- Parks (A - Z)
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Agulhas National Park
- Augrabies Falls National Park
- Bontebok National Park
- Camdeboo National Park
- Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- Karoo National Park
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
- Kruger National Park
- Mapungubwe National Park
- Marakele National Park
- Mokala National Park
- Mountain Zebra National Park
- Namaqua National Park
- Table Mountain National Park
- Tankwa Karoo National Park
- West Coast National Park
- |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
Conservation Services
Archived News
Update on the heavy rains in the KNP
Date: 2013-01-21
There have been no reports of any major incidents throughout the park except the ones listed below.
Tshokwane: The low-level bridge to staff and ranger houses were reported as over flowing, resulting in personnel being trapped at the picnic site and others at houses, but their lives are not threatened.
Olifants and Sweni trails: Eleven tourists who were trapped on these trails have been safely airlifted to Satara.
Tamboti: The camp is isolated with 8 guests and staff including the section ranger. The water levels are being constantly monitored and a rescue plan will be executed to airlift them to Satara.
Talamati, Biyamiti: The camps have been closed and guests moved to the safety of Satara and Berg-en-Dal.
Houtboschrand: Four patrol rangers and a SANDF unit are stuck in the area, they are in constant contact with the Section Ranger and will be assisted.
Muzanzene: Four guests and one staff member have been air-lifted to safety.
Shingwedzi: All guests were evacuated to Mopani last night. 70 staff members are currently being evacuated.
Roads
H1/1 link road between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop has been closed off due to the heavy current over the low level bridge.
Crocodile Bridge Gate is overflowing and as a result the camp has been isolated and no cars are allowed through.
Lucy Nhlapo: Regional Manager Marula: KNP has reiterated her appeal to all visitors to the Park to stick to the tarred roads as all gravel roads have been closed for safety reasons.
At this stage all is still in order at the Skukuza Rest Camp, the biggest in the Park, with the Nwatsishaka river level slowly rising but flowing steadily, however the low level bridge is currently closed as water is overflowing at high velocity, while the high level bridge is being constantly monitored.
Camps and Facilities Closed:
- Sirheni,
- Shimuwini,
- Bateleur
- Boulders
- Tamboti
- Shingwedzi
- Balule
- Talamati
- Roodewal
- Muzanzane
- Biyamiti
- Pafuri - TEBA
- Crocodile Bridge
- Makhadzi Picnic Spot
- All trails camps and Wilderness Safaris
Gates Closed:
- Crocodile Bridge
- Orpen
- Punda Maria
- Pafuri
- Giriyondo
- Pafuri Port of Entry
Roads Closed:
- H1 – 2 Sand River & Sabie Low water bridge – alternatively motorists can use H12
- H1/1 link road between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop has been closed off due to low level bridge overflowing.
- H1-1 – Pretoriouskop to Malelane T-Junction
- H10 – Lower Sabie to Tshokwane
- H7 – Satara to Orpen
- H14 – Phalaborwa to Mopani
- H1 – 9 – Pafuri entrance to Punda
- H15 – Punda Maria to Shingwedzi
Roads Opened:
- H1 – 6 Letaba to Mopani
NB: All gravel roads in the park have been closed off for safety and motorists are requested to stay on tarred road.
“Generally our emergency plans are running accordingly and we’re constantly monitoring the developments, if anyone requires an update, our emergency 24hour hotline is available 013 735 4325. Please call to check on the conditions in the area you intend visiting” concluded Lucy Nhlapo.
Issued by:
SANParks
Media Enquiries:
Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
GM: Media Liaison
Tel: 012 426 5170; Cell: 073 373 4999
Email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org
Ike Phaahla
SANParks Media Specialist
Tel: 013 735 4300; Cell: 0836736974
Email: isaac.phaahla@sanparks.org
Travel and Tourist Enquiries:
Emergency 24 hour hotline: 013 735 4325
