South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an important update regarding rising water levels in the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Heavy rainfall across the region has caused the Orange River to swell significantly through December 2025, and levels continue to increase. These conditions may affect travel plans and access to certain camps. Visitor safety remains the highest priority, and some areas of the Park currently cannot be accessed safely.
Camps & operations affected by flooding
The following facilities are directly impacted and temporarily inaccessible due to high water levels
- Sendelingsdrift Pontoon (Border Crossing)
- De Hoop – Block C
- Tatasberg Wilderness Camp
Estimated closure timeframes
Based on past flooding events, SANParks has provided the following provisional closure periods:
- Tatasberg Wilderness Camp
- 08 December 2025 – 31 December 2025
- The area needs sufficient time to dry after river levels recede. Road reconstruction will begin once conditions are safe.
- De Hoop – Block C
- 08 December 2025 – 31 December 2025
- Reassessments will be carried out as soon as water levels start dropping.
- Road R12 (De Hoop Block C – Richtersberg)
- 08 December 2025 – 31 December 2025
- The road will remain closed until the surrounding terrain becomes stable enough for repairs.
- Sendelingsdrift Pontoon
- Closed until further notice
- Operations will resume once water levels allow safe crossings.
Open camps & safe areas
All other accommodation and wilderness camps remain fully operational, including:
Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp, Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp, De Hoop Blocks A & B, Potjiespram, Richtersberg, and Kokerboomkloof.
Options for affected travellers
To minimise the impact on your travel plans, SANParks is offering several flexible solutions at no extra cost:
- Alternative accommodation (no modification or cancellation fees)
- Credit on Hand (C.O.H.) to move your booking to a future date
- Full refunds for affected reservations
SANParks continues to monitor conditions closely and is committed to ensuring visitor safety and comfort throughout this period of flooding. Travellers are encouraged to get in touch with SANParks to make alternative arrangements or adjust existing bookings.
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