and are not open to guests. We monitor the water levels daily and will communicate when the roads that have been closed are safe for travellers,” said Phaahla.
The remote camps and gravel roads that are temporarily closed are as follows:
- Nyalaland Wilderness Trail
- Sirheni Bush Camp
- Bateleur Bush Camp (only accessible via Nkokodzi turn-off)
- Balule Camp
- Talamati Bush Camp
- Tshokwane and Muzandzeni Picnic Sites
- Sand River low water bridge inaccessible
- All gravel roads in the Nxanatseni (north) Region of the Park from Pafuri to Letaba will be closed.
Giriyondo gravel road is operational but is being monitored closely as are a few others, depending on the developments. Biyamiti Bushveld Camp is accessible via S25.
Thakhuli urged visitors or operators who would like to enquire or send communications related to the rainfall to please contact the Emergency Centre Numbers: 013 735 0197 or 076 801 9679. Those in areas without mobile phone coverage are encouraged to report anything via the SANParks social media platforms.
