New emergency fund established to help rebuild the Kruger National Park

Following the heavy rainfall in the north-eastern provinces of South Africa that devastated the Kruger National Park and forced its temporary closure, South African National Parks (SANParks) have committed to establishing the Kruger Relief Fund.

According to SANParks, this is to help with rebuilding efforts, emergency supplies and any other necessities for the park that welcomes approximately 1.8 million to 2 million people annually.

The fund will be managed and audited by two independent auditing firms, said the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE).

Last week, the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest and second oldest safari park, the park temporarily closed its gates.

This was after several rivers that run through it burst their banks as the result of days of heavy rains.

Tourists already staying at lodges inside the park were permitted to stay, apart from areas around the Letaba river that were evacuated.

Reuters TV footage showed vast areas of the park submerged by fast-flowing water, with treetops poking out of the floods and hippos swimming between them. Signs announced that roads were closed. 

“While we have witnessed major disruptions and damage owing to the heavy rains in Mpumalanga and Limpopo over the last few days, what has been even more incredible to witness has been the well-planned and executed response from the Park,” said DFFE Minister Willie Aucamp.

“Our early warning systems meant that the emergency teams could act timeously to evacuate staff and guests in a coordinated manner,” he added.

The Minister praised the team for their safety-first, human-centric approach despite disruptions like road closures, power outages, and service interruptions.

Although the indications are that the disruptive rainfall may continue over the next couple of days, Aucamp said that the SANParks team and emergency services “are well-equipped to manage the situation.”

Gates closed and other essential information

The Skukuza to Phabeni Gate route is currently closed due to flooding, as a stream has cut off access along the S1 road. Phabeni Gate is therefore inaccessible via Skukuza at this stage.

Orpen Gate will remain closed until further notice due to safety concerns. The northern part of the KNP remains inaccessible and as result all gates in the north are closed.

There is now a gate quota system with immediate effect.

A gate quota system will apply at:

• Malelane Gate;
• Numbi Gate; and
• Paul Kruger Gate

Open Safari Vehicles will form part of these gate quotas.

Guests are requested to ensure that their vehicles have fuel as the filling stations at camps might be affected by the persisting rain.

Essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers, with proof of a valid flight ticket, and officials will be allowed entry through Paul Kruger Gate only.

“We are grateful that no loss of lives has been recorded and evacuations have progressed smoothly,” concluded Aucamp.