Amid uncertainty and chaos, Kruger National Park staff are heroes as they continue to battle severe flooding to ensure guests’ safety.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has commended pilots and on-the-ground staff for their professionalism and for carrying out evacuations with care and compassion.

Lowvelder reports that a photograph of a SANParks pilot and ranger carefully airlifting two young girls has been widely shared on social media, melting South Africans’ hearts.

“To every crew member, ranger and rescuer working tirelessly in the Kruger – thank you for protecting not just lives, but childhoods. You are the guardians of our wild spaces and of the people who come to love them,” SANParks shared.

Many guests have shared similar experiences following evacuations from flooded camps. French tourist Va Ness posted a video on Facebook showing how pilots and rangers rescued visitors stranded at Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp.

“We were stuck in the Kruger Park since yesterday, January 14. A helicopter came and rescued us on the other side of the Crocodile Bridge. Thank you so much! And thank you also to the shop staff; they were incredibly kind and patient with everyone,” she wrote.

Belgian tourist Tiziana Troukens recounted a similar experience after she and her father were stranded at Olifants Rest Camp. She confirmed today that they were safely evacuated the previous day and spent the night at Satara before floodwaters reached the camp. They were transported to Orpen the following morning and exited the park via Paul Kruger Gate.

“We arrived at the Shalati Bridge to get to the airport and were still in time for our flight,” she said, praising staff for their hard work and kindness.

The SANParks Honorary Rangers also thanked staff, pilots, rangers and support teams for assisting with the safe evacuation of K9 units.

“Your swift, co-ordinated efforts and exceptional care ensured the safe airlifting and evacuation of the dogs from the Mahlangeni and Letaba ranger posts.”

Courageous rescues have also taken place in Limpopo, as reported by Polokwane Review.

As reported by Caxton Network News earlier today, the owners of a Limpopo lodge walked for two hours to get help and escape the heavy rain as their bed and breakfast in Phalaborwa flooded.

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