WATCH: Kruger’s Letaba camp evacuates guests and staff
Guests and staff were airlifted from Letaba Camp due to flooding, and day visitors are now restricted from entering the KNP until conditions improve.
LIMPOPO – The Kruger National Park has taken a precautionary decision to evacuate guests and staff members at Letaba Camp on Thursday morning.
The evacuation comes after water moved into the rest camp, breaking from the Letaba River. The staff and guests were evacuated by helicopters to places of safety.
Kruger’s Letaba camp evacuates staff and guests. pic.twitter.com/CteQbUMe2c
— LetabaHerald (@HeraldLetaba) January 15, 2026
According to KNP marketing and communications general manager, Reynold Thakhuli, it is only the Letaba camp that is being evacuated and not Mopani Camp as social media posts had previously stated.
The park has also taken a decision not to allow day visitors into KNP until conditions improve.
According to SANParks spokesperson, JP Louw, the decision to restrict day visitor access is a preventative safety measure and will be reviewed continuously as weather and road conditions change.
“SANParks is mindful of the current strain on operational and emergency responses on resources during this period of persistent rainfall. As such, the organisation would prefer to focus available resources on real emergencies and ensuring the safety of guests, staff, and surrounding communities, rather than avoidable incidents linked to non-essential travel within the park,” Louw said.
The park says it sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused by the persisting rainfall and appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the public during this time.
“The safety of all visitors and staff remains our highest priority. SANParks sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused by the persisting rainfall and appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the public during this time. The safety of all visitors and staff remains our highest priority,” Louw concluded.
