Kruger National Park has closed some of their camps and roads due to intense flooding. This is not a new problem: the situation got wildly out of hand this time last year, when some guests had to be airlifted to safety by helicopter (read: Kruger National Park hit by worst flooding in ten years). This year however, flooded areas have already been evacuated. Customers with bookings in affected camps will be transferred to nearby camps which are functioning.
*Update 21 January 2013*
16 people (11 tourists and five staff members) have been airlifted to safety from water-logged camps. Others are waiting for evacuation plans to be executed.
At this stage all is still in order at the Skukuza Rest Camp, the biggest in the Park, with the Nwatsishaka river level slowly rising but flowing steadily, however the low level bridge is currently closed as water is overflowing at high velocity. The high level bridge is being constantly monitored.
The Northern part of Kruger is still experiencing heavy downpours and the bush camps are still out of bounds. Visitors are still urged to drive only on tarred roads.
According to the latest update (21 January 2013), the closed roads and facilities are:
Camps and Facilities Closed
· Sirheni
· Shimuwini
· Shingwedzi
· Bateleur
· Boulders
· Tamboti
· Talamati
· Muzanzane
· Biyamiti
· Crocodile Bridge
· Makhadzi Picnic Spot
· All trails camps and Wilderness Safaris
Gates Closed
· Crocodile Bridge
· Orpen
· Punda Maria
· Pafuri
· Giriyondo Port of Entry
· Pafuri Port of Entry
Roads Closed
· H1 – 2 Sand River & Sabie Low water bridge – alternatively motorists can use H12
· H1/1 link road between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop has been closed off due to low-level bridge overflowing.
· H1-1 – Pretoriouskop to Malelane T-Junction
· H10 – Lower Sabie to Tshokwane
· H7 – Satara to Orpen
· H1 – 9 – Pafuri entrance to Punda
· H15 – Punda Maria to Shingwedzi
· H1 – 6 Letaba to Mopani
· Nwaswitshaka low level bridge.
“Generally our emergency plans are running accordingly and we’re constantly monitoring the developments, if anyone requires an update, our emergency 24-hour hotline is available 013 735 4325. Please call to check on the conditions in the area you intend visiting,” said Lucy Nhlapo.
Photo credit: Scott Ramsay
