LIMPOPO – The main gate at Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park (KNP) will be closed for about a month while its roof structure is repaired.

SANParks has confirmed the gate will be shut from Monday, November 2, until Friday, December 4.

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Temporary entrance

During the closure, visitors will be directed to a temporary entrance off Hippo Circle Street, the road leading to the Skukuza doctor’s surgery. The alternate route will enter through AM Spa and Skukuza Safari Lodge.

KNP communications general manager Rey Thakhuli said SANParks was using a number of platforms to inform staff, guests and service providers about the closure and the detour.

“Sign boards will also be placed at all strategic places,” he said.

Visitors must follow the signs and park staff’s instructions at the temporary entrance.

SANParks said the roof repairs are part of its regular maintenance of facilities in the KNP, which is meant to keep the park’s buildings and infrastructure in good working order.

The work is expected to be finished by December 4, but weather and other unforeseen circumstances could affect the timeline.

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Holiday travel

The closure falls just before the December school holidays.

Public schools close on Wednesday, December 9, and some independent schools close on December 4, the day the gate is expected to reopen.

Repairs elsewhere in the park

SANParks is still repairing damage from the January floods in other parts of the park, which the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment estimates will cost about R950m.

At Letaba Rest Camp, 25 restored units have reopened, and a further 64 are expected to reopen in phases by November 30.

Key details

Reason: Repairs to the gate’s roof structure

Closed: Monday, November 2, to Friday, December 4

Affected: Skukuza Rest Camp main gate

Alternative entrance: Off Hippo Circle Street (the road to the Skukuza doctor’s surgery)