Garden Route National Park Operations Amid Ongoing Severe Weather
The Garden Route region continues to experience heavy rainfall, although wind conditions have subsided compared to yesterday, 11 May 2026. Damage asse...
We would like to inform tourists that the water levels in the Orange River have dropped significantly. The Pontoon operations (border crossing) at Sendelingsdrift are being monitored daily. The situation is not looking good with one vehicle being ferried across at a time. No long term expectations can be given, the pontoon will be closed immediately if need be. We suggest that visitors planning to cross the border by means of the ferry make use of alternative routes such as Alexander Bay or Vioolsdrift.
Water in all the camps comes from the Orange River, the water levels are so low that some of the pumps can”t reach the water. Water needs to be used sparingly. We request that visitors travelling to the park bring enough drinking water to prevent any frustration.
The drinking water for staff has been on and off for a few days now, but we are busy consulting with Transhex Mines for their assistance.
The Pootjiespram campsite has been temporarily closed because of the dry riverbanks.
For more information, please contact reception on 027 831 1506.



South African National Parks, Arid Region Communications
Enquiries:
Nadia Lemmetuis
Communications Manager: Arid Parks SANParks
Tel: (054) 338 0500 or 073 546 6321