Media Alert: Storm Surge in Tsitsikamma National Park

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LInk to FB Post

Ref: 9/2/2-23-GRNP
16 September 2023
MEDIA ALERT (TSITSIKAMMA) 1 of 1
For Immediate Release

Storm Surge in Tsitsikamma National Park

South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to inform the public of a storm surge currently happening around the area of Tsitsikamma National Park due to adverse weather conditions in the region. The park management and local authorities are currently assessing the situation in as far as safety is concerned.

All visitors and staff have been evacuated at this point to a safe area. The safety and well-being of all individuals within Tsitsikamma National Park is of utmost importance. Park management is working diligently with local authorities to ensure the situation is managed effectively and that visitors are kept safe during this storm surge.

Visitors planning to visit the area are urged to exercise caution. The Park communications is currently down due to the storm surge.
More information will be shared as the situation improves.

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Issued by: Garden Route National Park Communications: Tel: 012 426 5023
For Media Enquiries:
Media Enquiries:
Rey T Thakhuli, GM: Media, PR and Stakeholder Relations – SANParks. Cell: 073 373 4999
Phokela Lebea, Regional Communications Manager - Garden Route. Tel: (012) 426 5023; Cell: 071 2121 330; E-mail: [email protected]

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Update: Storm Surge in Tsitsikamma National Park – Sunday, 17 September 2023 @12h00

Following the storm surge and high spring tide in Tsitsikamma Section of Garden Route National Park yesterday, 16 September 2023, South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to provide an update to the public.

Despite the recent challenges, the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp remains open to the public.

Unfortunately, the temporary restaurant structure within Tsitsikamma National Park has sustained severe damage and has been washed out by the storm surge. The restaurant remains closed. The Park shop is open and operational at this stage.

All guests on the Otter Trail have been successfully evacuated through designated escape routes, ensuring their safety throughout the storm surge. We appreciate their cooperation and understanding during this challenging time. The Waterfall hiking trail and the Mouth trails (Suspension bridge) have been temporarily closed. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of our visitors

Nature's Valley Camp remains temporarily closed due to flooding experienced last night. Park management is actively addressing the situation and conducting necessary assessments. We are committed to reopening the camp as soon as it is safe to do so.

The Wilderness and Knysna Sections of the Garden Route National Park are also affected by the storm surge and high spring tide with minimal damage to infrastructure. The parks are accessible to the public and remain on high alert. Park management is currently assessing the damage.

The recovery and restoration efforts in Tsitsikamma National Park are ongoing, with our dedicated team collaborating closely with local authorities and support teams. The safety of our visitors remain our highest priorities.

No injuries are currently reported in the Garden Route National Park. Members of the public are urged to exercise caution when visiting this area and also check South African Weather Service for weather alerts and warnings.

The dedication of our park staff and rangers ensures that visitors have access to accommodations and services. We appreciate the resilience of our visitors as we work together to provide a safe and enjoyable experience.

As a result of the ongoing storm surge, our park communications remain offline. In the case of emergency inquiries, please contact Mr Phokela Lebea on 071 2121 330.
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Tsitsikamma Section of Garden Route National Park today, 18 September 2023. All the trails are open and accessible to the public including the waterfall hiking trail and Mouth trail (Suspension bridge). The restaurant remains closed.

We call on all South Africans to take advantage of the fee free week (16 - 24 September 2023) to visit Tsitsikamma National Park in celebration of SA National Parks Week.

#SANationalParksWeek #KnowYourParks

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UPDATE: Nature’s Valley Camp in Tsitsikamma Section of Garden Route National Park Now Open

South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to announce that Nature’s Valley Rest Camp in the Tsitsikamma Section of Garden Route National Park is now open to the public following the storm surge and high spring tide on Saturday, 16 September 2023. The Camp was temporarily closed due to flooding as a result of the storm surge.

Storms River Mouth Rest Camp remains open to the public. Accommodation facilities have not been affected by the storm surge and accommodation is still available for visitors who would like to overnight at the Park. All the hiking trails are now open and accessible to the public including the Otter trail, Waterfall hiking trail and Mouth trail (Suspension bridge).

The restaurant is closed until further notice. Park management is working on strategies for reconstructing temporary dining facility. More information regarding the temporary dining facility will be communicated in due course. We urge visitors to bring their own lunch. The Park shop remains open and operational to offer a convenient selection of drinks, snacks and cooking essentials, ensuring visitors have easy access to refreshments and supplies during their stay at the Camp.

The Park telephone lines are now fully restored and operational. The Park can be contacted at Tel +27 (0)42 281 1607 for any enquiries.
As we celebrate SA National Parks Week from 16 – 24 September 2024, we call on all South Africans to come in their numbers to know and enjoy their parks for free. This is the time to come wild in your backyard, Tsitsikamma National Park is ready to welcome you during this long focus week on SA National Parks Week.
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