As the waters continue to recede in the wake of the flooding across Kruger, a sobering realisation is dawning. Once the relief effort ends, the massive task of restoration begins.
Media briefing
It is therefore encouraging to note that the South African government, along with SANParks, is wasting no time in addressing the situation.
Accordingly, officials held a press briefing in Cape Town on Thursday, 22/01, to update the media on the latest developments.
The briefing came after heavy rains wreaked havoc across Limpopo and Mpumalanga, including vast tracts of the country’s flagship national park.
While the park reported no loss of life, flooding caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure.
According to EWN and NCA, the key points raised by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, were as follows:
- Damage estimate: Although teams have not yet completed a full assessment, he suggested that the repair cost could exceed R500 million.
- Aucamp projected that full restoration may take several years to complete.
- He expressed gratitude that Kruger lost no lives and credited management’s proactive planning, including the use of Early Warning Systems, for ensuring the timely evacuation of affected guests and staff.
- Officials reported no significant wildlife fatalities. Aucamp suggested that most wildlife had instinctively moved to higher ground.
Recovery Fund Announced
Minister Aucamp went on to announce that the SA government has officially launched the Kruger Recovery Fund. The measure aims to facilitate the rebuilding of resilient infrastructure and ensure the park’s long-term sustainability.
Aucamp said the government was promoting the fund both locally and internationally, using strong institutional structures to reassure donors. Those wishing to contribute can do so by following this link.
Further to this, the minister drew attention to a separate fund established and managed by SANParks Honorary Rangers.
Announcement of Kruger Recovery Fund Bank Details
— SANParks (@SANParks) January 23, 2026
On 22 January 2026, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Willie Aucamp (MP), announced the establishment of the Kruger Recovery Fund, following the severe flooding that has caused extensive damage. pic.twitter.com/v7Hpc4I1G9
He appealed to donors to only use these official channels, to ensure accountability and effective aid distribution.
Key economic and conservation asset
Kruger is, hands down, South Africa’s leading conservation tourism asset. Revenue from roughly 1.8 million visitors annually adds an estimated R2.6 billion to the national GDP. Furthermore, some 10,000 jobs stem from its existence.
Consequently, the economic impact is likely to be felt for a long time to come, with job losses and loss of earnings anticipated. Indeed, cancellations as a result of the flooding, especially over the critical high-season, have only compounded the problems faced.
Limited access
For now, the park continues to limit access, with daily gate quotas in place. Furthermore, access within the park remains limited, as highlighted in this government release.
With all that said, the clearing clouds over Kruger have their silver linings. Aucamp and others have commended all related personnel and affected stakeholders for the positive response to the tragedy.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, has provided an update on the current developments at Kruger National Park following the floods that have caused extensive damage to the infrastructure. https://t.co/SXadXCLlRc#GovZAUpdates
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) January 22, 2026
Gate status:
- South – Malelane, Numbi, and Paul Kruger gates are open. Crocodile Bridge is open, subject to ongoing monitoring. Daily quotas are in place. Phabeni is closed.
- Gates open at 05h30 and close at 18h30
Closed regions
- The Northern region (Nxanatseni) is closed.
- The northern and southern regions of the park are cut off from one another.
The road ahead is long and uncertain. But, as our sports stars remind us when the going gets tough, “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” (They don’t know what we know).