January 2013 Rains/Floods in Kruger

Lesego · Unread post by **Lesego** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:24 am

Kruger National Park flood damage update as at 21:00 on 15 March 2013.

Changes to previous update:
Tamboti Tented Camp has been reopened (15 March 2013).

Camps Open:

Balule - Access via Balule Causeway still closed. Use S89 & S90.
Bateleur
Berg- en- Dal
Biyamiti
Boulders
Crocodile Bridge
Letaba
Lower Sabie
Malelane
Maroela
Mopani
Olifants
Orpen
Pretoriuskop
Punda Maria
Roodewal
Sable Dam Hide
Satara
Shimuwini
Shipindane Hide
Skukuza
Talamati
Tamboti
Tsendze

Camps Closed:

Shingwedzi - Severely flooded - Camp and Day Visitors area out of bounds for public. Camping and B-circle units (EH3, BD2, BD2Z & BG2) to be reopened by 15 June 2013 and remainder of camp possibly open by 31 August 2013.
Sirheni - Flood damage. 5 units to be reopened by 26 April 2013 and remaining 10 units by 31 May 2013.
Picnic Spots / Viewpoints:

Afsaal - Open
Albasini Ruins - Open
Babalala - Open
Bobbejaan Krans - Open (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712)
Crooks Corner - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible)
Eileen Orpen Memorial - Open
Gardenia Hide - Open
Kanniedood Hide - Closed (Inaccessible)
Lake Panic Hide - Open
Makhadzi - Closed (Flooded)
Masorini - Open
Matambeni Hide - Open
Mathekeyane - Open
Mlondozi - Open
Mooiplaas - Open
Muzandzeni - Open
Nhlanguleni - Closed (Roads closed)
Nkuhlu - Open
Nkumbe - Open
Nthandanyathi Hide - Open
Nwamanzi - Open
Nwanetsi - Open
Nyawutsi Hide - Closed (Roads closed)
Olifants River on S44 - Open
Orpen Dam - Open (Accessible from H10 only Tshokwane Lower Sabie tar road)
Pafuri Picnic Spot - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible). Scheduled to reopen 31 May 2013.
Paul Kruger Tablets - Open
Pioneer Hide - Open
Rabelais Museum - Open
Ratel Pan Hide - Open
Redrocks - Open
Sable Dam - Open
Shibyatsangela - Closed (Roads closed)
Shipandani Hide - Open
Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial - Open
Sweni Hide - Open
Timbavati - Open
Tshanga - Open
Tshokwane - Open
Access Roads Inside the Park:

All tarred roads except the following, are open:

H1-1 (Skukuza to Pretoriuskop) breach near Transport Dam (Temporary detour is available).
S63(Pafuri Port of Entry Road).
H7 (Orpen to Satara) major breach at S24.404923 E31.549712 (S106 to be used as alternative by light vehicles (under 4 tons) only).
All gravel roads open, except:

S3 (Albasini Road) (Open from S1 to H1-1; closed from H11 to S1)
S21 (Nwatimhiri Road)
S30 (Salitje Road
S32 (Orpen Dam Loop) (Only open from H10 to Orpen Dam)
S33 (Vutomi Road)
S34 (Munywini Road)
S36 (Nhlanguleni/ Muzandzeni Road)(H1-2 to S125 closed)
S50 (Shawu Road)(Open from south to S143 turnoff)
S57 (Sirheni Road)
S63 (Luvuvhu Road) (northern riverside section closed)
S64 (Nyala Drive)
S90 (Old Main Road) (Open from south until S89 turnoff – Balule causeway still inaccessible)
S134 (Shingwedzi Round Road)
S135 (Shingwedzi Causeway Loop)

Gates Open:

Crocodile Bridge
Giriyondo - 4x4 vehicles only
Kruger
Malelane
Numbi
Orpen (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712 light vehicles only.)
Pafuri
Phabeni
Phalaborwa
Punda Maria

Gates Closed:
Pafuri Port of Entry - Severe flooding. It will possibly be reopened by 30 June 2013.

Important Notes:

Please keep in mind that, due to heavy rainfall, the status of roads can change without notice. Guests are urged to take special caution when travelling in heavy rain and not to cross submerged roads or flooded causeways and bridges.

Guest are hereby notified that opening or travelling on a road that has been closed constitutes an offence and such offenders can be fined.

Guests are kindly urged to use water sparingly as camps/ gates and picnic spots in many areas operate on emergency pumps and boreholes with limited capacity.

Emergency Numbers:

Media enquiries: Reynold Thakhuli 073 373 4999 / Ike Phaahla 083 673 6974

Tourist Enquiries: Michelle van der Merwe 082 601 9354/ [email protected] or Joep Stevens 082 802 8093/ [email protected]

For changes to bookings: Please contact our Reservations offices on 012 426 9111 or email [email protected] or on the web at http://www.sanparks.org/tourism/reservations

ndloti · Unread post by **ndloti** » Tue Mar 26, 2013 10:35 am

johan rebel wrote on Camps & Roads under the Pafuri thread :

"I left the Makuleke CNP on Monday the 11th. From what I could see from the tar (well, formerly tar) road the previous afternoon, Nyala Drive (S64), looked liked it had just been born again. Lots of graders and other shiny heavy equipment all lined up ready to tackle the S63 to Crooks".

Is there any indication as to whether these roads will be open soon ?

Lesego · Unread post by **Lesego** » Wed Mar 27, 2013 4:56 pm

Kruger National Park flood damage update as at 14:00 on 27 March 2013.

Changes to previous update:
The S30 Salitjie Road (gravel) between Lower Sabie and Skukuza has been reopened (27 March 2013).

Camps Open:

Balule - Access via Balule Causeway still closed. Use S89 & S90.
Bateleur
Berg- en- Dal
Biyamiti
Boulders
Crocodile Bridge
Letaba
Lower Sabie
Malelane
Maroela
Mopani
Olifants
Orpen
Pretoriuskop
Punda Maria
Roodewal
Sable Dam Hide
Satara
Shimuwini
Shipindane Hide
Skukuza
Talamati
Tamboti
Tsendze

Camps Closed:

Shingwedzi - Severely flooded - Camp and Day Visitors area out of bounds for public. Camping and B-circle units (EH3, BD2, BD2Z & BG2) to be reopened by 15 June 2013 and remainder of camp possibly open by 31 August 2013.
Sirheni - Flood damage. 5 units to be reopened by 26 April 2013 and remaining 10 units by 31 May 2013.

Picnic Spots / Viewpoints:

Afsaal - Open
Albasini Ruins - Open
Babalala - Open
Bobbejaan Krans - Open (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712)
Crooks Corner - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible)
Eileen Orpen Memorial - Open
Gardenia Hide - Open
Kanniedood Hide - Closed (Inaccessible)
Lake Panic Hide - Open
Makhadzi - Closed (Flooded)
Masorini - Open
Matambeni Hide - Open
Mathekeyane - Open
Mlondozi - Open
Mooiplaas - Open
Muzandzeni - Open
Nhlanguleni - Closed (Roads closed)
Nkuhlu - Open
Nkumbe - Open
Nthandanyathi Hide - Open
Nwamanzi - Open
Nwanetsi - Open
Nyawutsi Hide - Closed (Roads closed)
Olifants River on S44 - Open
Orpen Dam - Open (Accessible from H10 only Tshokwane Lower Sabie tar road)
Pafuri Picnic Spot - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible). Scheduled to reopen 31 May 2013.
Paul Kruger Tablets - Open
Pioneer Hide - Open
Rabelais Museum - Open
Ratel Pan Hide - Open
Redrocks - Open
Sable Dam - Open
Shibyatsangela - Closed (Roads closed)
Shipandani Hide - Open
Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial - Open
Sweni Hide - Open
Timbavati - Open
Tshanga - Open
Tshokwane - Open

Access Roads Inside the Park:

All tarred roads except the following, are open:

H1-1 (Skukuza to Pretoriuskop) breach near Transport Dam (Temporary detour is available).
S63(Pafuri Port of Entry Road).
H7 (Orpen to Satara) major breach at S24.404923 E31.549712 (S106 to be used as alternative by light vehicles (under 4 tons) only).

All gravel roads open, except:

S3 (Albasini Road) (Open from S1 to H1-1; closed from H11 to S1)
S21 (Nwatimhiri Road) (Expected opening on 30 April 2013)
S32 (Orpen Dam Loop) (Only open from H10 to Orpen Dam)
S33 (Vutomi Road)
S34 (Munywini Road)
S36 (Nhlanguleni/ Muzandzeni Road)(H1-2 to S125 closed) (Expected opening on 15 April 2013)
S50 (Shawu Road)(Open from south to S143 turnoff)
S57 (Sirheni Road)
S63 (Luvuvhu Road) (northern riverside section closed)
S64 (Nyala Drive)
S90 (Old Main Road) (Open from south until S89 turnoff – Balule causeway still inaccessible)
S134 (Shingwedzi Round Road)
S135 (Shingwedzi Causeway Loop)

Gates Open:

Crocodile Bridge
Giriyondo - 4x4 vehicles only
Kruger
Malelane
Numbi
Orpen (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712 light vehicles only.)
Pafuri
Phabeni
Phalaborwa
Punda Maria

Gates Closed:
Pafuri Port of Entry - Severe flooding. It will possibly be reopened by 30 June 2013.

Important Notes:

Please keep in mind that, due to heavy rainfall, the status of roads can change without notice. Guests are urged to take special caution when travelling in heavy rain and not to cross submerged roads or flooded causeways and bridges.

Guest are hereby notified that opening or travelling on a road that has been closed constitutes an offence and such offenders can be fined.

Guests are kindly urged to use water sparingly as camps/ gates and picnic spots in many areas operate on emergency pumps and boreholes with limited capacity.
Emergency Numbers:

Media enquiries: Reynold Thakhuli 073 373 4999 / Ike Phaahla 083 673 6974

Tourist Enquiries: Michelle van der Merwe 082 601 9354/ [email protected] or Joep Stevens 082 802 8093/ [email protected]

For changes to bookings: Please contact our Reservations offices on 012 426 9111 or email [email protected] or on the web at http://www.sanparks.org/tourism/reservations

johanrebel · Unread post by **johanrebel** » Wed Apr 03, 2013 10:09 pm

One of the amazing things about Nyala Drive is that SANParks have managed to construct a road that often runs close to the Luvuvhu River, without affording a single view of it.

In reply to your questions, I've not done Nyala Drive, but have been to Crooks' Corner (the other side), various points along the Luvuvhu and the floodplains of both that river and the Limpopo. Yes, there is flood damage. No the landscape has certainly not been laid waste. I was pleasantly surprised at how intact the riverine gallery forest is in most places. The river has shifted course a bit here and there, trees on outer bends where the water flows fastest have been toppled over or washed downstream, and lots of silt has been deposited on the floodplain. But by and large the area is as wonderful and beautiful as always.

I'll post pictures when I get around to it.

Johan

Lesego · Unread post by **Lesego** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 12:48 pm

The latest update on the Kruger National Park flood damage, as at 14:00 on 18 April 2013.

Changes to previous update:

The Muzandzeni and Nhlanguleni Road (S36) gravel road between Skukuza and Orpen has been reopened.
The Nhlanguleni Picnic Spot has been reopened.

Camps Open:

Balule - Access via Balule Causeway still closed. Use S89 & S90.
Bateleur
Berg- en- Dal
Biyamiti
Boulders
Crocodile Bridge
Letaba
Lower Sabie
Malelane
Maroela
Mopani
Olifants
Orpen
Pretoriuskop
Punda Maria
Roodewal
Sable Dam Hide
Satara
Shimuwini
Shipindane Hide
Skukuza
Talamati
Tamboti
Tsendze

Camps Closed:

Shingwedzi - Severely flooded - Camp and Day Visitors area out of bounds for public. Camping to be reopened by 15 June 2013, B-circle units (EH3, BD2, BD2Z & BG2) gradually reopened by end of June 2013 and remainder of camp to open by 31 August 2013.
Sirheni - Flood damage. 5 units to be reopened by 26 April 2013 and remaining 10 units by 31 May 2013.

Picnic Spots / Viewpoints:

Afsaal - Open
Albasini Ruins - Open
Babalala - Open
Bobbejaan Krans - Open (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712)
Crooks Corner - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible)
Eileen Orpen Memorial - Open
Gardenia Hide - Open
Kanniedood Hide - Closed (Inaccessible)
Lake Panic Hide - Open
Makhadzi - Open
Masorini - Open
Matambeni Hide - Open
Mathekeyane - Open
Mlondozi - Open
Mooiplaas - Open
Muzandzeni - Open
Nhlanguleni - Open
Nkuhlu - Open
Nkumbe - Open
Nthandanyathi Hide - Open
Nwamanzi - Open
Nwanetsi - Open
Nyawutsi Hide - Closed (Roads closed)
Olifants River on S44 - Open
Orpen Dam - Open (Accessible from H10 only Tshokwane Lower Sabie tar road)
Pafuri Picnic Spot - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible). Scheduled to reopen 31 May 2013.
Paul Kruger Tablets - Open
Pioneer Hide - Open
Rabelais Museum - Open
Ratel Pan Hide - Open
Redrocks - Open
Sable Dam - Open
Shibyatsangela - Closed (Roads closed)
Shipandani Hide - Open
Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial - Open
Sweni Hide - Open
Timbavati - Open
Tshanga - Open
Tshokwane - Open

Access Roads Inside the Park:

All tarred roads except the following, are open:

H1-1 (Skukuza to Pretoriuskop) breach near Transport Dam (Temporary detour is available).
S63(Pafuri Port of Entry Road).
H7 (Orpen to Satara) major breach at S24.404923 E31.549712 (S106 to be used as alternative by light vehicles (under 4 tons) only).

All gravel roads open, except:

S3 (Albasini Road) (Open from S1 to H1-1; closed from H11 to S1)
S21 (Nwatimhiri Road) (Expected opening on 30 April 2013)
S32 (Orpen Dam Loop) (Only open from H10 to Orpen Dam)
S33 (Vutomi Road)
S34 (Munywini Road)
S50 (Shawu Road)(Open from south to S143 turnoff)
S57 (Sirheni Road)
S63 (Luvuvhu Road) (northern riverside section closed)
S64 (Nyala Drive)
S90 (Old Main Road) (Open from south until S89 turnoff – Balule causeway still inaccessible)
S134 (Shingwedzi Round Road)
S135 (Shingwedzi Causeway Loop)

Gates Open:

Crocodile Bridge
Giriyondo - 4x4 vehicles only
Kruger
Malelane
Numbi
Orpen (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712 light vehicles only.)
Pafuri
Phabeni
Phalaborwa
Punda Maria

Gates Closed:

Pafuri Port of Entry - Severe flooding. It will possibly be reopened by 30 June 2013.

Important Notes:

Please keep in mind that, due to heavy rainfall, the status of roads can change without notice. Guests are urged to take special caution when travelling in heavy rain and not to cross submerged roads or flooded causeways and bridges.

Guest are hereby notified that opening or travelling on a road that has been closed constitutes an offence and such offenders can be fined.

Guests are kindly urged to use water sparingly as camps/ gates and picnic spots in many areas operate on emergency pumps and boreholes with limited capacity.
Emergency Numbers:

Media enquiries: Reynold Thakhuli 073 373 4999 / Ike Phaahla 083 673 6974

Tourist Enquiries: Michelle van der Merwe 082 601 9354/ [email protected] or Joep Stevens 082 802 8093/ [email protected]

For changes to bookings: Please contact our Reservations offices on 012 426 9111 or email [email protected] or on the web at http://www.sanparks.org/tourism/reservations

Lesego · Unread post by **Lesego** » Mon Apr 22, 2013 9:02 am

The latest update on the Kruger National Park flood damage, as at 14:00 on 19 April 2013.

Changes to previous update:

The Nyala Drive (S64) along the Luvuvhu River, west of the high level bridge, has been reopened.

Camps Open:

Balule - Access via Balule Causeway still closed. Use S89 & S90.
Bateleur
Berg- en- Dal
Biyamiti
Boulders
Crocodile Bridge
Letaba
Lower Sabie
Malelane
Maroela
Mopani
Olifants
Orpen
Pretoriuskop
Punda Maria
Roodewal
Sable Dam Hide
Satara
Shimuwini
Shipindane Hide
Skukuza
Talamati
Tamboti
Tsendze

Camps Closed:

Shingwedzi - Severely flooded - Camp and Day Visitors area out of bounds for public. Camping to be reopened by 15 June 2013, B-circle units (EH3, BD2, BD2Z & BG2) gradually reopened by end of June 2013 and remainder of camp to open by 31 August 2013.
Sirheni - Flood damage. 5 units to be reopened by 26 April 2013 and remaining 10 units by 31 May 2013.

Picnic Spots / Viewpoints:

Afsaal - Open
Albasini Ruins - Open
Babalala - Open
Bobbejaan Krans - Open (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712)
Crooks Corner - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible)
Eileen Orpen Memorial - Open
Gardenia Hide - Open
Kanniedood Hide - Closed (Inaccessible)
Lake Panic Hide - Open
Makhadzi - Open
Masorini - Open
Matambeni Hide - Open
Mathekeyane - Open
Mlondozi - Open
Mooiplaas - Open
Muzandzeni - Open
Nhlanguleni - Open
Nkuhlu - Open
Nkumbe - Open
Nthandanyathi Hide - Open
Nwamanzi - Open
Nwanetsi - Open
Nyawutsi Hide - Closed (Roads closed)
Olifants River on S44 - Open
Orpen Dam - Open (Accessible from H10 only Tshokwane Lower Sabie tar road)
Pafuri Picnic Spot - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible). Scheduled to reopen 31 May 2013.
Paul Kruger Tablets - Open
Pioneer Hide - Open
Rabelais Museum - Open
Ratel Pan Hide - Open
Redrocks - Open
Sable Dam - Open
Shibyatsangela - Closed (Roads closed)
Shipandani Hide - Open
Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial - Open
Sweni Hide - Open
Timbavati - Open
Tshanga - Open
Tshokwane - Open

Access Roads Inside the Park:

All tarred roads except the following, are open:

H1-1 (Skukuza to Pretoriuskop) breach near Transport Dam (Temporary detour is available).
S63(Pafuri Port of Entry Road).
H7 (Orpen to Satara) major breach at S24.404923 E31.549712 (S106 to be used as alternative by light vehicles (under 4 tons) only).

All gravel roads open, except:

S3 (Albasini Road) (Open from S1 to H1-1; closed from H11 to S1)
S21 (Nwatimhiri Road) (Expected opening on 30 April 2013)
S32 (Orpen Dam Loop) (Only open from H10 to Orpen Dam)
S33 (Vutomi Road)
S34 (Munywini Road)
S50 (Shawu Road)(Open from south to S143 turnoff)
S57 (Sirheni Road)
S63 (Luvuvhu Road) (northern riverside section closed)
S90 (Old Main Road) (Open from south until S89 turnoff – Balule causeway still inaccessible)
S134 (Shingwedzi Round Road)
S135 (Shingwedzi Causeway Loop)

Gates Open:

Crocodile Bridge
Giriyondo - 4x4 vehicles only
Kruger
Malelane
Numbi
Orpen (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712 light vehicles only.)
Pafuri
Phabeni
Phalaborwa
Punda Maria

Gates Closed:

Pafuri Port of Entry - Severe flooding. It will possibly be reopened by 30 June 2013.

Important Notes:

Please keep in mind that, due to heavy rainfall, the status of roads can change without notice. Guests are urged to take special caution when travelling in heavy rain and not to cross submerged roads or flooded causeways and bridges.

Guest are hereby notified that opening or travelling on a road that has been closed constitutes an offence and such offenders can be fined.

Guests are kindly urged to use water sparingly as camps/ gates and picnic spots in many areas operate on emergency pumps and boreholes with limited capacity.
Emergency Numbers:

Media enquiries: Reynold Thakhuli 073 373 4999 / Ike Phaahla 083 673 6974

Tourist Enquiries: Michelle van der Merwe 082 601 9354/ [email protected] or Joep Stevens 082 802 8093/ [email protected]

For changes to bookings: Please contact our Reservations offices on 012 426 9111 or email [email protected] or on the web at http://www.sanparks.org/tourism/reservations

Lesego · Unread post by **Lesego** » Fri May 03, 2013 5:04 pm

Changes to previous update:

The opening of the S21 (Nwatimhiri Road) in southern Marula.

Camps Open:

Balule - Access via Balule Causeway still closed. Use S89 & S90.
Bateleur
Berg- en- Dal
Biyamiti
Boulders
Crocodile Bridge
Letaba
Lower Sabie
Malelane
Maroela
Mopani
Olifants
Orpen
Pretoriuskop
Punda Maria
Roodewal
Sable Dam Hide
Satara
Shimuwini
Shipindane Hide
Skukuza
Talamati
Tamboti
Tsendze

Camps Closed:

Shingwedzi - Camp and Day Visitors area out of bounds for public. Camping to be reopened by 15 June 2013, B-circle units (EH3, BD2, BD2Z & BG2) gradually reopened by end of June 2013 and remainder of camp open by 31 August 2013.
Sirheni - Severely flooded - 5 units open by 26 April 2013 and remaining 10 units by 31 May 2013.

Picnic Spots / Viewpoints:

Afsaal - Open
Albasini Ruins - Open
Babalala - Open
Bobbejaan Krans - Open (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712)
Crooks Corner - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible)
Eileen Orpen Memorial - Open
Gardenia Hide - Open
Kanniedood Hide - Closed (Inaccessible)
Lake Panic Hide - Open
Makhadzi - Open
Masorini - Open
Matambeni Hide - Open
Mathekeyane - Open
Mlondozi - Open
Mooiplaas - Open
Muzandzeni - Open
Nhlanguleni - Open
Nkuhlu - Open
Nkumbe - Open
Nthandanyathi Hide - Open
Nwamanzi - Open
Nwanetsi - Open
Nyawutsi Hide - Closed (Roads closed)
Olifants River on S44 - Open
Orpen Dam - Open (Accessible from H10 only Tshokwane Lower Sabie tar road)
Pafuri Picnic Spot - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible). Scheduled to reopen 31 May 2013.
Paul Kruger Tablets - Open
Pioneer Hide - Open
Rabelais Museum - Open
Ratel Pan Hide - Open
Redrocks - Open
Sable Dam - Open
Shibyatsangela - Closed (Roads closed)
Shipandani Hide - Open
Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial - Open
Sweni Hide - Open
Timbavati - Open
Tshanga - Open
Tshokwane - Open

Access Roads Inside the Park:
All tarred roads except the following, are open:

H1-1 (Skukuza to Pretoriuskop) breach near Transport Dam (Temporary crossing is available)
S63 (Pafuri Port of Entry Road) (Port of Entry flooded and closed).
H7 (Orpen to Satara) major breach at S24.404923 E31.549712 (S106 to be used as alternative by light vehicles (under 4 tons) only).

All gravel roads open, except:

S3 (Albasini Road) (Open from S1 to H1-1; closed from H11 to S1)
S32 (Orpen Dam Loop) (Only open from H10 to Orpen Dam)
S33 (Vutomi Road)
S34 (Munywini Road)
S50 (Shawu Road)(Open from south to S143 turnoff)
S57 (Sirheni Road)
S63 (Luvuvhu Road)
S90 (Old Main Road) (Open from south until S89 turnoff – Balule causeway still inaccessible)
S134 (Shingwedzi Round Road)
S135 (Shingwedzi Causeway Loop)

Gates Open:

Crocodile Bridge
Giriyondo - 4x4 vehicles only
Kruger
Malelane
Numbi
Orpen (Orpen to Satara Road (H7) breached at S24.404923 E31.549712. Alternative available (S106 15 km gravel) light vehicles (under 4 tons) only.)
Pafuri
Phabeni
Phalaborwa
Punda Maria

Gates Closed:

Pafuri Port of Entry - Severe flooding. Possibly reopened by 30 June 2013

Important Notes:

Please keep in mind that, due to heavy rainfall, the status of roads can change without notice. Guests are urged to take special caution when travelling in heavy rain and not to cross submerged roads or flooded causeways and bridges.

Guest are hereby notified that opening or travelling on a road that has been closed constitutes an offence and such offenders can be fined.

Guests are kindly urged to use water sparingly as camps/ gates and picnic spots in many areas operate on emergency pumps and boreholes with limited capacity.

Media enquiries: Reynold Thakhuli 073 373 4999 / Ike Phaahla 083 673 6974

Tourist Enquiries: Michelle van der Merwe 082 601 9354/ [email protected] or Joep Stevens 082 802 8093/ [email protected]

Unread post by **DinkyBird** » Thu May 09, 2013 3:13 pm

No

They must open the Pafuri picnic area TOMORROW so I can go there before heading back down south on Saturday :pray:

We took a drive up to the Luvuvhu river and Nyala drive and Pafuri Gate yesterday. There is a lot of hard work going to on repair the roads in the area. Here are some pics I took with my cellphone to show you what the area looks like now.

I was lucky to chat to Frank (the legend from the picnic site) this morning and he told us that much has changed at the picnic site. He was talking about specific trees that are gone now, and also how the sand has covered the area. He told us how he stood on the bridge and watched as the water came down and rose and how the Section Ranger came to tell him to move out the area, not even go back and collect his belongings he had left in his house at the picnic area.

The rocks that supported the road just washed away

Nothing left of the brick wall holding the sign to Pafuri Camp

This pic cannot do justice to the size of that tree trunk .... it is HUGE. In the river bed under the 'southern bridge'

The Luvuvhu river from the bridge

It is amazing to see how the tar washed off the road and some if lying a few metres away from the road. This is also the case near Shingwedzi

Unread post by **DinkyBird** » Thu May 09, 2013 3:32 pm

Road works taking place (they are very patient with tourists driving up and down and keep having to make way for the visitors to the park)

Nyala loop .... the area is very different in that a layer of sand now covers it.

The road has been cleared on sand, to the side the height of the sand in a smaller river feeding into the Luvuvhu

Level with our vehicle window

Trees now find themselves deeper in the sand

Trrp-trrrrrrrr · Thu May 09, 2013 3:47 pm

DB,

Wow!!! just sand everywhere. :big_eyes:

...Have the animals started to return to the area. :hmz:

Thanks for posting :thumbs_up:

Unread post by **DinkyBird** » Thu May 09, 2013 3:55 pm

TT, we saw one nyala, a few zebra and impala north of the river. But then with the work going on in the area, I am sure the animals are keeping a bit of distance at the moment. Graders and huge trucks up and down do make a heck of a noise.

Unread post by **DinkyBird** » Thu May 09, 2013 4:13 pm

I will try add some more pics, forgive me if I duplicate, as the internet connection here is very 'wobbly'.

All Nyala Drive:

Unread post by **Elsa** » Thu May 09, 2013 8:17 pm

Absolutely incredible how the area has changed and gives one such a perspective of the power of nature.
Thanks for the pics DB! :thumbs_up:

Lesego · Unread post by **Lesego** » Mon May 20, 2013 9:19 am

Kruger Flood Damage Update

Changes to previous update:
The opening of the beloved Pafuri Picnic Spot
The partial opening of the S63 (Luvuvhu River Road) in northern Nxanatseni.

Camps Open:

Balule - Access via Balule Causeway still closed. Use S89 & S90.
Bateleur
Berg- en- Dal
Biyamiti
Boulders
Crocodile Bridge
Letaba
Lower Sabie
Malelane
Maroela
Mopani
Olifants
Orpen
Pretoriuskop
Punda Maria
Roodewal
Sable Dam Hide
Satara
Shimuwini
Shipindane Hide
Skukuza
Talamati
Tamboti
Tsendze

Camps Closed:

Shingwedzi - Camp and Day Visitors area out of bounds for public. Camping to be reopened by 15 June 2013, B-circle units (EH3, BD2, BD2Z & BG2) gradually reopened by end of June 2013 and remainder of camp open by 31 August 2013.
Sirheni - Severely flooded - 5 units open by 26 April 2013 and remaining 10 units by 31 May 2013.

Picnic Spots / Viewpoints:

Afsaal - Open
Albasini Ruins - Open
Babalala - Open
Bobbejaan Krans - Open (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712)
Crooks Corner - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible)
Eileen Orpen Memorial - Open
Gardenia Hide - Open
Kanniedood Hide - Closed (Inaccessible)
Lake Panic Hide - Open
Makhadzi - Open
Masorini - Open
Matambeni Hide - Open
Mathekeyane - Open
Mlondozi - Open
Mooiplaas - Open
Muzandzeni - Open
Nhlanguleni - Open
Nkuhlu - Open
Nkumbe - Open
Nthandanyathi Hide - Open
Nwamanzi - Open
Nwanetsi - Open
Nyawutsi Hide - Closed (Roads closed)
Olifants River on S44 - Open
Orpen Dam - Open (Accessible from H10 only Tshokwane Lower Sabie tar road)
Pafuri Picnic Spot - Open (Can only be accessed from Luvuvhu Bridge on western portion of S63 or link road to Border Post tar road. S63 east of Picnic Spot to Crooks Corner remains closed.)
Paul Kruger Tablets - Open
Pioneer Hide - Open
Rabelais Museum - Open
Ratel Pan Hide - Open
Redrocks - Open
Sable Dam - Open
Shibyatsangela - Closed (Roads closed)
Shipandani Hide - Open
Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial - Open
Sweni Hide - Open
Timbavati - Open
Tshanga - Open
Tshokwane - Open

Access Roads Inside the Park:

All tarred roads except the following, are open:

H1-1 (Skukuza to Pretoriuskop) breach near Transport Dam (Temporary crossing is available)
S63 (Pafuri Port of Entry Road) (Port of Entry flooded and closed).
H7 (Orpen to Satara) major breach at S24.404923 E31.549712 (S106 to be used as alternative by light vehicles (under 4 tons) only).

All gravel roads open, except:

S3 (Albasini Road) (Open from S1 to H1-1; closed from H11 to S1)
S32 (Orpen Dam Loop) (Only open from H10 to Orpen Dam)
S33 (Vutomi Road)
S34 (Munywini Road)
S50 (Shawu Road)(Open from south to S143 turnoff)
S57 (Sirheni Road)
S63 (Luvuvhu Road) (Portion from Luvuvhu Bridge to Pafuri Picnic Spot and link road to Pafuri Border Post tar road open – S63 eastwards and Crooks Corner remain closed)
S90 (Old Main Road) (Open from south until S89 turnoff – Balule causeway still inaccessible)
S134 (Shingwedzi Round Road)
S135 (Shingwedzi Causeway Loop)

Gates Open:

Crocodile Bridge
Giriyondo - 4x4 vehicles only
Kruger
Malelane
Numbi
Orpen (Orpen to Satara Road (H7) breached at S24.404923 E31.549712. Alternative available (S106 15 km gravel) light vehicles (under 4 tons) only.) Expected to open by October 2013.
Pafuri
Phabeni
Phalaborwa
Punda Maria

Gates Closed:

Pafuri Port of Entry - Severe flooding. Possibly reopened by 30 June 2013

Important Notes:

Please keep in mind that, due to heavy rainfall, the status of roads can change without notice. Guests are urged to take special caution when travelling in heavy rain and not to cross submerged roads or flooded causeways and bridges.

Guest are hereby notified that opening or travelling on a road that has been closed constitutes an offence and such offenders can be fined.

Guests are kindly urged to use water sparingly as camps/ gates and picnic spots in many areas operate on emergency pumps and boreholes with limited capacity.

Media enquiries: Reynold Thakhuli 073 373 4999 / Ike Phaahla 083 673 6974

Tourist Enquiries: Michelle van der Merwe 082 601 9354/ [email protected] or Joep Stevens 082 802 8093/ [email protected]

Lesego · Unread post by **Lesego** » Tue May 28, 2013 11:56 am

Latest update on the Kruger National Park flood damage

Changes to previous update:

The Nwamuriwa Road (S32), east of Tshokwane and leading to Orpen Dam viewpoint, has been reopened.

Camps Open:

Balule - Access via Balule Causeway still closed. Use S89 & S90. Reopening planned for December 2013.
Bateleur
Berg- en- Dal
Biyamiti
Boulders
Crocodile Bridge
Letaba
Lower Sabie
Malelane
Maroela
Mopani
Olifants
Orpen
Pretoriuskop
Punda Maria
Roodewal
Sable Dam Hide
Satara
Shimuwini
Shipindane Hide
Skukuza
Talamati
Tamboti
Tsendze

Camps Closed:

Shingwedzi - Camp and Day Visitors area out of bounds for public. Camping, Reception and filling station to be reopened by 15 June 2013, B-circle units (EH3, BD2, BD2Z & BG2) gradually reopened by end of June 2013 and remainder of camp open by 31 August 2013.
Sirheni - Severely flooded - Camp to reopen 1 June 2013.

Picnic Spots / Viewpoints:

Afsaal - Open
Albasini Ruins - Open
Babalala - Open
Bobbejaan Krans - Open (Orpen to Satara road breached at S24.404923 E31.549712)
Crooks Corner - Closed (Major flood damage and inaccessible)
Eileen Orpen Memorial - Open
Gardenia Hide - Open
Kanniedood Hide - Closed (Inaccessible)
Lake Panic Hide - Open
Makhadzi - Open
Masorini - Open
Matambeni Hide - Open
Mathekeyane - Open
Mlondozi - Open
Mooiplaas - Open
Muzandzeni - Open
Nhlanguleni - Open
Nkuhlu - Open
Nkumbe - Open
Nthandanyathi Hide - Open
Nwamanzi - Open
Nwanetsi - Open
Nyawutsi Hide - Closed (Roads closed)
Olifants River on S44 - Open
Orpen Dam - Open (Accessible from H10 only Tshokwane Lower Sabie tar road)
Pafuri Picnic Spot - Open (Can only be accessed from Luvuvhu Bridge on western portion of S63 or link road to Border Post tar road. S63 east of Picnic Spot to Crooks Corner remains closed.)
Paul Kruger Tablets - Open
Pioneer Hide - Open
Rabelais Museum - Open
Ratel Pan Hide - Open
Redrocks - Open
Sable Dam - Open
Shibyatsangela - Closed (Roads closed)
Shipandani Hide - Open
Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial - Open
Sweni Hide - Open
Timbavati - Open
Tshanga - Open
Tshokwane - Open

Access Roads Inside the Park:

All tarred roads except the following, are open:

H1-1 (Skukuza to Pretoriuskop) breach near Transport Dam (Temporary crossing is available)
S63 (Pafuri Port of Entry Road) (Port of Entry flooded and closed).
H7 (Orpen to Satara) major breach at S24.404923 E31.549712 (S106 to be used as alternative by light vehicles (under 4 tons) only). Expected to reopen by October 2013.

All gravel roads open, except:

S3 (Albasini Road) (Open from S1 to H1-1; closed from H11 to S1)
S33 (Vutomi Road)
S34 (Munywini Road)
S50 (Shawu Road)(Open from south to S143 turnoff)
S57 (Sirheni Road)
S63 (Luvuvhu Road) (Portion from Luvuvhu Bridge to Pafuri Picnic Spot and link road to Pafuri Border Post tar road open – S63 eastwards and Crooks Corner remain closed)
S90 (Old Main Road) (Open from south until S89 turnoff – Balule causeway still inaccessible)
S134 (Shingwedzi Round Road)
S135 (Shingwedzi Causeway Loop)

Gates Open:

Crocodile Bridge
Giriyondo - 4x4 vehicles only
Kruger
Malelane
Numbi
Orpen (Orpen to Satara Road (H7) breached at S24.404923 E31.549712. Alternative available (S106 15 km gravel) light vehicles (under 4 tons) only.) Expected to open by October 2013.
Pafuri
Phabeni
Phalaborwa
Punda Maria

Gates Closed:

Pafuri Port of Entry - Severe flooding. Possibly reopened by 30 June 2013

Important Notes:

Please keep in mind that, due to heavy rainfall, the status of roads can change without notice. Guests are urged to take special caution when travelling in heavy rain and not to cross submerged roads or flooded causeways and bridges.

Guest are hereby notified that opening or travelling on a road that has been closed constitutes an offence and such offenders can be fined.

Guests are kindly urged to use water sparingly as camps/ gates and picnic spots in many areas operate on emergency pumps and boreholes with limited capacity.

Media enquiries: Reynold Thakhuli 073 373 4999 / Ike Phaahla 083 673 6974

Tourist Enquiries: Michelle van der Merwe 082 601 9354/ [email protected] or Joep Stevens 082 802 8093/ [email protected]

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