Kruger National Park Guests Evacuated As Level 6 Storm Forces Camp Closures

Guests at the Kruger National Park (KNP) have been evacuated from several camps after a level six weather warning was issued for severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in Limpopo and Mpumalanga from Sunday evening.

The warning follows a low-pressure system over Mozambique moving into South Africa’s north-eastern regions, prompting fears of flooding, damaged infrastructure and dangerous travel conditions.

Level 6 Weather Warning Issued as Torrential Rain Looms

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that widespread and persistent rainfall is expected to batter the Lowveld and surrounding areas for most of the week. Similar warnings were also issued for northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend.

SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said conditions are expected to remain severe until at least midweek.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Back To School In Ashes: Du Noon Fire Strips Children Of Homes, Uniforms And Hope

“The current weather forecast indicates that the lowveld of Mpumalanga, the Limpopo valley and most parts of eastern areas of Limpopo are likely to experience widespread and persistent rain and thunderstorms up until Wednesday and even,” Thobela said.

Authorities have cautioned that the extreme weather could result in flooding, washed-away roads and damage to key infrastructure.

Kruger National Park Camps Evacuated as Rivers Rise Rapidly

SANParks confirmed that precautionary evacuations were carried out at several camps within the Kruger National Park to safeguard visitors and staff.

SANParks head of communications and spokesperson JP Louw said the decision was taken due to the heightened risk of flooding.

“As a precaution Shingwedzi, Sirheni, and Bateleur camps have been evacuated to avoid challenges in the event of flooding, while guests at Balule and Pafuri were given the option to stay, as these areas are not at risk,” Louw said.

He added that guests and staff at the bush camps Talamati, Mbiyamiti and Roodewaal would be relocated to Satara and Lower Sabie rest camps, which remain accessible via Tshokwane.

Severe weather conditions have also forced the temporary closure of the Pafuri and Giriyondo Border Posts inside the park. Visitors have been urged to revise their travel plans and follow instructions from park officials.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Public Works Pulls Plug On ‘Cat’ Matlala-Linked Pretoria Hospital Deal

Louw said several rivers are already flowing at dangerously high levels.

“Several rivers are currently flowing at high speed, with water levels expected to rise significantly today, particularly at the De Laporte River, N’watshitsaka River and Crocodile River,” he said.

He added that the rising Sabie River is expected to impact the Sand River, which may disrupt travel routes between Satara Rest Camp, Tshokwane Picnic Site, Lower Sabie Rest Camp and Skukuza Rest Camp.

Road Closures Expected as SANParks Issues Safety Warning

Visitors have been warned that road closures may occur at short notice due to safety concerns.

“Guests are advised that road closures may occur at short notice for safety reasons,” Louw said.

He explained that while some camping areas are affected, others remain accessible.

“Campers in affected camps will be moved as not all camping sites are affected; those in caravans and motorhomes will be requested to relocate closer to chalet areas within camps and will not be moved to chalets.”

Guests have also been advised not to remain in camping areas vulnerable to flooding.

Skukuza Airport Access Adjusted

SANParks has put contingency plans in place to assist guests travelling via Skukuza Airport.

“Guests wishing to access Skukuza Airport from north of Tshokwane should use Kruger Gate via Satara or Orpen Gate, or access from outside of the park through the R40,” Louw said.

He warned travellers to allow extra time to avoid missing flights.

“SANParks strongly urges all guests and staff to adhere strictly to no-entry and road closure signage, avoid driving through flooded roads or low-lying bridges and refrain from removing logs, debris, or barriers placed on roads.”

SAWS will continue to closely monitor the situation and issue updated warnings as conditions evolve.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky