WATCH | Visitors to Kruger Park face isolation as severe flooding threatens access routes

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – Guests staying at two rest camps in the Kruger National Park (KNP) risk being temporarily trapped as severe flooding threatens to cut off the only remaining escape route.

Visitors at Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge rest camps currently have no access to Skukuza, with the Crocodile River bridge providing their sole exit from the park. However, rapidly rising water levels threaten to make even this route impassable.

This follows severe weather battering parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, including sections of the renowned national park. Water levels in the Crocodile River are rising rapidly, with the bridge expected to become inaccessible and potentially leaving guests stranded until floodwaters recede.

On Monday, JP Louw, head of communications for the South African National Parks (SANParks), confirmed that all guests with imminent arrivals were being contacted to reschedule their visits, particularly those planning to enter through affected gates or travel to impacted camps.

Operational disruption spreads

Park authorities have implemented widespread closures across the reserve:

• Crocodile Bridge Gate remains under constant monitoring and will close once the bridge floods
• Pafuri Gate is closed due to flooding and unsafe conditions
• Punda Maria Gate is also closed, leaving Phalaborwa Gate as the only access to the park’s northern region
• All roads from Lower Sabie to Skukuza and Satara are impassable
• Mopani Restaurant has closed as a precautionary measure

Park officials have issued urgent warnings for guests to strictly observe all road closures, no-entry signs and official instructions. Visitors are forbidden from removing barricades, logs or safety barriers, which protect against access to flooded or structurally compromised areas.

SANParks continues monitoring weather conditions closely alongside the South African Weather Service and relevant authorities, with further updates promised as the situation develops.

“The safety of guests, staff and surrounding communities remains SANParks’ highest priority,” Louw stated. “We thank all visitors for their cooperation and understanding during this period.”

ALSO READ: Safety alerts issued as Kruger Park battles severe weather and rising rivers

According to Storm Report SA, some areas have already recorded over 100mm of rain since yesterday, with rain expected to continue until at least Thursday. It is predicted that several areas could receive well over 700mm of rain over the next four to five days with rivers and catchments filling rapidly.

This greatly increases the risk of flash flooding, river flooding, road washaways and dangerous travel conditions. Low-lying and flood-prone areas remain especially vulnerable. An urgent request is made to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow all official warnings.