update (11 May 2026)
As of 09 May 2026, conditions across Garden Route National Park have improved following recent severe weather, with SANParks
confirming the selective reopening of several visitor facilities. In the Tsitsikamma Section, the restaurant and popular Mouth Trail, including the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, are once again open to visitors. However, major hiking routes, including the famous Otter Trail, remain closed until further notice. Nature’s Valley Rest Camp also remains closed due to ongoing electricity and water supply disruptions.
In the Knysna Section, access to Diepwalle and Harkerville remains difficult as teams continue clearing debris and restoring infrastructure following flooding impacts. Visitors to the Knysna Estuary are advised to exercise extra caution, as floating debris and displaced channel markers continue to affect navigation. SANParks has also warned the public not to touch or consume marine life washed ashore, as some species may be toxic or dangerous. The demarcated swimming area remains closed until safety bouys have been repositioned, while access to the St James public slipway is currently limited and boat launching is discouraged.
In the Wilderness Section, accommodation facilities remain operational and some visitor facilities have reopened, offering travellers a more stable base for exploring the area. However, all recreational water-based activities remain suspended pending further safety assessments. Travellers planning a trip to the Garden Route are strongly advised to check the latest official updates before departure, as conditions and access may continue to change at short notice.
update (08 May 2026)
Recovery operations continue across the Garden Route National Park following the recent severe weather, with several roads, hiking trails and recreational areas still closed in the Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma sections.
In the Wilderness Section, multiple roads remain badly eroded and inaccessible, while mudslides and fallen trees continue to block access in some areas. Water levels have started dropping but remain high around Swartvlei, and all recreational activities and hiking trails are still suspended. Accommodation facilities were not damaged during the storms, and SANParks says no guest cancellations have been reported.
The Knysna Section recorded an exceptional 378 mm of rainfall, causing extensive infrastructure damage and major disruptions. Key access roads, including Komsepad and Kranshoek, remain blocked by fallen trees and ongoing clearing operations. The R339 is currently only suitable for 4×4 vehicles, while some areas continue to experience power outages and limited mobile network coverage. The Thesen Island Regional and Front Offices remain operational. SANParks also confirmed that one vessel in the Knysna Estuary was destabilised during the storms, although no environmental threat has been identified.
Travellers and boat operators are being urged to exercise caution on the Knysna Estuary, where teams are removing large floating debris and several navigational channel markers were displaced by flooding.
Conditions have improved in the Tsitsikamma Section as rainfall and strong winds subside. Water levels at the Groot River near Nature’s Valley have dropped, and debris removal at the bridge is underway. However, the temporary restaurant structure at Storms River Mouth Rest Camp remains closed after flood foam inundated the facility. All hiking trails and water-based activities across the section are still suspended.
Nature’s Valley Rest Camp remains closed while damage assessments and clean-up operations continue. Visitors planning travel along the Garden Route are advised to monitor SANParks updates closely, expect delays and temporary access restrictions, and remain flexible with travel plans while recovery work continues.
update (08 May 2026)
Due to persistent severe weather, the temporary Cattle Baron Restaurant structure at the Storms River Mouth Restcamp (Garden Route National Park) is temporarily closed. The building is currently blanketed in sea foam, and operations will resume once it is safe to do so.
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South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced widespread disruptions across the Garden Route National Park as relentless rainfall and severe weather continue to impact the region following an Orange Level 8 warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
Travellers planning visits to the park are advised to expect closures, restricted access and ongoing safety operations across multiple sections of the Garden Route National Park.
Nature’s Valley camp temporarily closed
The biggest impact has been felt in the Tsitsikamma Section, where Nature’s Valley Camp has been temporarily closed due to persistent heavy rainfall and flooding concerns.
SANParks confirmed that all guests were safely evacuated from the camp. Authorities also noted that the Groot River Mouth at Nature’s Valley opened naturally, allowing excess floodwater to drain from the area.
Flooding and wind damage in Knysna
In the Knysna Section, the Thesen Island Office has been forced to close after flooding and wind damage affected the building.
SANParks warned that coastal surges combined with incoming high tides could lead to road closures in low-lying areas near the Knysna Estuary. Travellers in and around Knysna are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas.
Wilderness section camping closed
Conditions have also deteriorated in the Wilderness Section, where all campers have been relocated to formal accommodation facilities for safety reasons.
SANParks has closed the North Camp at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp, while the Touw River Mouth and Swartvlei Mouth were artificially opened to relieve rising water levels and reduce flood risks.
Hiking, cycling and water activities suspended
All hiking trails, cycling routes and water-based activities throughout the park remain suspended until further notice.
SANParks teams, working alongside Disaster Management agencies, continue to monitor conditions across affected areas and respond to weather-related incidents. Damage assessments to roads, camps and other infrastructure will only begin once conditions are safe enough for inspections.
Travellers urged to monitor updates
SANParks says all sections of the Garden Route National Park remain under close observation, with restricted access still in place due to flooding, strong winds and storm-related impacts.
Travellers heading to the Garden Route over the coming days should closely monitor official SANParks and weather updates, as further closures and operational changes remain possible while severe weather persists.
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