LIMPOPO – Due to the ongoing heavy rainfall, the Kruger National Park (KNP) resorted to closing some of its facilities, including the Mopani Restaurant at the Mopani Rest Camp.

According to Sanparks spokesperson JP Louw, all roads leading from Lower Sabie to Skukuza and Satara were also closed on Tuesday.

On January 12, the KNP also evacuated some of its camps as a precautionary measure against expected floods.

He said rivers were already flowing at high speed, and levels were expected to rise, particularly the Delaporte, Nwatshitsaka, and the Crocodile rivers.

“As severe weather conditions persist, guests currently staying at Lower Sabie Rest Camp and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp will not have access to Skukuza. At present, the only available exit route is via the Crocodile River bridge; however, rising water levels pose a risk that this access may become impassable, potentially leaving guests temporarily cut off until water levels recede.”

He said that in addition, the Sabie River was also rising, which was expected to impact the Sand River, affecting travel routes between Satara Rest Camp, Tshokwane Picnic Site, Lower Sabie Rest Camp, and Skukuza Rest Camp.

The park stated they were monitoring the Crocodile Bridge Gate and would only be closed if the Crocodile River bridge was flooded.

He urged visitors to the KNP to revise their travel plans and follow guidance from park officials.

“Guests are advised that road closures may occur at short notice for safety reasons. Campers in affected camps will be moved, as not all camping sites are affected; those in caravans and motorhomes will be requested to relocate closer to chalet areas within camps. Furthermore, visitors are advised not to remain in designated camping areas that may be vulnerable to flooding, and park staff will provide guidance on-site to ensure guest safety,“ Louw said.

The park has also evacuated camps such as Shingwedzi, Sirheni, and Bateleur. Guests at the Talamati, Mbiyamati, and Roodewal bushcamps were moved to Satara and Lower Sabie rest camps, as they can be accessed from Tshokwane. On Sunday, guests at Balule and Pafuri are given the option to stay, as these areas were not at risk at the time.

Meanwhile, the Border Management Authority also closed the Pafuri and Giriyondo borders on January 11, due to the continuous rains.

Also read: Determination in the deluge: Crossing Kruger’s Giriyondo border

On Monday, rainfall figures in the KNP until Sunday were Tshokwane 73.5mm, Houtboschrand 85.5mm, Olifants: 30mm, Letaba 40.2mm, Malelane 57mm, Kingfisherspruit 51.2mm, Phalaborwa 25mm, Mahlangeni 36mm, Mooiplaas 71.0mm, Lower Sabie: 58.5mm, Crocodile Bridge 45mm, Pafuri 90.0mm, Punda Maria 52mm, Shingwedzi 71mm, and Vlakteplaas 51.5mm, with continued severe and heavy rains expected.

Sanparks urged all guests and staff to adhere strictly to no-entry and road closure signage, avoid driving through flooded roads or low-lying bridges, and refrain from removing logs, debris, or barriers placed on roads.

“The safety of visitors, staff, and surrounding communities remains Sanparks’ highest priority,” Louw said.