Severe Weather and Rising Waters Across Kruger
Kruger National Park is currently under significant flooding pressure as persistent heavy rainfall continues across Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Weather services have been issuing severe thunderstorm and rain warnings, with forecasts predicting ongoing rainfall and flooding.
Meteorological agencies have repeatedly emphasised the impact of an intense low-pressure system affecting the region. This has turned many of Kruger’s famed dirt roads into rivers and some major waterways into dangerous, fast-flowing streams.
Closed Roads, Gates, and Evacuations
To protect visitors and staff, several major access points and roads inside the park have been closed. The Crocodile Bridge Gate closure was announced due to rising river levels, with access monitored closely throughout the week.
In addition, Pafuri and Giriyondo border posts have been temporarily closed following continued heavy rain and swelling rivers, as waterways such as the De Laporte, N’watshitsaka, and Crocodile rivers surge.
SANParks also confirmed that rest camps, including Shingwedzi, Sirheni, and Bateleur, have been evacuated due to flooding risks and impassable roads.
Stories from Inside the Flood Zone
Amid these dramatic weather events, numerous safari-goers and guides have shared striking visual accounts of the flooding from across the park:
- Paolo Pousinho captured raging, overflowing rivers and plains underwater, highlighting the submerged landscape in the Kruger.
- On the H4-1, Brad King filmed an elephant attempting to walk, or swim, up the overflowing Sabie River. It struggled against the powerful current as it moved upstream.
- Gerda Sonck shared joyful footage of an elephant calf and its mother on a rain-soaked road. The playful calf mock-charged a safari vehicle a few times before slipping hilariously in the slick conditions.
- Hannah Daya caught a crocodile in the rushing floodwaters, offering a stark glimpse at how reptiles are adapting to the shifting aquatic environment.
- At the H12, Jaun Slabbert documented photos of the flooded Sabie River, showing the vast expanse of water spreading far beyond its usual banks.
- At Crocodile Bridge, safari-goers Jonathan and Pedro recorded a major river overflow just prior to the bridge being closed.
- Silke von Eynern photographed a section of the H14 road completely drowned and impassable. Her photo illustrates that even main roads can become obstacles.
- In Shingwedzi, Yahya Kaduji captured a dramatically flooded river, where water levels have risen so high that normal river depths are unrecognizable.
Watch This Soccer Ball Float Down the Crocodile River
Flooding at Elephant Walk Retreat and Letaba Camp
Located just outside the Crocodile Bridge entrance, Elephant Walk Retreat sits along the Crocodile River corridor and is usually a popular base for early morning safari departures. With the river currently swollen from days of heavy rain, areas around the retreat have become waterlogged, making access impossible and replacing the once-tranquil river views with torrents of fast-moving water.
Footage from the team at Elephant Walk shows crocodile bridge completely underwater, and rapid floodwaters coming dangerously close to the retreat.
At Letaba Camp, nestled along the Letaba River and home to the beloved Tindlovu restaurant overlooking the water, floodwaters have now unfortunately entered the camp. New footage shows the flooding from ground level and from an aerial perspective, highlighting just how tragic and devastating these floods are.
Both locations illustrate how pervasive the flooding has become, extending far beyond major rivers and disrupting the very places guests expect to relax and enjoy the environment.
Impact on Wildlife and Visitors
The flooding is affecting not only human access but also animal movement and behaviour. Rising waters can cut off traditional game trails, saturate plains where prey species feed, and push animals to higher ground or unusual areas.
Hippos and crocodiles are thriving in deeper waters, while terrestrial species like elephants and buffalo are being seen more often on high, dry ridges.
For visitors, this means travel itineraries are in flux. Several camps have been relocated or evacuated. As of January 10th, Shingwedzi, Sirheni, and Bateleur Camps had been evacuated, while guests at Balule and Pafuri were given the option to stay.
Both guests and staff at Talamati, Mbiyamiti, and Roodewal were to be moved to Satara and Lower Sabie Rest Camps.
Get our Best Sightings as they Come in
SANParks continues to issue daily updates and strongly urges guests to check official channels and weather advisories before traveling.
See the Ariel View from Letaba Evacuation
A Changing Park and What Lies Ahead
Historic flood warnings indicate that water levels this season may reach heights not seen in decades, particularly along the Sabie and Crocodile rivers. Concerns are being raised regarding infrastructure strain and wildlife displacement.
The flooding events we are witnessing are a powerful reminder of the dynamic nature of Kruger’s ecosystem. What is typically a dry, dusty safari landscape can, under the right conditions, become a vast network of waterways.
While unique and dramatic photo opportunities may arise from the flooding, guests should always put their safety first. If you are currently in the Kruger, we encourage you to be smart and safe in these unsafe weather conditions.