Johannesburg - Several facilities in the Kruger National Park were closed on Friday due to flooding, SA National Parks (SANParks) said.
“All main camps are accessible except bush camps which are closed as a precautionary measure,” SANParks spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli said.
These included the Talamati and Biyamiti bush camps and the Wolhuter, Boesman, and Olifants trails camps.
The Shimuwini, Bateleur, Sirheni, and Balule camps were still closed from Thursday, Thakhuli said.
The ten perimeter units at Berg-en-Dal had also been closed.
“No camp has been damaged,” Thakhuli said.
Several lodges at the park, including Shishangeni, Imbali, Tinga, and Jock of the Bushveld, had also been closed.
The Tshokwane picnic spot had also been closed.
Guests were advised to contact the park authorities to make alternative arrangements.
“All our main camps are not affected and the park is still accessible,” Thakhuli said.
Roads and bridges in the park had also been affected by the flooding.
All gravel roads in the Marula Region, as well as the Crocodile Bridge Gate, were closed, Thakhuli said.
The H1/1 road between Pretoriuskop and Skukuza, the S60 between Punda Maria and Pafuri, the H14 between Mopani and Phalaborwa, and the H1-2 between Skukuza and Tshokwane were still closed.
However, the H3 from Skukuza to Malelane was reopened on Friday morning and the northern part of the park was accessible via H12, Thakhuli said.
Flooding at the park had caused damage to some of the water pumps at the camps, including the Lower Sabie, Pretoriuskop, Nkuhlu, Crocodile Bridge, Olifants, Skukuza, and Talamati camps.
Temporary water supply was available at these camps and guests were advised to use water sparingly.
The electricity and water supply at the Tshokwane Picnic Site had been cut off.
“Temporary ablutions and a water tanker will be sent,” Thakhuli said. - Sapa