KNP FLOODS UPDATE: SANParks closes day visitor access
Severe flooding has forced SANParks to evacuate several camps in the Kruger National Park.
People planning to enter the Kruger National Park are advised to change their travel plans after SANParks announced a temporary closure for day visitors.
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This decision follows incidents earlier this week when several day visitors were unable to exit the park after the bridge at the Crocodile Bridge Gate was flooded.
Further north, SANParks is carrying out mandatory evacuations at Letaba Rest Camp. “Letaba Rest Camp is currently evacuating both staff and guests as water from the Letaba River has entered the camp,” said SANParks spokesperson JP Louw.
“Phalaborwa Gate will also close for at least 24 hours as we monitor the situation closely. This means there is currently no access to the northern parts of the park.”
Evacuations have also taken place in other areas. Belgian tourist Tiziana Troukens, who visited Olifants Rest Camp with her father, told Lowvelder that they are stranded at the camp due to heavy floods.
“At the moment, we don’t have electricity, and staff are working tirelessly to keep the generators running,” she said.
She added that another 50 guests are also stuck at the camp and, despite the challenges, continued to praise staff for their kindness and assistance.
ALSO READ: WATCH: KNP tourists’ vehicle stuck on flooding bridge
Southern parts of the park remain accessible. However, Louw encouraged the public to assess the situation before visiting.
“We discourage people from coming to the park without checking conditions first. We have systems in place for visitors to postpone or reschedule their stays without additional charges,” he said.
“SANParks is mindful of the current strain on operational and emergency resources during this period of persistent rainfall. The organisation would prefer to focus 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,” he added.
@lowvelder Heavy rainfall has caused significant flooding in parts of the Kruger National Park, particularly in and around the Letaba Rest Camp, where water levels have reached those recorded during the catastrophic floods of 2000. Parts of Sabie and the Olifants area have also been affected.2026floods
Those wishing to cancel or reschedule bookings may contact the central reservations office during working hours on 012 428 9111.
Who to call in need:
If you encounter a life-threatening situation or would like to cancel your booking reservation to the KNP during the flood season, here are emergency numbers to contact:
SANParks 24 Hour Emergency Call Centre on: +27(0)13 735 4363
SAPS: 013 759 1008.
SARZA Lowveld: 082 854 3744
SAPS Diving Unit: 08600 10111
