Weather Alert: Garden Route National Park Shuts Key Areas Amid Flood Risk

Severe weather conditions have forced temporary closures across the Garden Route National Park, as officials warn of a high risk of flooding in the region.

Authorities say already saturated catchment areas have increased the likelihood of rapid runoff and flash flooding, posing a danger to both visitors and infrastructure.

Garden Route National Park Closures Due To Flood Risk

Visitors have been urged to remain on high alert, with several activities suspended in affected sections of the park.

In the Wilderness section, all water-based recreational activities, including canoeing and boating, as well as hiking trails, have been temporarily closed. However, accommodation and camping at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp remain open.

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At the Touw River and Swartvlei estuary, SANParks is following established estuary management protocols.

These include allowing natural breaching where possible and only implementing artificial breaching when necessary, based on water levels, inflows, flood risks and sea conditions. Machinery has been placed on standby for the duration of the severe weather.

Hiking Trails Closed In Knysna And Tsitsikamma Sections

In the Knysna section, all hiking and cycling trails have been temporarily shut.

Meanwhile, in the Tsitsikamma section, the Otter Trail and Waterfall hiking trail are closed. Visitors with Otter Trail bookings have been contacted to reschedule.

Accommodation and camping facilities remain open at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp and Nature’s Valley Camp, but all water-based activities at Storms River Mouth have been suspended.

Officials say these measures are necessary to protect lives and minimise damage, with closures to remain in place until conditions are deemed safe.