06 May 2026

Karoo National Park Flood Alert: Roads closed after heavy rainfall

Travellers planning a visit to South Africa’s Karoo National Park should be aware of significant disruptions following intense rainfall in the region.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that all internal roads in the Karoo National Park are currently closed, with the only accessible routes being those connecting the entrance gate to the main rest camp and campsite. This severely limits movement within the park and impacts self-drive game viewing—one of the key highlights for visitors.

By 10:00 this morning, the main rest camp had already recorded more than 60mm of rainfall, with additional precipitation forecast over the next 24 hours. These conditions have led to waterlogged terrain, unsafe driving conditions, and an increased risk of further closures.

What this means for travellers

  • Restricted access: Visitors can still enter the Karoo National Park, but movement is limited to essential routes only.
  • Game viewing disruption: Most gravel roads remain impassable, significantly reducing wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Safety first: Flooded or muddy roads pose a serious risk—strict adherence to Karoo National Park's regulations is essential.
  • Potential itinerary changes: Travellers should consider flexible plans or alternative destinations in the region.

Travel tip

If you’re en route to the Karoo National Park, monitor updates from SANParks closely and consider postponing your visit until conditions improve. For those already in the park, staying at the rest camp remains safe, but outdoor activities may be limited until the weather stabilises.

As always in the Karoo, weather patterns can shift quickly—but heavy rainfall events like this can have a lingering impact on road infrastructure for several days.

 

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