Camps, roads in KNP affected by floods

Residents of the city who intend to visit Kruger Park from today (Thursday) are advised that some camps and gravel roads in the far northern areas of the park have been closed for the interim after heavy rains occurred in the area since the early morning hours of Monday.
Reynold Thakhuli, SanParks acting Head of Communications said in a media release on SanParks’ website on Tuesday that various parts of the park, and in particular the far north have received heavy rains since the early hours of Monday.
Thakhuli explained that a decision was taken to close most gravel roads in the park for safety reasons. Gravel roads and remote camps mostly in the north have temporarily been closed and guests booked in the flagged camps are being moved to safer camps. “These closures are necessary to ensure visitors’ safety during this time and we would like to advise guests to stick to the tar roads whilst driving inside the park,” Thakhuli added.
The affected camps and gravel roads are Nyalaland Wilderness Trail, Sirheni Bush Camp, Bateleur Bush Camp (only accessible via Nkokodzi turn-off), Balule Camp, Talamati Bush Camp, Pafuri Gate and Tshokwane and Muzandzeni Picnic Sites, while the Sand River low water bridge will also be inaccessible. All gravel roads in the Nxanatseni (north) Region of the park from Pafuri to Letaba will be closed; with the exception of the Giriyondo gravel road as it will be operational but monitored closely. Biyamiti will be accessible via S25.
Thakhuli advised visitors to avoid roads marked ‘No Entry’ or blocked with other objects. He urged visitors to call Emergency Centre numbers 013 735 0197 or 076 801 9679 and said that most of the areas in the park do not have mobile phone coverage. He encouraged visitors who have access to social media platforms to assist by posting valuable updates on the SanParks – Kruger National Park web page.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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