Torrential rains have forced the temporary suspension of day visits to one of South Africa’s most popular safari parks.
The Foreign Office issued a travel alert yesterday (15 January) saying: “Kruger National Park is currently experiencing severe flooding.
“Evacuations have taken place and flights to and from Hoedspruit Airport have been cancelled.
“Check with your travel or accommodation provider about your options and reconsider your itinerary if necessary.”
In an update issued this morning, SANParks said the temporary suspension of day visitation, imposed yesterday, remains in place until further notice.
In a statement, it added: “The public is requested to note that with immediate effect, access to the park will be strictly limited to essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers, subject to proof of confirmed flight bookings, guests with existing overnight bookings at Berg-en-Dal, Pretoriuskop and Skukuza rest camps as well as essential staff members will be allowed into the park.
“The northern regions of the KNP remain inaccessible due to flooding and road damage.”
It said staff living quarters at Satara Rest Camp are currently under water, forcing it to evacuate staff.
“No injuries have been reported. Satara Rest Camp will be closed as water supply and electricity is disrupted,” it added.
“All tourism activities, including guided game drives and bush walks, remain suspended. Many internal roads are saturated, damaged, or inaccessible, making it unsafe to conduct these activities at present.
“Guests exiting the park are urged to monitor updates on road conditions outside the Kruger National Park, as several provincial and regional routes are also affected by flooding.
“SANParks continues to closely monitor the situation in collaboration with disaster management authorities and will provide regular updates as conditions evolve. The safety of guests, staff, and surrounding communities remains our highest priority.”
“For official updates, members of the public are encouraged to follow SANParks communication platforms and local traffic advisories. Further updates will be communicated as the situation evolves.”
