Shingwedzi reopens as Kruger National Park recovers
Kruger National Park’s Shingwedzi Rest Camp reopens after heavy rains, while repairs continue on northern roads and bridges.
LIMPOPO – Kruger National Park (KNP) officially reopened Shingwedzi Rest Camp on Friday, following the successful completion of major infrastructure repairs after the devastating heavy rains and floods that struck the park in January.
The reopening on Friday marks a significant milestone in the park’s recovery efforts, restoring access to one of the popular northern camps and bringing relief to visitors and tourism operators in the area.
Park management assured visitors that all necessary safety checks and restoration measures have been completed to ensure that the camp and its facilities are fully operational and safe for tourists.
However, access to the rest camp is currently only possible through the Punda Maria and Pafuri gates.
This is because repair work on the Letaba high-water bridge on the H1-6 tar road, between Mopani and Letaba rest camps, is still underway.
The H1-6 tar road runs from north to south, connecting several camps along the way, including Mopani and Shingwedzi.
Without the operation of the bridge on this road, tourists entering through Phalaborwa Gate or travelling from the Letaba area cannot access camps in the northern section of the park, unless they use the Punda Maria or Pafuri gates.
The park said the public will be informed once the bridge becomes accessible.
Other camps in the northern section of the park that are open include Punda Maria Rest Camp and Bateleur Bush Camp.
Mopani Rest Camp is partially open and currently accessible only through the Punda Maria and Pafuri gates.
According to KNP’s communications general manager, Rey Thakhuli, Mopani Rest Camp is partially open because its restaurant is still undergoing repairs.
Asked about Letaba Rest Camp, Thakhuli said the camp has not yet reopened.
“Letaba is still closed, only the museum and filling station are open,” he said. However, Olifants Rest Camp, which is near Letaba, remains open and can be accessed through Phalaborwa Gate.
Meanwhile, Talamati Bush Camp, although open, is currently closed because it is inaccessible following rainfall on Monday, 02 March, which caused road damage.
Tourists planning to book there are being diverted to other camps.
“Guests are reminded that gravel roads marked with ‘No Entry’ signs must not be accessed under any circumstances,” the park warned.
Until the bridge on the H1-6 tar road is repaired, tourists in the KNP will be confined to certain sections, with no travel possible from south to north while inside the park.
