A week of rain: Kruger’s rivers in full flood

Posted by David Henning on 20 February 2023

SANParks warned of continued floods in Kruger National Park (KNP) as the slow-moving cut-off low pressure was predicted to bring heavy rain over South Africa’s interior.

SANParks staff clearing a river crossing.

In the past week, KNP staff have had to work overtime to clear roads, repair infrastructure, and assist visitors to the park.

The last statement from SANParks on 19 February stated that the Lowveld region is expected to have a drying-out phase over the next week.

Authorities are, however weary of Tropical Storm Freddy in the Indian Ocean, which is set to make landfall in Madagascar before tracking over central Mozambique and northern Zimbabwe.

Sanparks further commented:

  • In terms of river flows, the past week has seen continuous but patchy rain, with the most significant rains being in the headwaters of the Sabie River and Crocodile River; as a result, this has maintained high summer flows down towards the KNP, and as a result, we expect Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge access to guests to remain closed for the next 48 hours at least
  •  As a result of these significant rains, the Inyaka Dam on the Sabie River is now over 100%, the first time in 7 years and is now spilling; this is good news for it’s users for the upcoming winter season. All important dams upstream of KNP are now spilling, namely, Blyde Dam on the Olifants, Tzaneen Dam on the Letaba, Nandoni Dam on the Luvuvhu
  • The Olifants River remains in high flow conditions (>550 cumec), but high-level bridge access to the north of KNP remains open; Balule low-water bridge will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable
  • Letaba River (>130 cumec) also has good summer flows but not in flood conditions.
  • Shingwedzi River in moderate flows at this stage
  • Limpopo River is good summer flows (>600 cumec at Beitbridge) but not flood condition, and the Luvuvhu River is also having good summer flows but not in flood – this is great replenishment conditions for the Makuleke Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance
  • No significant ecological impacts have been noted at this stage, we will wait for the waters to recede to monitor further
  • Most dirt road access in southern KNP remains closed as the smaller streams and crossings are still flowing quite strong

However, it has been an eventful trip for many visitors to the park, with many having to navigate the inclement weather and overflowing river crossings, like in the video below.

‘My wife and I were part of the rescue convoy that left Lower Sabie and took a dirt road route to safety… The very front vehicle got stuck after pulling three cars to safety. The bakkie got stuck going to the help of the kombi, and the kombi (filled with UK visitors) got stuck in a deep sloot,’ commented Peter Mellineux, a visitor to the park.

‘The block was quickly cleared – how? Because everyone sprang into action and everyone helped even if it was only to clap and cheer as the vehicles were pulled out,’ Peter continued. ‘ Huge cheer for everyone on the convoy – I never heard a cross word, only encouragement and camaraderie that astonished me. And, of course, a huge shout out to all the parks employees who worked to get the roads passable.’

‘I don’t know who this ranger is but I think he deserves recognition for his extremely brave rescue of the stranded tourist on Lower Sabie Bridge. At times the water was over his knees but he remained steadfast until the job was done.’- Peter Mellineux

But this did not mean that guests only got stuck in the mud; they also had the privilege of witnessing rare sightings.

‘Went into the Park today via Phabeni and was again blown away by friendly, awesome staff who were quick and helpful! Had an awesome day with stunning sightings!’ Gilian Thacker commented on her experience. ‘Saw wild dogs swimming across a strong river near Skukuza and at least 30 in the pack.’

WATCH: Large pack of wild dogs swim across river in flooded Greater Kruger

May be an image of 5 people, tree and road

SANParks shared some images of the flooded river systems with the caption; ‘When a natural disaster accentuates your beauty…’

 

 

ALSO READ: South Africa: The world’s largest exporter of big cats… and their parts

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