Due to heavy rains experience in the Kruger National Park (KNP), several gates and roads within the park have been temporarily closed as park officials assess the damage caused by unseasonal flooding. These closures are necessary ensure visitor safety. In addition, there are several camps within Kruger that are inaccessible due to unsafe road conditions. Precautionary evacuations are being carried out on low-lying areas, which include staff accommodation, river view chalets and some camping grounds. The situation is under control and the South African National Defence Force is also assisting where necessary. Lower Sabie and Skukuza are cut off and stranded people are being assisted, with some guests being evacuated to nearby accommodation facilities outside the Park.
According to the South African Weather Services, the strong downpours had been caused by the sub-tropical depression Banbo, the fourth of the season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of rain today (19th January), 30% chance of rain tomorrow (20th January) and no rain on Saturday.
Anyone wishing to visit the Kruger over the next few days are encouraged to contact SANParks to ensure route access and safety.
Contact:
Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
GM: Media Liaison & Stakeholder Relations, SANParks
Tel: +27 12 426 5203, Cell: +27 73 373 4999, email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org
The following gates have been closed:
• Phabeni gate
• Paul Kruger gate
• Crocodile Bridge gate
• Giriyondo Border gate
• Malelane to Skukuza
• Phalaborwa gate to Mopani
• Letaba to Mopani
• Olifants to Satara
• Lower Sabie to Skukuza
• Crocodile Bridge to Lower Sabie
And the following camps are currently not accessible
• Skukuza
• Lower Sabie
• Crocodile Bridge
• Biyamiti
• Talamati
• Olifants
• Satara
• Balule
• Bateleur
• Shimuweni
• Sirheni
• Imbali Concession Lodge
• Tamboti
• Tshokwane picnic site
Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks) Communications
