Severe flooding in South Africa has caused extensive damage to Kruger National Park, one of the country’s most iconic tourist destinations, with repairs expected to cost over 500 million rand ($30 million) and take up to five years, authorities said on Thursday.
The park was temporarily closed last week after heavy rains caused several rivers to overflow their banks. Fifteen tourist camps remain closed, with some areas completely inaccessible, according to Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp. Hundreds of visitors were evacuated safely, and no fatalities were reported.
“The recent floods that we’ve experienced have had a devastating effect on the park,” Aucamp told Reuters. “The indication is that it will take as long as five years to repair all the bridges and roads and other infrastructure.”
Reuters journalists who visited the park last week observed bridges submerged under rushing water, with hippos swimming among treetops. Park officials said they were not overly concerned about the wildlife, as animals instinctively move to higher ground, though they warned local residents to be cautious of displaced crocodiles.
The floods come amid increasingly severe weather in southeastern Africa, fueled by climate change and stronger storms in the Indian Ocean. Neighboring Mozambique is also experiencing devastating floods, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes.
Kruger National Park, a major draw for both domestic and international tourists, now faces a long recovery period to restore infrastructure and ensure visitor access.
