31 January 2012

The Kruger National Park Calendar - March

Weather:
  • end of summer...
  • still hot and humid during the day, but nights begin to get colder
  • last major rainfalls of the season
Temperatures:
  • between 18°C - 33°C (Fahrenheit: e.g. 33°C = [(33x9)]/5 + 32 = 91.4°F)
  • visit travelcomments.com/webcams_sa.htm and follow daily game drives via webcam to check the weather & how the landscape is changing during the year

Landscape:
  • Water availability at its peak
  • river levels high
  • dense vegetation
  • grasslands in full seed
Animal Activity:
  • animal dispersal at its widest
  • animals rather relaxed - least competition for resources
  • water sources throughout the park are usually full
  • buffalo & kudu breeding peak
  • many migrant birds leaving

Korean Air to launch direct flights between Seoul & Nairobi

Korea's largest airline, Korean Air, will introduce its first nonstop link to East Africa on a scheduled basis. From 21 June 2012 the airline will offer three weekly flights between Seoul Incheon <> Nairobi in Kenya. Korea's flag carrier will operate an Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the route.
The flying time for the Seoul > Nairobi leg is 13:15hrs (14hrs from September 2012), so that this route will become the presently longest scheduled nonstop flight to be operated on board an Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Korean Air is already code-sharing on fellow SkyTeam carrier Kenya Airways' flights between Nairobi and Bangkok, providing a quick connection to Seoul on the other four days of the week.

South Africa: Five crocodiles introduced at Tau Game Lodge

The Tau Game Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, located 90 km north of Zeerust and only three to four hours' drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, has introduced five crocodiles to the waterhole in front of the lodge. The five crocs are just three years old, but even so they’re already two metres long.

 

The crocodiles, which are coming from a crocodile farm in Groot Marico, have been notched for identification purposes. They are currently in a holding area on one side of the waterhole, where they will be given time to adapt to their new environment. A croc-proof fence has been erected to ensure the safety around the waterhole.

Comair suspends flights from Johannesburg to Nelspruit & Vilanculos

Comair Limited,  operator of British Airways in South Africa and kulula.com, has announced that it will stop its Johannesburg <> Nelspruit service as of 11 Feb 2011. In addition to that the airline also confirmed that it will suspend the Johannesburg <> Vilanculos (Mozambique) service. Federal Air, one of the market leader in aviation shuttle and charter services, will continue with the service under its own brand.

30 January 2012

Accommodation near Cape Town International Airport (CTIA)

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is the primary airport serving the city of Cape Town, is the second busiest airport in South Africa and third busiest in Africa. Located approximately 20 km from the city centre, the airport was opened in 1954.
Cape Town International Airport is the only airport in the Cape Town metropolitan area that offers scheduled passenger services.


View Cape Town International Airport in a larger map


Accommodation establishments close to (max. 9km air-line distance) Cape Town International Airport:
Some of the accommodation establishments close to the airport are offering shuttles to and from the aiport. In case they don't, see Cape Town Airport Shared Arrival Transfer or Cape Town Airport Shared Departure Transfer

South Africa: Inside the hyena feast (video)

Filmed in the MalaMala Game Reserve in South Africa, the following video shows how close wildlife filmmaker Kim Wolhuter gets to a pack of wild hyenas. He even gets that close and personal with the beasts that he could film them in the middle of a night kill!


MalaMala Game Reserve is the largest private Big Five game reserve in South Africa. Comprising 13300ha, MalaMala shares a 19km unfenced border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park, and lies strategically sandwiched between the National Park and the Sabi Sand Reserve.

27 January 2012

Skateboarding film: The City of Johannesburg

A great city portrait, but not a usual one! It shows the City of Johannesburg from a skater's perspective. Kudos to the local skateboarding community as well as to Reporobait, a South African independent online resource for skateboarding related activities, for sharing the video!


If you want to know more about skateboarding in Johannesburg and South Africa, contact the dudes from Reporobait and/or check the map on their website.

Oman Air to change Tanzania flight schedule

The national airline of Oman, Oman Air, is increasing its service to Zanzibar from 3 weekly to 5 weekly from 25 March 2012. The flight continues from Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam. The overall service to Dar Es Salaam remains daily, although nonstop in both direction will operate twice weekly instead of four.
  • Muscot (MCT) 10:30hrs > 14:50hrs Zanzibar (ZNZ) 15:40hrs > Dar Es Salaam (DAR) 16:15hrs
  • Dar Es Salaam (DAR) 17:15hrs > Muscat (MCT) 23:40hrs
  • Muscat (MCT) 10:50hrs > Dar Es Salaam (DAR) 15:00hrs
  • Dar Es Salaam (DAR) 16:00hrs – Muscat (MCT) 22:25hrs
Oman Air operates scheduled domestic and international passenger services, as well as regional air taxi and charter flights. The airline's hub is Muscat International Airport. Omain Air currently operates flights to Cairo, Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar in Africa, as well as to 17 destinations in South Asia, 14 destinations in Southwest Asia and to 6 destinations (Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Milan, Zürich & London) in Europe.

26 January 2012

Responsibletravel: Adventure holidays with special offers in Southern & Eastern Africa

Check out responsibletravel.com's pick of late availability holidays & special offers in Southern & Eastern Africa. Please note these trips can change day to day without notice, so don't delay!

Small group Botswana safari
Accommodated safari through Botswana, from €1995 (14 days) ex flights
11 Mar 2012 Special offer: Euro 1945.00 pps + US $300 (GB £191) local payment

Luxury safari and Victoria Falls holiday
Tour the highlights of South Africa and Zambia, from £1320 (7 days) ex flights
5% OFF! Book any of our tours and you will receive a 5% discount on the tour price.

Cape Town to Victoria Falls camping safari
An epic journey through Southern Africa, from €1895 (21 days) ex flights
29 Mar 2012 Special offer: Euro 1845.00 pps + ZAR 1,900 (GB £153) local payment

Biking holiday in Kenya & Tanzania
Travel at the pace of Africa on this mountain bike adventure, from NZ $4190/ GB £2,196 (16 days) ex flights
Early Bird Discount. 5% off all 2012 trips booked before Febuary 29th.

Uganda volunteering projects, Bwindi National Park

Tailored volunteer-travel trips near Bwindi National Park, from £995 - £2550 (12 weeks) ex flights
Right now, we're exploring the globe for pioneers. if you're an adventurous and ambitious soul and if you'd enjoy being one of our intrepid travellers book any of our volunteering trips before April 2012, travel within the year and save 20%!

Malawi volunteer projects
Live and work on the banks of the Shire River in Malawi overlooking the stunning wilderness of Liwonde National Park, from £995 - £2550 (12 weeks) ex flights
Right now, we're exploring the globe for pioneers. if you're an adventurous and ambitious soul and if you'd enjoy being one of our intrepid travellers book any of our volunteering trips before April 2012, travel within the year and save 20%!

Victoria Falls adventure holiday, Zambia
This trip can be tailormade at any time throughout the year and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary, from US $2200 (5 days) ex flights
5% OFF! Book any of our tours and you will receive a 5% discount on the tour price.

Kruger National Park safari, South Africa
The tour starts at Tshukudu Game Lodge near the Kruger National Park and can be tailor-made, departures can be arranged all year, from £580 (5 days) ex flights
5% OFF! Book any of our tours and you will receive a 5% discount on the tour price.

Western Cape self drive holiday, South Africa
Tailor-made self drive tour around South Africa's Western Cape, departures can be arranged all year, from £660 (12 days) ex flights
5% OFF! Book any of our tours and you will receive a 5% discount on the tour price.

Cape winelands self drive holiday, South Africa
Tailor-made self drive tour around South Africa's Cape winelands, departures can be arranged all year, from £550 (8 days) ex flights.
5% OFF! Book any of our tours and you will receive a 5% discount on the tour price.

Garden Route self drive hoiday, South Africa
Tailor-made self drive tour along South Africa's Garden Route, departures can be arranged all year, from £1930 (13 days) ex flights
5% OFF! Book any of our tours and you will receive a 5% discount on the tour price.

Table Mountain Cableway will be closed for annual maintenance in July/August

Like every year, Cape Town's Table Mountain Cableway will close for for some days in winter for its annual maintenance. In 2012 the Cableway will be closed from 23 July 2012 and will reopen on 06 August 2012 if weather permits. The Cableway Visitor Centre will be open during this period and will operate normally.

Lower Cable Station 

25 January 2012

Namibia: Naukluft Mountains travel tips

The Naukluft Mountains are a massif in central Namibia, forming the easternmost part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The mountains are known for their wildlife, including the rare klipspringers, mountain zebras and leopards, as well as for their Quivertrees, clear rock pools, their many small streams and waterfalls. Toast Coetzer from South Africa's outdoor & travel magazine "Go!" visited the area and shot the following video footage. Cheers & kudos!


1. Buellsport Guest Farm is located 50km south of Solitaire and about 250km southwest of Windhoek. Hiking is the main acitivity at the farm.
2. The Quivertree Gorge hiking trail is Buellsport Guest Farm's most popular trail. The trail is about 5km long.
3. Camping at Naukluft Camp (booking via Namibia Wildlife Resorts) in the Namib-Naukluft National Park. The camp is know for its hiking trails, nature walks and for bird watching.
3. Tsauchab River Camp offers a family hide-out and thatch roof chalets, exclusive and private camp sites, tented bush camp, restaurant on request, farm shop, fire wood, meats and many more. All non guided activates are free for all our guests, hiking trails and 4x4 trails, natural springs, sundowner view points and swimming pool.
4. Neuras Winery, the world's driest vineyard
5. Tsauchabfontein, just down the road/river from Tsauchab River Camp, is the place to go to if you are looking for the best rock pools in the area.

Air Zimbabwe is facing possible liquidation

In response to an application filed by Zimbabwe's National Airways Workers Union and Air Transport Union demanding the payment of unpaid compensation of US$35 million going back to 2009, Air Zimbabwe was placed under judicial management by the Zimbabwean High Court.
According to Caleb Mucheche, the lawyer representing the workers of Air Zimbabwe, the struggling airline is now facing a possible liquidation after the High Court appointed a judicial manager and barred the Air Zimbabwe board from any involvement with the company.
Zimbabwe's newspaper "The New Zimbabwe" is furthermore reporting in their online edition that Air Zimbabwe is currently battling a US$140 million debt pile including obligations to the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) as well as the workers’ medical aid and pension schemes.

24 January 2012

Etihad Airways now offering inflight connectivity for passengers

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, introduced inflight passenger connectivity services, meaning that during flights guests of the airline will have full mobile connectivity, enabling them to use their own mobile phones and Smartphones to make and receive phone-calls, send and receive text messages and emails, and access mobile data services.
The airline has currently three Airbus A330-300 and one Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with the service. The A320 is used primarily for short-haul routes throughout the Middle East, and some mid-length routes such as Istanbul, Athens, Minsk, Cochin, Bangalore and Mahé in the Seychelles and the A330-300 will be used on long-haul flights to Frankfurt, London, Paris, Geneva, Casablanca and Seoul.
During the launch phase, Etihad Airways will offer inflight mobile and tablet connectivity from USD 10 and laptop Wi-Fi internet connectivity from USD 20. Mobile telephone calls will be charged according to the international roaming rates of guests’ mobile network provider.
Etihad Airways serves 82 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, with a fleet of 64 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and 100 aircraft on order, including 10 Airbus A380s, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

"Malawi in a Mini" - a roadtrip around Malawi

Sarah & Lisa, two photojournalists from South Africa's travel & outdoor magazine "Getaway", took a Mini in September & October 2011 and travelled all the way from Johannesburg up to Lake Malawi, travelled around the lake and, according to the pics, had a perfect jol at the Lake of Stars festival. If you are planning such trip, check out the video below and read their blog for some great travel info! Enjoy! Kudos @ Sarah, Lisa & Getaway!


Sarah & Lisa's stops along the way included:

Cheetahs released in Mabula Private Game Reserve

Two male two-and-a-half-year-old cheetahs have been introduced to the Mabula Private Game Reserve in Limpopo. The reserve is about 12,000 hectares in area and is about 45 km from Bela Bela (Warmbaths). This is the first time cheetah have been introduced to the reserve.


Both cats were born and grew up in the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in the Western Cape and are completely independent from their mother and have been hunting on their own for at least six months. Before they were introduced into the Mabula Private Game Reserve, the cats spent some weeks in a boma to become familiar with their surroundings and to curb their instinct to run away, in an attempt to return to where they came from.

23 January 2012

Short film: "Majingilane - The Story of Lion Warfare" (15min)

Back in June 2010 the so-called Majingilane coalition, a group of ousted male lions believed to have come into the area from either the Manyeleti Game Reserve or Kruger National Park, arrived in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Shortly thereafter the lions began to take control from the resident Mapogo coalition of lions. Since that day in June 2010 the rangers, trackers and guests of the Londolozi Game Reserve and its surrounding properties have witnessed this reality. "Majingilane - The Story of Lion Warfare", a 15min short film, tells us their story!


Gulf Air to increase Bahrain <> Nairobi service

update (22 Feb 2012): Gulf Air will operate the service with two sets of schedules, replacing the previously planned unified schedule.

Bahrain (BAH) 10:15hrs > Nairobi (NBO) 15:15hrs
Bahrain (BAH) 21:30hrs -  Nairobi (NBO) 02:30hrs+1 (effective 29 May 2012)
Nairobi (NBO) 03:15hrs - Bahrain (BAH) 08:05hrs  (effective 29 May 2012)
Nairobi (NBO) 16:00hrs > Bahrain (BAH) 20:50hrs

The flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air, will increase its Bahrain <> Nairobi service from 5 to 6 weekly flights as of 29 May 2012. In addition, the schedule on this route will be unified to day-time departure from 25 March 2012.

Bahrain (BAH) 10:15hrs > Nairobi (NBO) 15:15hrs
Nairobi (NBO) 16:00hrs > Bahrain (BAH) 20:50hrs

Gulf Air operates scheduled services to 45 destinations in 28 countries across Africa, Asia and Europe. Its main base is Bahrain International Airport. The airline is part of the Oneworld global explorer fare and has currently extensive codeshare agreements with Ethiopian Airlines, American Airlines, Egypt Air, KLM and 14 other airlines.

20 January 2012

Kumuka: 30% off January Big Save Sale

January, there is no better time to make huge savings on your next big adventure and this weekend Kumuka are offering a rare opportunity to get 30% OFF your next tour. Ends this Sunday 22 Jan 2012.

How to take advantage of this offer:


1. Choose Your Tour
Kumuka are offering this amazing discount on tours in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and The Middle East. Simply vist Kumuka' website to browse the wide range of tours available.

2. Select Your Currency
Book in the currency of your choice $USD, GBP or Euro and take advantage of exchange rates to save even more on your next big adventure.

3. Use Promo Code
Use the promotional code BIGSAVE12 when booking.

3. Book Now
Book between 20 - 22 January 2012. Book with your travel agent or book online at Kumuka' website.

Update your city maps - new road names in Cape Town

update (23 Feb 2012): Residents of Cape Town have until the end of March to comment on the renaming of 27 streets, the City of Cape Town said on Thursday. [more info] 

Travellers coming to Cape Town should keep in mind that the City of Cape Town is currently in the process of re-naming various streets. Four of Cape Town's roads already got new names, while eight of the city's most widely used roads are in the queue to get re-named.

The four roads that already got a new name are
The pedestrian section of Castle Street is to be renamed after Khoisan leader Krotoa.

The seven roads to be re-named are:
  • update (21 Feb 2012): To view the list of proposed all proposed name changes affecting streets & public places, click here. For more info about all 27 naming proposals in Cape Town, click here.
  • Hendrik Verwoerd Drive
  • Jip de Jager Street
  • Willie van Schoor Drive
  • Vanguard Drive
  • Lansdowne Road
  • Jan Smuts Drive
  • NY1

19 January 2012

Emirates to launch direct flights to Uganda in March 2012

Dubai's flag carrier, Emirates, will introduce a direct service between Dubai and Entebbe in Uganda. Entebbe, situated about 40km southwest of Kampala, is the location of Entebbe International Airport, Uganda's largest commercial airport.
Starting 25 March 2012, Emirates will operate an Airbus A330-200 on its Entebbe routes in a three-class configuration, featuring 12 luxurious First Class seats, 42 seats in Business Class and generous space for 183 passengers in Economy Class.
Flight EK 729 will depart Dubai at 08:25hrs each day, arriving in Entebbe at 12:35hrs. The return leg, EK 730, will leave the Ugandan city at 15:40hrs and get into Dubai at 21:55hrs.
With a fleet of 168 aircraft and the largest A380 and Boeing 777 operator in the world, Emirates currently serves 20 destinations in the African continent, with new services to Zambia and Zimbabwe starting from February 2012.
Passengers on all Emirates’ flights also have the added bonus of extra baggage allowance with 30 kilogrammes permitted for those travelling in Economy Class, 40 kilogrammes for Business Class and 50 kilogrammes for First Class passengers.
To date, Emirates’ Entebbe route has been operated as a linked service with Addis Adaba.

Zambia: Livingstone to host 200th David Livingstone celebrations in 2013

The Zambian town of Livingstone is going to host a festival to celebrate bicentenary of its founder David Livingstone between March and October 2013.
David Livingstone, born on 19 March 1813 in Scotland, was the first European to set eyes on the Victoria Falls in the mid-1890s, which he named after Queen Victoria. The town of Livingstone, in turn, was named after him.
The recently formed Livingstone Arts, Cultural & Sporting Events Development Organisation is, in cooperation with the local community, businesses, the government and other organisations, organising the festival, which is expected to be officially launched by the Zambian government between February & March 2012.
The Livingstone festival will be a feast of cultural and sporting events including an international arts exhibition, theatre and street theatre performances, traditional dancing, bands and concerts, soccer, seven-a-side rugby, David Livingstone Classic golf, cycling, 3-country trail marathon, motorcrosse, 4WD rally, a kite festival, multi-day events on the Zambezi, fishing and cricket.

South Africa: Santaco Airlines to start commercial operations in April 2012

update (08 May 2012): The SA National Taxi Council (Santaco) had to postpone the start of its airline again, because the council failed to secure a legally binding agreement with Standby Travel, Cape Town company. In addition, Santaco has yet to reach an agreement with Lanseria International Airport on its use.  

South Africa's latest low-budget airlines, Santaco Airlines, owned by the SA National Taxi Council (Santaco), had to postpone its start of commercial operations to April 2012. At the launch of Santaco Airlines in September 2011, Santaco announced the airline would start commercial operations in November 2011, offering services from Johannesburg to Bisho and Cape Town.
According to Santaco Spokesperson Thabisho Molelekwa, the airline is still awaiting the outcome of the license application.

Videos: Kruger National Park flooding


update (23 Jan 2012): Olifants river in the Kruger National Park after the floods of 18 Jan 2012. The river is still flowing strong and 4 elephants tries to cross it. See what happens...



Floods in Kruger National Park South Africa; Skukuza Rest Camp and low level bridge


Hoedspruit Floods Aerial Views


Olifants river at Kurhula Lodge near Hoedspruit in flood.



update (22 Jan 2012): Crocodile River near Malelane Rest Camp in Kruger National Park 2 days after the flood.



update (20 Jan 2012): Footage of the Bayamiti River in the southern Kruger National Park - usually a sand river with pools.


update (20 Jan 2012): Most of the water levels around Letaba Rest Camp in Kruger National Park have now returned to normal but some roads got washed away and are impassable. Thx to odofad for the footage!


A team from South African National Parks at Kruger National Park fixing a road damaged by floods.


update (20 Jan 2012): The Blyderivierspoort Dam at Swadini in Limpopo is overflowing after the heavy rains in the area. The major dam is on the Blyde River, which runs through farmland and villages in the Lowveld. Meanwhile clean up operations are underway in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Kruger National Park after a devastating flood.



update (19 Jan 2012): We found some more video footage showing the current flood situation in and around Kruger National Park.

Sabie River flooding in Kruger National Park at Skukuza Rest Camp.


Kruger National Park flooding - this is the Crocodile River passing through Nelspruit.


We found some video footage showing the floods in Kruger National Park. The first video was shot at the Letaba Rest Camp, located midway between the southern and northern boundaries of the Kruger National Park, on 18 Jan 2012. Thx to odofad for the footage!


The second video is showing the Crocodile River in flood at Malelane Gate Bridge on 18 Jan 2012. Thx to Luciavd for the footage!

18 January 2012

South Africa: Kruger National Park flooding

update (02 August 2012, 15:00): Kruger experienced some heavy floodings in Jan 2012. Except for some roads, all affected facilities, inclunding all camps and picnic spots, are open again. Check SANParks latest update on the Kruger National Park flood notice for some detailed info. Click here!

update (13 June 2012, 09:00): Kruger experienced some heavy floodings in Jan 2012. Some parts of the parks are still affected. SANParks has therefore published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates.

update (07 May 2012, 17:00): Kruger experienced some heavy floodings in Jan 2012. Some parts of the parks are still affected. SANParks has therefore published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates.

update (02 May 2012, 17:00): Kruger experienced some heavy floodings in Jan 2012. Some parts of the parks are still affected. SANParks has therefore published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates.

update (26 April 2012, 15:00): Kruger experienced some heavy floodings in Jan 2012. Some parts of the parks are still affected. SANParks has therefore published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (05 April 2012, 17:00): Kruger experienced some heavy floodings in Jan 2012. Some parts of the parks are still affected. SANParks has therefore published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (27 March 2012, 09:00): Kruger experienced some heavy floodings in Jan 2012. Some parts of the parks are still affected. SANParks has therefore published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (15 March 2012, 17:00): Kruger experienced some heavy floodings in Jan 2012. Some parts of the parks are still affected. SANParks has therefore published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (13 Feb 2012, 11:00): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (10 Feb 2012, 12:00): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (09 Feb 2012, 09:00): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (31 Jan 2012, 16:00): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (26 Jan 2012, 15:00): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (25 Jan 2012, 17:00): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (24 Jan 2012, 15:30): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (23 Jan 2012, 19:30): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates. 

update (23 Jan 2012, 10:30): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates.

update (20 Jan 2012): Giriyondo Border Post is open!
According to SANParks' CEO David Mabunda, no animal carcasses floating on the water were so far spotted in Kruger National Park. Rangers at the park believe the animals had sensed the disaster days before it happened and migrated to higher grounds. Kruger National Park is now 80 percent functional.

update (20 Jan 2012), 12:00): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates.

update (20 Jan 2012): While all rivers have subsided and no infrastructure is currently threatened, SANParks has decided to block access to the Kruger National Park for all day visitors, as officials will not be able to locate them should they be stranded.  

update (20 Jan 2012), 09:00): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates.

update (19 Jan 2012, 17:00): SANParks has published a new update on the current situation in Kruger National Park. The good news is that all rivers have subsided and no infrastructure is currently threatened. Click here for more info about the affected rest camps, roads and gates.

update (19 Jan 2012, 14:00): Latest Kruger National Park flood updates as at 14h00. The following areas have been affected:

Rest camps:
  • Crocodile Bridge: Camp open and Operational - (Water stopped 50m from fence).
  • Lower Sabie: Camp open and operational. 6 Tents had to be evacuated. No units flooded – water level outside fence.
  • Skukuza: No damage to rest camp – water on fence line. One house in staff village flooded. Flood damage at Skukuza Nursery.
  • Berg en Dal: Camp open and operational
  • Tshokwane Picnic Site: Serious flood damage and closed.
  • Balule: Guests and staff evacuated.
  • Letaba: Camp open and operational.
  • Olifants: Camp open and operational
  • Talamati: Still cut off flood damage.
  • Biyamiti: Still cut off – no flood damage.
  • Shimuwini: Reopened and fine
  • Orpen: Camp operational and open
  • Tamboti: Still closed
  • Maroela: Still closed
  • Sirheni:  Reopened and fine
  • All other camps north: fine
Access roads inside the park:
  • Pafuri Gate down to Mopani is fine.
  • Mopani to Phalaborwa is fine.
  • Mopani to Letaba is fineLetaba.
  • Letaba to Olifants is fine.
  • Olifants T-junction to Olifants at H8 to high level bridge is closed.
  • Olifants high level bridge to Satara is fine.
  • Satara to Orpen is fine.
  • Satara to Tshokwane is fine.
  • Tshokwane to Skukuza is fine
  • Crocodile bridge  to Lower Sabie to Skukuza is fine.
  • Crocodile bridge gate is closed due to flooded causeway.
  • Skukuza to Malelane is fine via (detour to S114).
  • Skukuza to Kruger Gate and Phabeni is closed.
  • Phabeni to Kruger gate is fine.
  • Pretoriuskop to Skukuza is closed.
  • Numbi to Pretoriuskop is fine
All gravel roads South of Letaba River are still closed.

Gates that are open:
  • Malelane to (Berg en Dal and Skukuza).
  • Numbi to (Pretoriuskop only).
  • Phalaborwa (to Letaba and Mopani).
  • Punda Mari.
  • Pafuri.
  • Kruger
  • Phabeni
Gates that are closed:
  • Croc Bridge Gate
  • Giryondo Border Post
Important Notice:
  • Guests are urged to exercise caution around rivers as crocodiles are likely to be in flat areas.
  • Day visitors will not be allowed access to the park at the moment, as the park management will not be able to locate them should they be stranded. (src. SANParks)

update (18 Jan 2012): Kruger National Park flood update as at 17h50 on 18 January 2012:

Camps not accessible:
  • Skukuza
  • Lower Sabie
  • Crocodile Bridge
  • Biyamiti
  • Talamati
  • Olifants
  • Satara
  • Balule
  • Bateleur
  • Shimuweni
  • Sirheni
  • Imbali Concession Lodge
  • Tamboti
  • Tshokwane picnic site
Gates closed:
  • Phabeni gate
  • Paul Kruger gate
  • Crocodile Bridge gate
  • Giriyondo Border gate
  • Malelane to Skukuza
  • Phalaborwa gate to Mopani
  • Letaba to Mopani
  • Olifants to Satara
  • Lower Sabie to Skukuza
  • Crocodile Bridge to Lower Sabie
All gravel roads are closed.
Lower Sabie and Skukuza are cut off and precautionary evacuations are being carried out on low lying areas, which include Staff accommodation, river view chalets and some camping grounds. The situation is under control and the SANDF is also assisting where necessary. Stranded people are being assisted. Some guests are being evacuated to nearby accommodation facilities outside the Park. (src. SANParks)

Also check News24 for pics of the flooding in Kruger!

update (18 Jan 2012): The South African government news service, BuaNews, has named even more routes in Kruger National Park that are temporarily closed:
  • Crocodile Bridge Entrance Gate (Use Malelane Gate as an alternative)
  • Giriyondo Border Gate
  • Makhadzi Picnic Spot
  • Shimuwini Bush Camp
  • 9km road to Olifants Camp from main road (all access roads to Olifants closed)
  • Road between Olifants and Satara
  • Sirheni Bush Camp
  • Tsendze road between Phalaborwa and Mopani. (Guests advised to use Phalaborwa-Letaba road.)
  • Letaba Nhlanganini bridge
  • Letaba Camp - filling station and camping site affected
  • H25 gravel road - between Malelane Gate and Crocodile Bridge Camp
  • S145 - to Talamati Bush Camp
  • H1/2 - between H4/1 and H12 (low water bridges at Sabie and Sand Rivers)
  • S23 Biyamiti Loop
  • H1 - 3 - Nwa'sitsotso (Tshokwane high water bridge)
  • Lower Sabie dam (low water bridge)
  • Tshokwane Picnic Site
  • Routes to Imbali Safari Lodge, Tinga Private Game Reserve and Shishangeni Private Lodge
  • Gravel road to Balule Bush Camp 
Tropical storm "Dando" has hit southern Mozambique since the beginning of the week and has resulted heavy rains as well as flooding in Kruger National Park. About 260mm of rain came down in 24hrs - that is about 60% of the monthly average, in one day.

The entrance gates listed below have been closed until further notice:
  • Crocodile Bridge
  • Giriyondo Border post
The road between Letaba and Satara is not accessible. Guests wishing to travel to Olifants and Letaba can only do that from Phalaborwa Gate.  All gravel roads and low level bridges must be avoided.

Currently, the following three facilities are closed:
  • Biyamiti Bush Camp
  • Shimuwini Bush Camp
  • Talamati Bush Camp
  • Tshokwane Picnic site
The Tinga Private Game Reserve is currently being evacuated and guests that were on the Sweni Wilderness Trail have already been evacuated. The National Parks helicopter is currently being used for evacuations where necessary. (src. SANParks)