Showing posts with label South African National Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South African National Park. Show all posts

11 May 2026

Travel Alert: Severe weather disrupts West Coast National Park

Travellers planning to visit West Coast National Park are being urged to exercise caution following severe weather conditions affecting parts of the Western Cape.

According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the park has recorded wind speeds of up to 89 km/h, while several sections are currently experiencing flooding after heavy rain and strong winds swept across the region.

Visitors are advised to follow all safety signage, temporary road closures and instructions from park staff, as conditions within West Coast National Park may remain hazardous in certain areas.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has also issued severe weather warnings for the Western Cape, including alerts for disruptive rainfall, damaging winds and possible flooding impacts.

SANParks is encouraging visitors to avoid unnecessary travel in affected sections of West Coast National Park and to continue monitoring official updates, as access conditions may change rapidly depending on the weather.

 

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24 March 2026

Addo Elephant National Park: Elephant contraception operation underway (24–25 March 2026)

Visitors to Addo Elephant National Park should be aware of ongoing wildlife management activities taking place on 24 and 25 March 2026, as South African National Parks (SANParks) conducts an elephant contraception programme across key sections of the park.

Where and when to expect activity

Conservation teams, supported by aerial units, are currently operating in the following areas:

  • 24 March 2026: Nyathi, Kabouga, and Darlington sections
  • 25 March 2026: Main Camp and surrounding areas

These operations form part of SANParks’ long-term ecological management strategy to maintain a sustainable elephant population and protect biodiversity within Addo Elephant National Park.

What travellers should expect

While Addo Elephant National Park remains open to visitors, travellers may encounter temporary access restrictions or be asked to move away from active operation zones.

SANParks Honorary Rangers will be on-site to assist with traffic control and provide guidance to guests.

For safety reasons, visitors are advised to:

  • Follow all instructions from rangers and officials
  • Remain inside vehicles at all times
  • Calmly vacate areas where operations are in progress
  • Allow space for both ground and aerial teams to work

Why this matters for your visit 

Elephant contraception is a critical conservation tool used to balance population growth without resorting to more invasive measures. While sightings in certain areas may be temporarily affected, the programme helps ensure a healthier ecosystem and a better long-term safari experience.

Travel tip

If you’re planning a self-drive safari in Addo Elephant National Park during these dates, consider adjusting your route early in the day and staying flexible with your itinerary to avoid affected sections.

 

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16 March 2026

Flooding disrupts access in northern Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is currently experiencing flooding in several northern and central areas following persistent rainfall, according to an update from South African National Parks (SANParks).

Heavy rain both inside and outside Kruger National Park has caused river levels to rise rapidly, particularly in the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu river systems. Authorities expect water levels to continue fluctuating in the coming days as further rainfall is forecast.

The situation is compounded by exceptionally heavy rains earlier in January, leaving surrounding catchment areas saturated and vulnerable to sudden increases in river flow.

Current Conditions in Northern Kruger

While the Shingwedzi River is rising, SANParks says water levels have not yet reached a stage requiring evacuation of guests or staff at camps. However, Kruger National Park management is closely monitoring the Shisha Stream near Babalala and Sirheni, which is currently spilling over onto the tar road.

Several camps, gates and tourist facilities in the north of Kruger National Park are temporarily affected by flooding or road closures.

Facilities currently affected include:

In addition, the Letaba High-Level Bridge remains inaccessible, with repair work suspended until further notice.

Camps and Gates Still Operating

Despite the flooding in northern sections, many parts of Kruger National Park remain open and accessible to visitors.

Operational facilities currently include:

  • Phalaborwa Gate
  • Olifants Rest Camp
  • Letaba Rest Camp (filling station, Elephant Hall and shop open)
  • Orpen Gate
  • Orpen Rest Camp
  • Satara Rest Camp
  • Tamboti and Maroela camps

In the southern Kruger National Park region, all access gates and camps remain open. However, Biyamiti Bush Camp can currently only be reached via the Crocodile Bridge entrance (from the S25 intersection), and there is no access to the S114 road.

Travel Advice for Kruger Visitors

Visitors travelling to Kruger National Park are advised to remain alert and follow all road signage and park instructions, as many gravel roads in the northern and central regions are temporarily closed due to flooding and water damage.

SANParks
continues to monitor river levels and road conditions closely and says the safety of guests, staff and park infrastructure remains its highest priority.

Travellers planning to visit Kruger National Park over the coming days should check the latest road and gate updates before departure, particularly if heading to the northern regions.

 

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23 January 2026

Kruger National Park Access Update: SANParks confirms eased restrictions as weather conditions improve!

last update 23 January 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued a new operational update confirming that weather conditions across Limpopo and Mpumalanga - including key areas of Kruger National Park - have improved sufficiently to allow limited easing of access restrictions.

Following ongoing safety inspections and infrastructure assessments, day and overnight visitors are now permitted to access Punda Maria Gate, Babalala Picnic Site, and Punda Maria Rest Camp with effect from Sunday, 25 January 2026.

Areas and facilities that Remain closed
Despite the improved conditions, several sections of Kruger National Park remain inaccessible due to continued safety concerns and infrastructure recovery work:

Due to limited operational facilities at this stage, Open Safari Vehicles (OSVs) are not permitted to operate anywhere in Kruger National Park until further notice.

Road conditions in Kruger National Park
SANParks has confirmed that all gravel roads across Kruger National Park remain closed. Visitors are strongly advised to plan routes carefully and adhere strictly to official guidance.

SANParks has reiterated its warning to visitors not to remove barricades or attempt to access closed roads, as these restrictions are critical to ensuring visitor safety and allowing engineers and maintenance teams to complete assessments and repairs.

Ongoing monitoring and future updates
The situation across Kruger National Park continues to be actively monitored. Access restrictions will be reviewed progressively as weather conditions stabilize further and infrastructure rehabilitation advances.

SANParks has assured visitors that additional updates will be communicated through official SANParks platforms as conditions evolve.

Visitor advisory
SANParks has thanked all visitors for their patience, cooperation, and understanding during this recovery period and encourages travelers to remain flexible with travel plans.

Travellers heading to Kruger National Park are advised to check official SANParks updates regularly before departure.

 

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01 December 2025

Eastern Cape: Addo Tourism issues route advisory for safer access to Addo Elephant National Park!

Addo Tourism, the regional tourism association representing more than 70 tourism businesses in the Greater Addo area, has issued a travel advisory for visitors heading to Addo Elephant National Park from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Travellers are strongly encouraged to avoid the R335 via Motherwell and instead use the Matyholweni Gate in Colchester or reach the Addo Main Gate via Paterson, both of which offer safer and more comfortable access to the park.


About Addo Elephant National Park

Located just an hour from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Addo Elephant National Park is South Africa’s third-largest national park and a major Eastern Cape tourism icon. Famous for its thriving elephant population, diverse wildlife, and spectacular landscapes stretching from dense thicket to dune fields and marine environments, Addo Elephant National Park offers excellent game viewing, family-friendly activities, and easy self-drive experiences year-round.

By following Addo Tourism’s recommended routes, visitors can ensure a smoother journey and enjoy everything the Greater Addo area has to offer.

 

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31 July 2025

Cape Town: SANParks confirms phased reopening of closed Tokai And Silvermine trails!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the phased reopening of popular hiking trails in the Tokai and Silvermine sections of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town following a devastating wildfire in April 2025 that burned approximately 2,800 hectares of natural landscape.

As of 01 July 2025, the following areas have officially reopened to the public:

  • Silvermine Gate 2 (eastern side of Ou Kaapse Weg) – This includes the:
    • Waterfall Trail
    • Kalk Bay Trails
    • Echo and Spes Bona Valleys
    • Boyes Drive Trails
    • Steenberg Plateau
  • Upper Tokai Trails – Most of this area is open, except Level 4 and 5, which remain closed due to unstable terrain, especially during the winter rainy season.

The following areas remain closed for now due to ongoing safety assessments and restoration efforts:

  • Silvermine Gate 1 (western side of Ou Kaapse Weg), which includes:
    • Silvermine Dam
    • Elephant’s Eye Trail
    • Silvermine Riverwalk

Hiking trails in Silvermine Gate 1 are expected to reopen by September 2025, while Silvermine Dam and the Riverwalk may only reopen in December 2025, subject to the completion of infrastructure repairs.

While some areas may look visually untouched by the fire, access restrictions remain essential for public safety and ecological rehabilitation. SANParks emphasizes that visitor safety is a top priority, and urges all trail users to respect closure signs, follow ranger instructions and avoid entering off-limits zones.
If you're planning a hike in Table Mountain National Park, especially in the Tokai or Silvermine sections, make sure to check the latest updates from SANParks and stick to officially open trails. 

Your cooperation supports both safety efforts and the long-term recovery of this iconic Cape Town natural space.

 

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10 June 2025

Table Mountain National Park: Tokai and Silvermine East trails to set to reopen after April fire! [update]

update (30 June 2025): SANParks will reopen trails in Tokai and Silvermine in phases from 01 July 2025 following the April 2025 fire that affected approximately 2,800 hectares in the area.
Silvermine Gate 2, located on the eastern side of Ou Kaapse Weg, which includes the Waterfall, Kalk Bay trails, Echo and Spes Bona Valleys, Boyes Drive, and Steenberg Plateau trails, will reopen on 01 July 2025. Likewise, Upper Tokai will reopen on the same date, excluding Level 4 & 5, which will remain closed due to unstable terrain during the rainy season.
Silvermine Gate 1, on the western side of Ou Kaapse Weg, including the Silvermine Dam, Elephant’s Eye trail, and the Silvermine Riverwalk, will remain closed. The targeted reopening for hiking trails in this area is September 2025, while the Silvermine Dam and Riverwalk are expected to reopen in December 2025, pending ongoing infrastructure restoration.
Although some trails may appear visually unaffected, access is being managed to ensure user safety and support ecological restoration. Public safety remains our priority, and SANParks urges all trail users to strictly adhere to signage, area closures, and instructions issued by rangers.  

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that several hiking trails within Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town - including those in Tokai and Silvermine East, which cover areas such as the Kalk Bay, St. James, Muizenberg mountains, and the Steenberg Plateau - will officially reopen to the public on 01 July 2025.
These trails were closed following a large wildfire in late April 2025, which scorched approximately 2,800 hectares of land. In the aftermath, SANParks initiated comprehensive post-fire safety operations, including the removal of hazardous debris, trail clean-ups, and ecological rehabilitation.
However, not all areas will be accessible. The Silvermine picnic site, the boardwalk around the dam, as well as the riverwalk and other infrastructure in Silvermine West will remain closed. These areas suffered significant fire damage - infrastructure such as boardwalks was destroyed, and the ablution blocks were completely burnt down. As SANParks noted, it is not feasible to reopen the picnic site while basic amenities like toilets are unavailable.
Although some trails in Table Mountain National Park may appear unaffected, many still pose serious safety risks, including exposed nails, sharp metal, and unstable ground. For public safety and to avoid confusion, SANParks has decided not to reopen only select trails or allow access to specific user groups like mountain bikers while restricting others. A coordinated reopening ensures better control and fairness for all visitors.
Beyond safety, the closures are also essential for ecological recovery. The April fire has triggered a flush of fynbos vegetation regrowth, which plays a vital role in the Cape Floral Kingdom. These newly germinated plants are extremely sensitive to human and dog traffic, and unrestricted access could severely impact this delicate rejuvenation process.

24 March 2025

Augrabies Falls National Park: Af en Toe picnic site closed due to rain damage!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the immediate closure of the Af en Toe picnic site in Augrabies Falls National Park, located in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The site is currently inaccessible until further notice due to rain-related damage.
The Af en Toe picnic site is a popular rest area within Augrabies Falls National Park, offering visitors a scenic spot to relax while exploring the region’s breathtaking landscapes. Situated approximately halfway along the park’s 94-kilometer tourist gravel road, it serves as a convenient stopover for wildlife enthusiasts and self-drive tourists in the game viewing area of Augrabies Falls National Park.

08 October 2024

Kruger National Park: Mopani Rest Camp to experience water disruption!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that Mopani Rest Camp in Kruger National Park will experience water disruption on 09 October 2024 and 10 October 2024 for three hours each day (most likely between 11:00 – 14:00). According to SANParks, this is due to scheduled maintenance work for the plumbing that must happen.

Mopani Rest Camp is one of the larger and more popular camps in Kruger National Park, located in the northern part of the park. The nearest entrance gate is Phalaborwa Gate, approximately 74 kilometers to the south. Letaba Rest Camp is the closest camp to Mopani Rest Camp. It is located approximately 50 kilometers to the south.

15 July 2024

Table Mountain National Park: Closure of several hiking trails during the annual maintenance shutdown of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway! [update]

update (30 August 2024): SANParks has confirmed that hiking trails surrounding the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway have been reopened. Following the completion of the TMACC maintenance process, the mangement of Table Mountain National Park is pleased to announce that the hiking trails namely the Contour path, India Venster, Fountain Ledge and all trails starting on Tafelberg Road to contour footpath, have been reopened to the public.
Please be mindful that road maintenance work along Tafelberg Road is currently ongoing.

South African National Parks (SANParks) informed the public that specific trails on the front face of Table Mountain in the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town are closed during the the annual maintenance shutdown of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway that is taking place from today (15 July 2024)  until 01 September 2024. The following trails are tempoarily closed:

  • Contour path from the top of Kloof corner to Platteklip
  • India Venster
  • Fountain Ledge
  • All trails starting on Tafelberg Road to contour footpath (between Kloof corner and Platteklip area)

Alternative Access:

  • Table Mountain can still be accessed via Platteklip and the Back Table (Camps Bay and Devilspeak) routes.

While these routes remain open, the ablution facilities on Table Mountain will be closed during the maintenance period.


 

05 June 2024

South Africa: Addo Elephant National Park is going green!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that various solar-powered projects have been commissioned throughout Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa's Eastern Cape. A biofiltration system has also been installed, which is recycling up to 80% of the National Park's busiest camp’s grey water.
The 17 largest boreholes in Addo Elephant National Park have been converted from diesel generators to solar. These boreholes supply drinking water to animals at waterholes and also service a number of staff homes across most of its 160,000 hectares. The project to convert the boreholes got underway three years ago, with the latest addition coming online earlier this year.  
An additional 20 hybrid solar systems dotted throughout Addo Elephant National Park provide power to Anti-Poaching Unit staff accommodation and a law enforcement fusion centre.
A new solar project will allow Addo Elephant National Park's Main Camp, the main hub of the National Park with the most accommodation units, staff housing and where most of the activities depart from, to go off-grid by the end of next year.
Addo Elephant National Park's newly built biofiltration plant is recycling the majority of grey water from Main Camp, which in turn gets fed to a nearby waterhole and the bird hide. It is also set up to, in future, supply water for the flushing of toilets at eight new family accommodation units currently being built. The  biofiltration plant is able to handle 120 kilolitres of sewerage per day.

Addo Elephant National Park is located about 30km outside Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in South Africa's Eastern Cape. The National Park spans across an area of approximately 1,640km² and consists of a variety of landscapes, including dense forests, rolling hills, open grasslands, and coastal dunes. Addo Elephant National Park is not only home to the traditional Big 5, but the Big 7, which includes the Southern right whale and Great white shark in its marine environment. 

13 May 2024

Garden Route National Park: Waterside Boardwalk in the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp is temporarily closed!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that the Waterside Boardwalk in the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp in Garden Route National Park's Wilderness section is temporarily closed until further notice. Due to the recent floods, the Waterside Boardwalk has incurred structural damages, rendering it unsafe for public use. According to SANParks, work is underway to address the situation. We'll keep you posted!



The Waterside Boardwalk is located in the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp in the Wilderness section of Garden Route National Park and provides visitors with a scenic pathway that meanders alongside the Touw River, offering beautiful views of the surrounding forest and wetland habitats.
The Wilderness section of Garden Route National Park is located around the seaside town of Wilderness, Western Cape between the larger towns of George, Sedgefield and Knysna, in the Western Cape. It stretches from the Touw River mouth to the Swartvlei estuary and beyond, where it links with the Goukamma Nature Reserve.

08 April 2024

Cape Town: Several attractions & facilities in Table Mountain National Parks temporarily closed due to adverse weather conditions! [update]

update (09 April 2024): South African National Parks (SANParks) has has reopened all previously closed trails and sites in Table Mountain National Park, following the adverse weather conditions experienced in the Cape.
Be advised that the Newlands Forest picnic site is temporarily closed until further notice due to the water supply disruption resulting in the ablution facilities being out of service.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that due to the current severe weather conditions experienced across the Western Cape, coupled with heavy rain and strong winds throughout the Cape Town area, several attractions and facilities in the Table Mountain National Park have been temporarily closed.
Oudekraal, Newlands picnic site, Deer Park hiking trails, Rhodes Memorial, and Lions Head trails are closed for safety reasons until further notice. The Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point) remains open,but the "The Flying Dutchman" funicular service is temporarily suspended due to high winds. Boulders Penguin Colony remains accessible for visitors.
SANParks urges all visitors to exercise extreme caution if planning to visit Table Mountain National Park and recommends to postpone the visit until conditions improve. We'll keep you posted!

24 March 2024

Karoo National Park: Old Schuur Interpretive Centre currenly closed until further notice! [update]

update (28 March 2024): The Old Schuur Interpretive Centre in the Karoo National Park is open again!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that Old Schuur Interpretive Centre in the Karoo National Park is closed until further notice due to an electrical fault. SANParks will have the problem attended to on Monday, 25 March 2024.
The Old Schuur Interpretive Centre is set in an old farm building, renovated to reflect its original form and dates back to the 1800’s. Positioned just outside the Karoo Rest Camp near the camping site, the centre is accessible via a beautiful wooden boardwalk. It offers historical displays and information on the flora and fauna of the Karoo, as well as the ecological and cultural history of the Karoo National Park.


15 May 2023

South African National Parks: Karoo National Park goes cash free!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that Karoo National Park in South Africa's Western Cape will be going cash free. It is one of a handful of National Parks in the country which is implementing this approach during a second phase after the initial roll-out to others in September 2021. Effective 01 June 2023,  cash will no longer be accepted as a method of payment in Karoo National Park. Instead, visitors are urged to make use of the speed point payment systems. All trade and tourism activities, such as entrance/conservation fees, activity fees and accommodation fees, will be cash free and therefore cash will not be accepted. However, the independently owned and run shop and restaurant in the Karoo National Park  will continue to take cash as a form of payment.

13 March 2023

Eastern Cape: Addo Elephant National Park steps up entry and exit measures!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the new, stricter entry and exit measures at Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, which got introduced in July 2022, will be stepped up soon to include the verification of all passengers over the age of 18. As of 01 April 2023, no one will be allowed to enter or exit the National Park without the valid documentation as listed below, which must be made available for the gate staff on duty to scan.

  • Driver’s license (driver of vehicle)
  • ID book/card/driver’s license for South African visitors (all persons/passengers over 18)
  • Passport (for international guests)
  • Valid vehicle license disk

Please note that this applies to everyone entering/exiting Addo Elephant National Park:

  • All passengers in vehicles
  • Staff
  • Staff visitors (including pedestrians)
  • Official visitors
  • Contractors and their staff, including BSP
  • Delivery vehicles and their staff
  • WildCard holders
  • Gorah and Riverbend concessions
  • Open safari vehicles
  • Tourist busses

06 March 2023

Bontebok National Park: Road maintenance during March 2023!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the road between the new office building and Lang Elsies Kraal Rest Camp in the Bontebok National Park will have a stop & go system in place due to road maintenance. The work is being carried out between 07 March 2023 and 31 March 2023.
The Bontebok National Park in South Africa's Western Cape is the country's smallest National Park. The park is located 6 km south of Swellendam, in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains.

21 October 2021

SANParks: Update on the opening times of several areas in Table Mountain National Park!

South African National Parks (SANPark) has released an update on the opening times of several areas in Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park. This includes Cape Point, Boulders, Silvermine as well as Newlands Picnic Site, Oudekraal Picnic Site and Tokai. According to Table Mountain National Park's Park Manager Mr Frans van Rooyen, the National Park is slowly recovering from the pandemic and visitors are kindly requested to be patient with the Park's management especially with the gate opening times at Cape Point. This is not a permanent decision and things will get back to normal when it's safe to do so.

Gate opening times are as follows:

Cape Point:

  • Open daily, 07:00 - 17:00
  • The take-away Food Shop and the Funicular operates from Thursdays to Sundays.
  • The Curio shop operates Fridays - Sundays
  • All beaches at Cape Point do not have lifeguards on duty.

Boulders:

  • Open daily, 08:00 - 17:00
  • No lifeguards on duty.
  • Please check the tides prior to arrival as there is limited space available on the beach.

Silvermine:

  • Gate 1: Open daily, 07:00 - 18:00
  • Gate 2: Open daily, 08:00 - 18:00
  • Braaing is allowed at Silvermine since we're out of fire season. No gas equipment is allowed.
  • Please exercise caution when swimming in the dam as it is as own risk and no life guards are on duty.

Newlands Picnic Site:

  • From 01 November 2021 entry times at Newlands picnic site will be 08:00 - 16:00 from Monday to Sunday.
  • Freestanding braais are not permitted at the picnic sites and SANParks encourages guests to make use of the existing braai facilities.
  • No alcohol or Gazebos are permitted on sites.

Oudekraal Picnic Site:

  • Opens only on weekends.
  • From 01 November 2021 entry times at Oudekraal picnic site will be 08:00 - 16:00 from Monday to Sunday.
  • Freestanding braais are not permitted at the picnic sites and SANParks encourages guests to make use of the existing braai facilities.
  • No alcohol or Gazebos are permitted on sites.

Tokai:

  • Entry times at the pay point gate/picnic site will open from 07:00 to 18:00.
  • Please ensure that if carrying out your activity in the park such as cycling, dog walking and horse riding that you have the requisite permit to do so. The Office in Tokai is open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:00 to 15:45 for your queries: (021 712 7471).
  • Last-minute accommodation queries please book online at sanparks.org/bookings/ or call central reservations on 012 428 9111. Should you notice a fire anywhere on the mountain please call the TMNP emergency number at 086 110 6417 or 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone. Do not attempt to fight the fire on your own.

When out walking, hiking and trail running:

  • Table Mountain National Park recommends that you carry out your activity in groups of four (4) or more. Please ensure that you know the route you are taking. If this is the first visit please go with someone who does know the route or hire a guide.
  • Please prepare for all-weather temperatures, pack a hat, a weatherproof jacket and lots of water.
  • Please ensure you have a map with you.
  • Please load SANParks emergency number into your phone before setting off 0861 106 417 or 107 or 021 480 7700 and let someone know which route you will follow and when to expect you to return home.

14 January 2021

Kruger National Park: The Mingerhout Dam near Letaba Rest Camp will get demolished!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Mingerhout Dam in Kruger National Park, found on the S47, about 9km north west of Letaba Rest Camp, will get demolished. The demolition operation, which will be done in conjunction with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), will be conducted from 24 January 2021 until 06 February 2021. Explosives will be used to demolish the structure; after which the rubble will be removed as part of the rehabilitation process undertaken by the Expanded Public Works, Biodiversity Social Program.
In between the work taking place at Mingerhout Dam, there will be some demolition for the remaining parts of Kanniedood Dam near Shingwedzi Rest Camp as well. To ensure safety of tourists, all roads in the two areas will also be temporarily closed from 24 January 2021 to 06 February 2021.

  • In Letaba, the affected roads are the S47 gravel road, the entire loop of S47 will be closed from the junction of S47 and H1-6 to junction of S47 and S131.
  • In Shingwedzi, the affected roads are the S50 gravel road, this will be closed from S50 and S134 junction in Shingwedzi to the S50 and S143 junction in Mooiplaas.

The Mingerhout Dam was constructed in 1974. Over the years, the Dam silted up to an extent that it is no longer serving its purpose. In support of the Kruger National Park rehabilitation program, the management of Kruger National Park has now agreed to remove Mingerhout Dam.

Kruger National Park has an artificial water provision policy which allows for the closing and removal of artificial water points. Artificial water holes where water did not previously occur naturally have led to numerous ecological problems such as erosion and other environmental degradations such as barriers to fish migration routes. The management of Kruger National Park has taken steps to rectify these negative consequences by closing and demolishing certain artificial water holes. To enhance tourist experience, alternative game viewing opportunities will be provided in the future at areas of naturally occurring surface water

03 April 2020

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a new destination video showcasing Bontebok National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a new destination video showcasing Bontebok National Park in South Africa's Western Cape. Established in 1931 to ensure the preservation of the Bontebok, the smallest of South Africa's 19 National Parks is today home to about 200 Bonteboks and a variety of other indigenous species such as Grey Rhebok, Cape Grysbok, Duiker, Red Hartebeest and Cape Mountain Zebra, as well as Stanley's bustard, Secretary bird and the Blue crane.



Bontebok National Park is is situated 6 km south from the picturesque and historic town of Swellendam, in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains. The National Park is easily accessible from the N2 that runs from Cape Town (approx. 240km) along the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth (approx. 540 km). Due to its small size of about 3 900 ha visitors can drive around the whole the National Park in a few hours. The present road network provides two major game drive loops that can be completed in 1-2 hours respectively, depending on game viewing stops. Lang Elsie's Kraal Rest Camp is the only rest camp in Bontebok National Park. It is the first rest camp in South African National Parks to be built according to a "Touching the Earth Lightly" design and provides accommodation in either self catering chalets or cottages. There are braai facilities and guests are able to picnic on the banks of the Breede River.