Karoo National Park closes all game viewing roads after heavy rain

update (22 September 2026): The majority of the routes in the Karoo National Park are still closed due to damage experienced as a result of heavy rains of late. Lammertjiesleegte and Potlekkertjie Loop are currently the only ones open to be driven. 

update (18 September 2026): As a result of the adverse weather conditions, Karoo National Park is experiencing limited to no cell phone/3G coverage. The Park's landlines are also sporadically affected.  

update (17 September 2026): SANParks has announced that all roads in the Karoo National Park, except for Lammertjiesleegte, have been closed again due to massive rainfall over the Central Karoo. Forecasts indicate more rain over the coming days. 

In other news - 07 September 2026: South African National Parks (SANParks) confirmed that Karoo National Park is not affected by the unavailability of water which is currently affecting Beaufort West after last week's thunderstorm during which water pipes servicing the town were damaged. 

update - 07 September 2026: South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an infrastructure update after last week's rain in Karoo National Park:

• Lammertjiesleegte is open, but drivers need to take care at the section that is washed away. Roadworks have started on gravel road to Bulkraal picnic site.
• Bulkraal picnic site swimming pool was flooded. Cleaning operations have commenced
• Potlekkertjie loop is open. However, guests need to take care and turn back if the sections are not suitable to continue on. It is not advisable for lower sedan cars to attempt to drive these routes.
• Upon arrival, Reception will advise all visitors on the routes to be taken or steered clear of. 

Visitors to Karoo National Park should note that all game viewing roads have been temporarily closed following excessive overnight rain between 03 and 04 September 2026.

South African National Parks (SANParks) said Park Management will inspect the roads and assess them for safety before they are reopened. A further update will be issued once the roads are safe for visitors.

The closure is likely to affect self-drive game viewing, so travellers visiting Karoo National Park should check the latest conditions before setting out and be prepared for changes to their plans.

The weather-related closure follows recent road repairs in Karoo National Park, highlighting how road conditions in the park can change.

We'll update this post when SANParks announces the reopening of the game viewing roads.

 

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