Zuko Komisa
The Kruger National Park (KNP) has closed some of its camps and gravel roads due to severe rain.
This comes after the Mpumalanga province was forced to close certain important routes between Skukuza and Lower Sabie due to damage.
The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 5 warning for disruptive rains in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, which could cause settlement flooding and infrastructure damage. Drivers have been cautioned when crossing low-lying bridges and to pay attention to road restriction signs.
Tourists with reservations should confirm the accessibility of their locations with camp receptionists or the SANParks emergency phone center.
Additional warnings for severe thunderstorms and heavy rains are issued across the country, including Gauteng, the Wild Coast, the North West and the Free State.
“The recent heavy rains experienced in most parts of the country have resulted in the closure of some of the camps and gravel roads in the Kruger National Park (KNP). Some of the main roads between Skukuza and Lower Sabie were damaged, but the KNP Roads Management team moved swiftly to ensure safety for users including tourists. The flooding is largely localised in the south of the Olifants River, but all gates are open and operational. Waterflow forecasts suggest that Sabie and Sand rivers will be inundated with heavy flows for some time.
The rain has also been heavy in the north with the Luvuvhu river at its highest level this season. Roads in the area are also being monitored, and road users are requested to observe road closures,” reads the statement by the Kruger National Park.
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