LIMPOPO – Heavy rains have affected the Kruger National Park’s Nxanatseni region in the northern part of the park.

Sanparks have advised tourists within the park to be vigilant due to heavy rains, which resulted in localised flooding.

According to Sanparks spokesperson JP Louw the main road between Mopani and Phalaborwa, Punda Maria and Shingwedzi, the Letaba low water bridge on the H14 road near Phalaborwa, Shimuwini Camp access road, were all affected and were inaccessible on Friday, February 14.

On Saturday afternoon, February 15, Shipikani Spruit, Shimuwini Camp and Sirheni were eventually accessible and opened to the public.

On Monday, February 17, he said teams were at the scene to make proper assessments and recommendations. “Mopani and surrounding areas were most affected while Phalaborwa, Olifants, and Letaba had not reported any road closures.”

Tourists who are already in the park were advised to use alternative roads and get updates from their respective reception areas. They should also observe no entry signs, especially on gravel roads and are cautioned not to drive across flooded bridges.

Sanparks said it is continuing to monitor the situation.

The KNP is not the only region affected by the rain; Makuleke Bridge on the R529 road to Giyani was badly damaged by the rain, including the D3653 in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality and the R518 in the Waterberg District Municipality with loose rocks rolling onto the road.

The weather prediction indicates more rain is expected in most parts of Limpopo this week.