Severe weather conditions in the Kruger National Park

By Kopano NO Dibakwane

The KNP(Kruger National Park) has issued an advisory due to severe weather conditions persisting across parts of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.

SANParks Communication Officer, JP Louw, said the park’s management has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of guests and staff.

According to Louw, guests currently staying at Lower Sabie Rest Camp and Crocodile Bridge Rest Camps sections of the KNP will not have access to Skukuza.

The only available exit route is reportedly via the Crocodile River bridge, but rising water levels pose a risk that this access may become impassable, potentially leaving guests temporarily cut off until water levels recede.

Louw said this decision follows forecasts and observations indicating that water levels in the Crocodile River are rising rapidly, with the Crocodile River bridge expected to become inaccessible, posing a real risk of guests being trapped inside the park.

“ SANParks is actively contacting all guests with imminent arrivals to the Kruger National Park to reschedule their visits, particularly those planning to enter through affected gates or travel to impacted camps,” said Louw.

The Crocodile Bridge Gate is reportedly being monitored and will only be closed as the Crocodile River bridge gets flooded, Pafuri Gate remains closed due to flooding and unsafe conditions.

The Punda Maria Gate is also reportedly closed, meaning the only access to the northern region of the park is via Phalaborwa Gate.

Louw said roads leading from Lower Sabie to Skukuza and Satara are closed, and Mopani Restaurant is closed as a precautionary measure.

“ Guests are strongly urged to adhere strictly to all road closures, no-entry signs, and instructions from Park officials. Under no circumstances should barricades, logs or safety barriers be removed, as these are placed to prevent access to flooded or structurally compromised areas.

“ SANParks continues to monitor weather conditions closely in collaboration with the South African Weather Service and relevant authorities. Further updates will be communicated as the situation evolves. The safety of guests, staff and surrounding communities remains SANParks’ highest priority. We thank all visitors for their cooperation and understanding during this period,” said Louw.

He said further updates will be communicated as the situation evolves.

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