Flood Fear In Kruger National Park: Fresh Severe Weather Warning As Rains Batter Park

Fresh severe weather warnings have been issued for the Kruger National Park (KNP) as relentless rainfall continues to cause widespread disruption across the Lowveld in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

The ongoing downpours have already damaged schools, bridges and roads in the region, with parts of the iconic national park also affected following a Level 6 weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Sunday.

Heavy Rain Cuts Access to Key Kruger Rest Camps

South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed this week that guests staying at the Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge rest camps will not be able to access the Skukuza area due to severe weather conditions.

Visitors impacted by the disruptions have been urged to adjust their travel plans and follow instructions from park officials as conditions remain unstable.

According to Vox Weather, the current weather pattern is expected to persist in the coming days.

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“The heaviest rainfall has fallen over the eastern escarpment, with close to 300 mm recorded over the past three days. Most of the heaviest rain is expected over Limpopo from Tuesday into Wednesday, before spreading south along the escarpment into Mpumalanga from Thursday into Friday,” Vox Weather said.

In a further update, SANParks spokesperson Rey Thakhuli confirmed that additional rainfall is forecast across the park.

“The status quo remains, and all indications point to more rain, particularly in the north,” Thakhuli said.

Single Exit Route Raises Risk of Guests Being Cut Off

Thakhuli previously warned that only one exit route is currently available to visitors inside the Kruger National Park.

“At present, the only available exit route is via the Crocodile River bridge. However, rising water levels pose a risk that this access may become impassable, potentially leaving guests temporarily cut off until water levels recede,” he 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 has contacted guests with imminent bookings to reschedule their visits, particularly those planning to enter through affected gates or stay at impacted camps.

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