Key Takeaways:
- Heavy rainfall in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has caused flooding in Kruger National Park, restricting access to some areas
- The Crocodile Bridge Gate is closed due to high water levels, and visitors to Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge are unable to leave the park
- Several routes and gates within the park are closed or restricted, including Pafuri Gate and Punda Maria Gate
- Guests are advised to follow all road closures, no-entry signs, and instructions from park officials to ensure their safety
- The park will provide updates on the status of the water levels and access to the park as the situation changes
Introduction to the Floods
Heavy rainfall in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga regions has caused significant flooding in Kruger National Park (KNP), resulting in restricted access to some areas of the park. The KNP has announced that the Crocodile Bridge Gate is closed due to high water levels, and visitors to Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge are currently unable to leave the park. The park’s management is closely monitoring the water levels and will provide updates as the situation changes. This flooding has caused disruptions to the park’s operations, and visitors are advised to plan their trips accordingly.
Affected Areas and Routes
The flooding has affected several areas of the park, with some routes and gates closed or restricted. According to SANParks, access to Skukuza Rest Camp is recommended via Paul Kruger Gate, while Phabeni Gate is currently still open but may be impacted at short notice due to the rising water levels. The park has also announced that access to Malalane Satellite Camp and Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp is via Malalane Gate, and access to Orpen Rest Camp and Satara Rest Camp is via Orpen Gate. However, Pafuri Gate and Punda Maria Gate remain closed and are not accessible due to the flooding.
Safety Precautions and Restrictions
The park’s management has urged guests to adhere strictly to all road closures, no-entry signs, and instructions from park officials to ensure their safety. Under no circumstances should barricades, logs, or safety barriers be removed, as these are placed to prevent access to flooded or structurally compromised areas. The park has also announced that there is no access from Skukuza to Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Tshokwane, and Satara, as the Sabie Low Water Bridge and detours are flooded. Additionally, there is no access between Lower Sabie and Tshokwane due to the H10 road being closed, and access to Pretoriuskop Rest Camp is via Numbi Gate or Phabeni Gate.
Impact on Park Operations
The flooding has caused significant disruptions to the park’s operations, with several areas and routes closed or restricted. The park’s management is working to minimize the impact of the flooding and ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Guests are advised to check the park’s official website or social media accounts for updates on the status of the water levels and access to the park. The park will provide regular updates as the situation changes, and visitors are urged to plan their trips accordingly. The flooding is a reminder of the importance of being prepared and flexible when visiting the park, and the need to follow all safety instructions and guidelines provided by park officials.
Conclusion and Future Updates
In conclusion, the heavy rainfall in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has caused significant flooding in Kruger National Park, resulting in restricted access to some areas. The park’s management is working to minimize the impact of the flooding and ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Guests are advised to follow all road closures, no-entry signs, and instructions from park officials, and to check the park’s official website or social media accounts for updates on the status of the water levels and access to the park. The park will provide regular updates as the situation changes, and visitors are urged to plan their trips accordingly. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the park.
