Improved weather conditions in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces have yielded positive results for day visitors to enter the Kruger National Park (KNP) again. SANParks confirmed, today, January 18, that day visitation will resume from tomorrow, January 19.

What day visitors need to know:

Lowvelder reports guests are advised to enter the park with caution and are strongly requested not to venture onto gravel roads, as some sections may still be affected by recent rainfall.

Visitors are further advised that shops within the park are currently low on stock due to earlier access limitations. Guests are, therefore, encouraged to bring along their own essential supplies to ensure a comfortable visit.

“The northern part of the Kruger National Park remains inaccessible at this stage as several roads and bridges have been washed away. These areas will remain closed until it is safe to reopen them, JP Louw, SANParks spokesperson added.

Accessible gates:

Entry into the southern region of the park will be permitted through Paul Kruger Gate, Numbi Gate, Malelane Gate and Phabeni Gate.

“Please note that Phabeni Gate is being closely monitored due to fluctuating water levels in the nearby stream, and may be closed at short notice should conditions change,” Louw advised. Crocodile Bridge Gate remains closed until further notice.

“SANParks will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as necessary. Visitors are urged to adhere to all instructions and signage while in the park. Transgressors will be issued fines and may face prosecution,” Louw advised.

@lowvelder

Caption: Phabeni low-water bridge today, January 18. > Video: Supplied/SANParks

♬ original sound – Lowveld Media

Minister announces Kruger Relief Fund

The minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Willie Aucamp, paid a visit to the Kruger National Park yesterday, January 17, to assess the damage caused by extreme floods this week and establish the Kruger Relief Fund with stakeholders and SANParks representatives.

“While we have witnessed major disruptions and damage owing to the heavy rains in Mpumalanga and Limpopo over the last few days, what has been even more incredible to witness has been the well-planned and executed response from the park,” Aucamp said.

He also commended the team for applying a safety-first, human-centric approach despite facing massive disruptions to operations and infrastructure – including road and gate closures, electricity outages and interruptions to other basic services.

“I am pleased to announce that SANParks has committed to establishing the Kruger Relief Fund to help with rebuilding efforts, emergency supplies and any other necessities.”

He assured stakeholders that the fund will be managed and audited by two independent auditing firms.

SANParks has confirmed that day visits remain prohibited until further notice and that restrictions remain in place at several gates. Access is still limited to essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers with valid flight tickets, officials, and guests with confirmed accommodation bookings at Berg n Dal, Skukuza and Pretoriuskop.

The minister confirmed that the situation is being closely monitored and that updates are being provided as they occur.

“We are grateful that no loss of lives has been recorded and evacuations have progressed smoothly, and I once again extend my gratitude to the park’s management team and emergency services for their swift response,” Aucamp concluded.

SANParks will share more details about the Kruger Relief Fund in the coming days.

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