Flooding closes Pafuri and Giriyondo border posts between South Africa and Mozambique

Travel plans along the northern border of Kruger National Park have been disrupted after heavy rains caused rivers to swell, forcing the temporary closure of the Pafuri and Giriyondo ports of entry between South Africa and Mozambique.

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According to The Citizen , the Luvuvhu River, which runs alongside the Pafuri port, has risen by roughly half a metre in 24 hours, according to Kruger National Park rangers. Meanwhile, the Klein Letaba and Middlevlei rivers are overflowing, and the Letaba bridge is nearing full capacity.

Safety first: ports closed

The Border Management Authority (BMA) confirmed that operations at both ports have been suspended to protect staff, travellers, and infrastructure. BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato and spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi explained that all personnel, vehicles, and operational equipment have been safely evacuated, and thankfully, no injuries or infrastructure damage has been reported.

“The rapidly rising water levels posed a potential safety risk,” Mogotsi said, emphasizing that precautionary measures are necessary until river levels stabilize.

Alternative routes and monitoring

Travellers heading to Pafuri are advised to use Punda Maria Gate, about 65 km away, which remains fully accessible. The BMA, in collaboration with Kruger National Park management and other authorities, is closely monitoring the situation, with operations set to resume only once it is deemed safe.

Context and local impact

Pafuri and Giriyondo form part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which spans South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, making these border points crucial for tourism, wildlife management, and local trade. Seasonal floods in Limpopo are not uncommon, but the recent heavy rainfall has disrupted roads and highlighted the vulnerability of border infrastructure in remote areas.

Social media reactions show travellers sharing warnings and photos of rising waters, with many praising authorities for acting swiftly to prevent accidents. Locals note that flooding in these regions often isolates communities and slows tourism, but effective coordination between the BMA and park officials has so far prevented serious incidents.

As the Limpopo Provincial Government remains on high alert, travellers are urged to plan ahead, stay informed, and prioritise safety when crossing these northern border posts.