Image Source: Latest Sightings
Local – Director of Tingana Collection, Safraaz Suliman, recommends postponing travel to the Kruger National Park region due to devastating floods that continue to impact the area, with water levels rising and multiple camps evacuated.
Major rivers, including the Crocodile, Sabie, Olifants and Letaba, are experiencing exceptionally high water levels that have surpassed historical flood markers from February 2000.
The rising waters have forced SANParks to evacuate visitors from several camps and close multiple gates across the park.
“The floods that we are seeing currently are amongst the most severe that this region has seen… they’ve exceeded the previous flood level markers, particularly the February 2000 levels.”
No Fatalities Reported
Despite the extensive damage and displacement of surrounding communities, Suliman praised SANParks for their proactive response which has prevented any loss of life or injuries.
He noted the organisation’s round-the-clock efforts to evacuate people in advance and monitor conditions.
“Thankfully, there have been no fatalities or injuries… It’s the dedication and the hard work of all the SANParks members on the ground that have done really well in all their efforts.”
Rising Water Levels
Water levels continued to rise overnight, with Suliman reporting faster-flowing rivers following his assessment at the Crocodile Bridge gate.
He advised against travel to the area, noting that washed-away bridges and overflowing rivers have created dangerous conditions unsuitable for visitors.
“My recommendation to people is to rather postpone your travel as conditions are not ideal for travelling, especially now that the rivers are overflowing, and bridges have been washed away.”
Suliman said animals instinctively move to higher ground before floods arrive. He acknowledged this extreme weather patterns represent a longer-term climate shift requiring the tourism industry to adapt through strengthened infrastructure and sustainable operations at Tingana Collection’s lodges.
