Heavy rains flood Kruger routes

(Image: Esculapio, via Wikimedia Commons)

Kruger managing executive Abe Sibiya said heavy rainfall since Tuesday had rendered the low water bridge over the Crocodile River unsafe for human passage.

"No vehicle will be allowed to enter or exit through the Crocodile Bridge entrance gate until further notice," he said.

He said the Giriyondo Border Gate and several other Kruger tourist roads had also been affected, mostly those with low water crossings or bridges.

Closures were necessary to ensure visitors' safety. He advised guests to exercise caution and use alternative roads.

Sibiya said most gravel roads had been affected and were closed, while telephone lines at various workstations have also been affected.

The Crocodile River pictured at normal levels. (Image: Esculapio, via Wikimedia Commons)

"There is a possibility that more roads might be closed due to more water coming in. The technical services team is monitoring the situation and will find access routes for guests who are affected," said Sibiya.

He said guests who have booked in at the affected camps in the next few days have been informed of the situation.

"On behalf of management, we also take this opportunity to apologise to all our guests for the inconveniences which they may have suffered as result of this situation," he said.

The following routes have been temporarily closed:

• Crocodile Bridge Entrance Gate (Use Malelane Gate as an alternative)
  
• Giriyondo Border Gate
  
• Makhadzi Picnic Spot
  
• Shimuwini Bush Camp
  
• 9km road to Olifants Camp from main road (all access roads to Olifants closed)
  
• Road between Olifants and Satara
  
• Sirheni Bush Camp
  
• Tsendze road between Phalaborwa and Mopani. (Guests advised to use Phalaborwa-Letaba road.)
  
• Letaba Nhlanganini bridge
  
• Letaba Camp - filling station and camping site affected
  
• H25 gravel road - between Malelane Gate and Crocodile Bridge Camp
  
• S145 - to Talamati Bush Camp
  
• H1/2 - between H4/1 and H12 (low water bridges at Sabie and Sand Rivers)
  
• S23 Biyamiti Loop
  
• H1 - 3 - Nwa'sitsotso (Tshokwane high water bridge)
  
• Lower Sabie dam (low water bridge)
  
• Tshokwane Picnic Site
  
• Routes to Imbali, Tinga and Shishangeni Private Lodges
  
• Gravel road to Balule Bush Camp