GARDEN ROUTE – The Garden Route National Park has moved swiftly to protect visitors, staff, and infrastructure as the South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 8 Warning for the region, signalling potentially dangerous conditions in the days ahead.

JP Louw, SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson, said that in the Tsitsikamma Section, all hikers on the Otter Trail have been safely evacuated, and all water-based activities and hiking trails have been suspended due to the increased risk posed by unstable trees and potential windfalls resulting from the recent storms.

At Nature’s Valley, he said the river mouth remains open, and no flooding has been reported within the rest camp.

However, both Nature’s Valley and Bloukrans are currently experiencing power outages.

“Due to saturated ground conditions, the Waterfall Trail and all hiking trails within the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp have been temporarily closed,” said Louw.

He added that in the Wilderness Section, the Swartvlei and Touw River mouths remain open, which currently reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding areas.

However, as a precaution, Louw noted that all hiking trails and water-based activities have been suspended until conditions are deemed safe.

In the Knysna Section, he said weather conditions remain relatively mild, with light rainfall and increasing wind speeds.

“All trails, hut facilities, and deck camps have been closed in Diepwalle and will remain inaccessible until 5 June,” said Louw.

According to Louw, all hiking and cycling trails in Harkerville are temporarily closed.

“SANParks will continue to monitor weather conditions and make operational decisions based on ground conditions. Visitors are urged to exercise caution, adhere to all safety notices and closures, and stay informed through official park communication channels for the latest updates,” said Louw.

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