Severe Flooding Forces Evacuation of Over 600 from Kruger National Park
Persistent heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding in Kruger National Park, leading to the evacuation of 631 guests and staff from four rest camps, including 67 children. Key access routes and gates, such as the Phalaborwa Gate, have been closed, and the park is currently not allowing day visitors.
As river levels continue to rise, important areas, including Skukuza, Lower Sabie, and Crocodile Bridge, have become inaccessible. In response to the crisis, SANParks has deployed helicopters to carry out rescue operations, ensuring the safety of those affected.
On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-impacted regions in Limpopo to assess the damage and the effectiveness of government responses. The flooding has caused overflows in various rivers, including the Crocodile, Sabie, Letaba, Sand, Luvuvhu, and Limpopo, further complicating the situation.
The Shingwedzi, Mopani, Oliphants, and Letaba rest camps were particularly hard hit, leaving guests and staff stranded as the roads to these camps became impassable. Evacuation operations occurred early Thursday morning, utilising helicopters to relocate those in need.
According to SANParks, “SANParks is mindful of the current strain on operational and emergency responses on resources during this period of persistent rainfall,” stated spokesperson JP Louw. The organisation has opted not to allow day visitors into the park until conditions improve, focusing their resources on real emergencies rather than non-essential travel.
Louw emphasised that the decision to restrict access for day visitors was made for safety reasons and would be continually reassessed as weather and road conditions change. He also noted that the Phalaborwa Gate would be closed for at least 24 hours while emergency response teams monitor the situation. “This means at the moment there is no access into the northern parts of the park,” he stated.
“SANParks sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused by the persisting rainfall and appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the public during this time. The safety of all visitors and staff remains our highest priority,” Louw added.
The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for disruptive rains and flooding impacting eastern Limpoo and Mpumalanga, linked to a tropical weather system. Forecasters predict an additional 100–200mm of rainfall over the next two days, raising further concerns about flooding, as the soil is already saturated and rivers and dams are overflowing.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp reassured guests that there would be no penalties for cancellations or rescheduling due to the flooding. He confirmed that guests would receive assistance with refunds or alternative bookings. “This event underscores the growing challenges posed by climate variability and climate change,” Aucamp remarked. He pointed out that extreme rainfall and flooding are becoming more frequent, stressing the need for preparedness in both infrastructure and visitor safety.
In the wider area, over 1,040 schools in Limpopo remain closed, and several major roads have also been shut due to flooding. Education spokesperson Mike Maringa confirmed that schools would not reopen until conditions improved.
Affected visitors are encouraged to contact SANParks central reservations at 012 428 9111 for cancellations, rescheduling, or refunds, and to keep an eye on official SANParks updates for the latest information. As the region grapples with the ongoing crisis, the community continues to come together, demonstrating resilience in the face of natural adversity.
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