According to reports from the South African Weather Services, various parts of the Kruger National Park (KNP) in particular the far north of the park are expected to receive heavy rain today, Thursday February  16.

According to William Mabasa, SANParks Acting Head of Communications the rain is expected to last until tomorrow morning (Friday, 17 February 2017).

He said as a precautionary measure gravel roads and remote camps mostly in the north of the park will be temporarily closed and guests booked in the flagged camps will be moved to safer camps.

“These closures are necessary to ensure visitors’ safety during this time and we would like to advise guests to stick to the tar roads whilst driving inside the Park.”

Mabasa said a decision has been taken close all gravel roads in the park for safety reasons. “A disaster management team has been set up and periodical updates will be released until the situation improves.”

He further reported that all SA Airlink flights to Skukuza are still operating as normal as no risk has been identified… “Should any change occur, information will be shared accordingly.”

The remote camps and gravel roads which will temporarily close are as follows:

• Nyalaland Wilderness Trail
• Olifants Wilderness Trail
• Sirheni Bush Camp
• Bateleur Bush Camp
• All gravel roads in the Park are closed.

He advised guests to avoid all roads with a ‘No Entry’ signs or blocked with other objects. Mabasa also urged visitors who would like to enquire or send communication related to the rainfall to please contact our Emergency Centre Numbers 013 735 0197/4325 or 076 801 9679.

Most of the areas in the Park do not have mobile phone coverage and we encourage those who have access to social media platforms to assist by posting valuable updates on SANParks – Kruger page”, commented Mabasa.

Also read:

Throwback Thursday: Freak weather way back when

Throwback Thursday: Floods in KNP and heavy rain in Tzaneen