iSimangaliso Wetland Park: uMkhuze temporary road closures

The uMkhuze section in South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal, has received over 273 mm of rain in the past 5 days and is expecting more significant rain in the coming days. Due to the unprecedented rainfall, some of the Park access and visitor roads got damaged and have therefor been temporarily closed until the damage has been assessed or repaired.

• Outside of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the access road to the eMshophi Gate has been damaged and it is not advisable for sedans or low clearance vehicles to use this road. The Department of Transport is aware of the problem and has been requested to intervene urgently;
• The Ophansi Gate access route from the R22 is also in a poor state and wis not advisable to attempt to access this by sedan. High clearance and 4×4 vehicles would still be able to access these entrances subject to road works and repairs that may result in further temporary closures;
• The road down south at the Mlambamude crossing has been closed by the South Loop turn off due to the bridge being undercut and more than half the road washed away;
• The road to iNsumo Pan (hides and picnic site) has been closed due to dangerous river crossings and flooding subject to further assessment as waters recede;
• Loop Road and the road to the Lebombo Tower area have been badly eroded. Only vehicles with high road clearance i.e. bakkies and bigger SUVs will be allowed until the road has been graded.