News

Weather conditions have improved across the Garden Route National Park, allowing for the selective reopening of certain facilities.

In the Tsitsikamma Section, the restaurant and the Mouth Trail, including the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, have reopened. However, major hiking trails, including the Otter Trail, remain closed. Nature’s Valley Camp remains closed due to electricity and water supply disruptions.

Diepwalle and Harkerville in the Knysna Section continue to experience access challenges, power outages, and ongoing debris clearing operations.

Debris removal within the Knysna Estuary is ongoing following flooding impacts. Various marine species have washed ashore, and members of the public are cautioned not to touch or consume any marine life found along affected areas, as some species may be harmful or toxic.

The navigational channel markers and demarcated swimming area bouys have been displaced in the Knysna Estuary. As a precaution, skippers are advised to heed caution when navigating the Estuary. Bathes are prohibited from using the demarcated swimming area until the bouys are repositioned. Access to the St James public slipway is limited, and users are requested to avoid launching until debris has been removed.

In Wilderness Section, some facilities have reopened, and accommodation facilities remain operational. However, recreational and water-based activities remain suspended.

SANParks teams and stakeholders continue with mop-up and recovery operations as conditions stabilise across the Garden Route National Park.