News

The central and northern regions of the Kruger National Park (KNP) are currently experiencing flooding conditions which is affecting access to several camps. Due to substantial rain received from both outside and inside the park, the river levels have risen sharply. Rivers along the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu systems have increased and are expected to continue fluctuating in the coming days as further rains are expected this week.

The park received exceptional rains in January this year, therefore the catchments remain extremely saturated and vulnerable to sudden increase in river flow. Although the Shingwedzi river is rising, it is not at a stage that evacuation process for guests and staff in the camp is required. However, management is monitoring the Shisha stream near Babalala/Sirheni which is pouring out to the tar road.

All access gates and camps in the southern part of the park are operational whilst Biyamiti Bush Camp is accessible only via Crocodile Bridge side (open from S25 intersection). There is currently no access to S114.

Phalaborwa Gate, Olifants Rest Camp as well as Letaba’s filling station, the Elephant Hall and shop remain operational in the north of the park. In the central parts, the Orpen Gate including Tamboti and Maroela as well as Orpen and Satara Rest Camps are open.

Visitors are urged to remain alert and to adhere to the signage on the roads as most gravel roads in the north and central of the park are temporarily closed. The following tourist facilities are also affected:

• Punda Maria Gate
• Pafuri Gate
• Giriyondo Border Gate including Makhadzi Picnic Site
• Sirheni, Bateleur and Shimuwini Bush Camps
• The Letaba High Level Bridge is still inaccessible with the repair work suspended until further notice.
• Roodewal Bush Lodge
• Balule Satellite Camp
• Talamati Bush Camp

SANParks continues to monitor the situation closely and will communicate any changes as they occur. The safety of guests, staff and infrastructure remains the organisation’s highest priority.