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05 March 2026

Kruger National Park to Remove Kanniedood and Sirheni Dams for Ecological Reasons

As part of on-going management operations to remove man-made infrastructure from river systems, the Kruger National Park (KNP) in conjunction with South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will carry out demolition operations at the Kanniedood and Sirheni dams from 9–20 March 2026.

For safety of visitors and staff, certain roads will be closed from 8–21 March 2026; these include the S50 (Shingwedzi, between S134 and S143 junctions) and the S57 (Sirheni road – from Shisha crossing to junction with Sirheni bush camp detour)

Ranger and SANDF teams will be on standby for wildfires, ground clearance to protect people and animals, aerial surveillance before detonation and Military medics will also be on site for any emergencies.

The purpose of this exercise is to remove the remaining concrete structures after floods in 2013 and earlier partial demolitions.

Guests and staff are notified that the demolition will involve the use of explosives, followed by rubble clearance and removal.

Related Park(s): Kruger National Park

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Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks)

JP Louw
Head of Communication and Spokesperson

Media Enquiries

Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
General Manager: Communications Kruger National Park