Some of the camps and roads in the southern part of the Kruger National Park (KNP) remain temporarily closed due to the recent heavy rains.
South African National Parks (SANParks) has advised guests not to use any gravel roads and to stay on the tar. Guests are further advised not to open or travel on any roads which have been closed and not to cross any low-water bridges as the dangers of being washed away remain high.
Malelane Gate.
‘There are currently four camps that have been badly affected by the floods; namely: Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Biyamiti and Talamati and they are currently not accessible.’ SANParcks acting GM, Hein Grobler, stated. ‘Guests arriving at Talamati today have been moved to Satara. Management is in constant communication with guests inside these camps about the situation. No threat or danger to lives has been experienced in the park and we will try our best to continue to keep all our guests in the affected camps safe,’
Crocodile Bridge during the flights.
Bridge over the N’watimhiri River between Skukuza and Lower Sabie. Picture: Sumarie Slabber
Technical Services with the assistance of Ranger Services have been assessing access and are working to find possible solutions. The floods remain fluid, with more heavy rains anticipated today. The teams will continue with assessments of all affected camps and roads, and updates will be communicated through social media as well as in person to the affected guests.
Read: Remembering Kruger’s worst-ever flood 22 years on
All-access gates into Kruger National Park are open, except Crocodile Bridge, and guests can enter and exit the South of the park from the open gates. The route directly from Lower Sabie to Skukuza remains inaccessible; whilst travelling between Satara and Skukuza or Lower Sabie is not possible at this stage.
Guests are advised to not take chances and leave any camp without checking with camp management and reception about the status of the roads they plan to travel on. The rain forecast for today remains high, caution should be exercised at all times on the roads. SANParks will continue posting updates on the SANParks – Kruger National Park Facebook group as and when information changes.
‘Guests that have bookings in the four affected camps can contact those camps directly or Central Reservations for assistance to modify their bookings while the camps remain inaccessible. Guests that need to postpone any other bookings within the duration of the floods will be given the option of an immediate date change or a credit on their profile to use at a later date. We appreciate your patience as our loyal guests while we work to keep both guests and staff safe during the floods,’ concluded Grobler.
Pictures: SANParks
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