During a period when media outlets are flooded with news of death and destruction as a result of heavy rainfall in the region – with explicit warnings not to attempt low-water bridge crossings – local couple, Grant and Stacey Southey posted a video of themselves on social media doing exactly that.

“We considered all the risks and dangers before finally deciding to cross the river,” said Grant, after a video of himself and his wife, Tracey, driving across the flooded low-water bridge over the Olifants River in the Kruger National Park received backlash.

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The couple, who lives in Mbombela, insist they carried out a thorough risk assessment before attempting the crossing. “I’m trained and involved in search-and-rescue, and we looked at all the possibilities before we crossed,” Grant told Lowvelder earlier today, January 13.

He explained that the video was actually taken in late November 2025, while they were staying at Balule camp. “We crossed the bridge a number of times during the day, but it wasn’t under water at the time. When we returned late afternoon, we saw that the Balule low-water bridge was flooded.”

At first, he said, they had decided not to take the risk. A few kilometres away, they encountered a couple touring Africa in a large 4×4. “We told them the bridge was under water and might be dangerous. They said they wanted to look for themselves.”

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Back at the bridge, the 4×4-couple announced they would cross. Southey and his wife hesitated but eventually followed after weighing every possible scenario. “This was the same risk assessment one does during a search-and-rescue effort,” he said.
They left the windows of their Suzuki Jimny open in case the vehicle was swept away to allow them to escape quickly. “Besides that, the Jimny is a 4×4 and not as low as a sedan. This meant the vehicle would not float while crossing. We assessed all the risks, felt the fear, and did it anyway. And we lived to tell the tale.”

@lowvelder

A clip of a motorist crossing a flooding bridge in the Kruger National Park has caused quite a stir online. While it may look adventurous, SANParks strongly advises motorists to obey road closures and avoid flooded crossings for their own safety. This footage has sparked mixed reactions from viewers. What are your thoughts, brave or reckless? Let us know in the comments. > Video: Facebook/Gnt Timeza

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SANParks was critical, amid current road closures and evacuations, stating: “We strongly condemn the reckless actions of [the poster], who shared a video of themselves crossing a flooded low-water bridge inside the park. Such behaviour is extremely dangerous and puts not only the individuals involved at risk, but also endangers the lives of staff who may be forced to undertake rescue operations in hazardous conditions.”

Southey acknowledged the criticism. “We understand the park’s concerns. We didn’t do it to impress anyone. We knew the risks, which is why we also said in the social media post not to try this at home.”