Dineo: Kruger closes four remote camps, moves guests to safer camps

According to reports from the SA Weather Service, various parts of the Kruger National Park (KNP), in particular the far north of the park, were expected to receive heavy rain on Thursday in the wake of tropical storm Dineo, reports the Lowvelder.

The rain was expected to last until Friday morning.

William Mabasa, SA National Parks (SANParks) acting head of communications, said as a precautionary measure, gravel roads and remote camps, mostly in the north of the park, would be temporarily closed and guests booked in the flagged camps would be moved to safer camps.

“These closures are necessary to ensure visitors’ safety during this time. We would like to advise guests to stick to the tar roads while driving inside the Park.”

Mabasa said a decision had been taken to close all gravel roads in the park for safety reasons.

“A disaster management team has been set up and periodic updates will be released until the situation improves.”

He further reported on Thursday that all SA Airlink flights to Skukuza were operating as normal as no risk had been identified.

“Should any change occur, information will be shared accordingly,” he explained.

The remote camps  that would temporarily close were:

• Nyalaland Wilderness Trail
• Olifants Wilderness Trail
• Sirheni Bush Camp
• Bateleur Bush Camp.

He advised guests to avoid all roads with ‘No Entry’ signs or blocked with other objects.

Most of the areas in the park do not have mobile phone coverage.

“We encourage those who have access to social media platforms to assist by posting valuable updates on SANParks’ Kruger page,” said Mabasa.

ALSO READ: Centre of downgraded storm expected to hit Pafuri in Kruger later

– Caxton News Service

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