Authorities have urged visitors to the Kruger National Park to exercise extreme caution after heavy weekend rainfall inundated or completely washed away several roads and bridges.
Affected Areas
The full extent of the rainfall and the areas affected is unclear at this stage. However, it would appear from various posts on social media that flooding of roads has occurred in the southern and central regions of the park.
Latest Sightings has received numerous photos and videos from members, many of which show heavy downpours, rivers and drainage lines in spate and roads washed away.
H4-1 – Skukuza to Lower Sabie
We received the image below, showing the low-lying section of the park’s busiest road–the H4-1, this morning. Lying between Skukuza and Lower Sabie, the road runs parallel to the Sabie River, one of the six main rivers that bisect the park.
Be sure to download the Latest Sightings App for Android and iOS for the latest updates!
Reports indicate that at this time, the park’s main camp, Skukuza, is all but cut off from other parts of the park due to the flooding.
Limited Access
Earlier, the H11 road from Skukuza to the Paul Kruger Gate was said to be the only route out of the park. This would assume that the other two gates nearest Skukuza–Phabeni and Numbi–have been closed to traffic.
Those planning on entering the southern gates of the park, namely at Malelane and Crocodile Bridge are urged to determine whether the gates are open to traffic before travelling.
De Laporte Bridge Closed
Furthermore, according to information received by Latest Sightings, the De Laporte Bridge is closed.
In the interim, park rangers are escorting guests via an alternative route.
Low-Water Bridges
In addition, visitors should exercise extreme caution regarding the use of low-water bridges.
We can confirm that the low-water bridge crossing the Sand River at Skukuza is closed. Skukuza Airport is therefore only accessible via the Shalati Lodge Bridge.
Gravel Roads
As is normally the case when heavy rains fall, the many gravel roads are adversely affected. Park authorities typically close the roads when this happens.
They do so to ensure that vehicles do not become stuck, stranding passengers. Additionally, road closures are enforced to prevent damage to roads and erosion.
DRAINPIPE
While details are sketchy at the moment, we can confirm from other sources that all gravel roads in the Satara area are closed.
Also, in the Kingfisherspruit area, near Orpen Camp and Gate, the following roads are closed: S82, S128, S30 and S122.
Impacts on Wildlife
If past experience is an indicator, the flooding will also negatively affect some of the park’s wildlife. In all likelihood, many animals will be lost while trying to cross flood-ravaged areas.
However, rain is a natural phenomenon and park authorities do not intervene during flooding events. The only exception might be if human-induced factors may complicate an animal’s chances of survival. Even then, the safety of staff is paramount.
More Rain Forecast
According to the SANParks website, more rain is forecast over the coming days. As such, future visitors are advised to make the appropriate enquiries before travelling.
While we know all too well that visits to the park are looked forward to with eager anticipation, we urge our followers to exercise common sense and a cautious approach to decision-making.