Namibia Travel Alert: Orange River flooding disrupts travel between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr

Heavy flooding along the Orange River is continuing to disrupt travel in southern Namibia, with the Namibian Roads Authority (RA) confirming the closure of the C13 gravel road between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr.

According to an update issued on 14 May 2026, floodwaters have submerged a section of the road approximately 12 km from the Sendelingsdrift Border Post between Namibia and South Africa, forcing authorities to close the route to all traffic until further notice.

In addition, the Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry has also been suspended due to the high river levels, further affecting cross-border travel between Namibia and South Africa through the remote Richtersveld region.

The disruptions are expected to impact self-drive travellers exploring southern Namibia, the Orange River region and the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park area. Motorists are strongly advised not to attempt driving through flooded sections, as conditions remain hazardous and unpredictable.

The RA says it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as conditions change. Travellers using gravel roads in southern Namibia are encouraged to check the latest road and weather information before departure, remain flexible with travel plans and consider alternative border crossings where necessary.

 

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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Flood Update 2026: Camps closed, access restrictions & travel advice (May 2026)

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an important operational update for travellers planning a visit to the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park following significant flooding caused by a sharp rise in Orange River water levels during April 2026.

SANParks emphasises that guest safety remains the highest priority, and as a result, access to several remote camps, routes, and facilities is currently restricted or cannot be guaranteed.

Flood impact in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Recent heavy flows in the Orange River have caused flooding in parts of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, making some routes, river crossings, and remote camp access roads temporarily impassable. The most affected areas are the park’s more isolated desert wilderness sections, where access is always closely tied to seasonal river conditions and can change quickly depending on water levels.

Affected areas and camps (temporary closures / Restrictions)

• Pontoon Border Crossing
• Pooitjiespram Block C
• De Hoop Block B & C
• Richtersberg Camp
• Tatasberg Camp
• Estimated Closure Periods
• Tatasberg Camp – May to June 2026
• Richtersberg Camp – May 2026
• De Hoop Block B & C – May 2026
• De Hoop Block A – Remains open

Camps and areas remaining open

Despite the flooding impacts, several key visitor facilities remain fully operational, including:

• Sendelingsdrift Campsite & Chalets
• Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp
• Kokerboomkloof Camp

Travellers can still experience parts of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park's dramatic desert landscapes, though itineraries may need adjustment depending on access conditions and river crossings.

Booking flexibility for affected travellers

For guests impacted by closures or access limitations, SANParks is offering flexible booking options:

• Rebooking into alternative accommodation (no amendment or cancellation fees)
• Credit on Hand (COH) for future travel
• Full refund option

Travellers are encouraged to contact SANParks directly to adjust existing reservations or explore alternative arrangements.

Travel advisory summary

The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park remains open in parts, but access is currently variable due to river-driven flooding. Remote desert camps are the most affected, while selected camps and sections continue to operate normally.

Visitors planning trips in May and June 2026 should closely monitor updates and remain flexible, especially when travelling through or near the Orange River corridor.

 

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Travel Update: Hiking trail closures at Augrabies Falls National Park

update 13 May 2026

Due to the continued rise in the Orange River’s water levels, SANParks has taken precautionary safety measures and temporarily closed the path leading to the Main Falls as water has overflowed onto the walkway.
Visitors can still safely experience the breathtaking beauty and roaring power of the Augrabies Falls from four open viewing points. 

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South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the temporary closure of several hiking trails in the Augrabies Falls National Park due to high water levels and safety concerns.

The following trails are closed until further notice:

• Gorge Trail
• Klipspringer Hiking Trail
• Dassie Interpretative Trail

The closures come as the Orange River continues flowing strongly through the park following recent rains, creating dangerous conditions along some hiking routes and viewpoints near the gorge.

The rest of Augrabies Falls National Park remains open and accessible to visitors, with main viewpoints, accommodation and tourist facilities continuing to operate normally. For travellers, this is still an excellent time to experience the falls at impressive flow levels, although visitors are advised to follow all safety instructions and respect temporary trail closures.

 

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Orange River levels drop: SANParks updates camp access in Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an operational update for the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park following recent flooding along the Orange River. While water levels have begun to recede, several facilities remain affected, and access restrictions are still in place in parts of the park.

According to SANParks, Orange River levels have dropped sufficiently to allow the reopening of Tatasberg Wilderness Camp, which is now fully operational with immediate effect. All other previously announced closures and restrictions remain unchanged until further notice.

Facilities affected by high water levels
The following camps and operations are currently impacted by flooding and are temporarily inaccessible:

• Sendelingsdrift Pontoon (border crossing): Closed until further notice
• De Hoop – Block C: Temporarily closed
• Tatasberg Wilderness Camp: Open and operational

Estimated closure periods
Based on historical flood patterns, SANParks has provided provisional timeframes for affected infrastructure. These dates are subject to review as river levels continue to be monitored:

• De Hoop – Block C
• Closed from 08 December 2025 to 31 December 2025
• Conditions will be reassessed once water levels drop further.
• Road R12 (between De Hoop Block C and Richtersberg)
• Closed from 08 December 2025 to 31 December 2025
• The road will remain inaccessible until it is safe to carry out repairs.
• Sendelingsdrift Pontoon
• Closed until further notice
• Operations will resume once water levels allow safe and reliable functioning.

Camps currently open and operational
Despite the flooding, the following camps within the park remain open to visitors:

• Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp
• Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp
• De Hoop Blocks A & B
• Potjiespram
• Richtersberg
• Kokerboomkloof
• Tatasberg Wilderness Camp

Support options for affected travellers
To minimise disruption to travel plans, SANParks is offering flexible options at no additional cost for guests affected by closures:

• Alternative accommodation within the park (no modification or cancellation fees)
• Credit on Hand (C.O.H.) to reschedule bookings for future dates
• Full refunds for reservations impacted by flooding

SANParks continues to monitor conditions closely and prioritises visitor safety across the/Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Travellers with upcoming bookings are advised to contact SANParks directly to discuss alternative arrangements or booking adjustments as conditions evolve.

 

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Orange River Flooding Update: What travellers need to know about the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an important update regarding rising water levels in the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Heavy rainfall across the region has caused the Orange River to swell significantly through December 2025, and levels continue to increase. These conditions may affect travel plans and access to certain camps. Visitor safety remains the highest priority, and some areas of the Park currently cannot be accessed safely.

Camps & operations affected by flooding
The following facilities are directly impacted and temporarily inaccessible due to high water levels

• Sendelingsdrift Pontoon (Border Crossing)
• De Hoop – Block C
• Tatasberg Wilderness Camp

Estimated closure timeframes
Based on past flooding events, SANParks has provided the following provisional closure periods:

• Tatasberg Wilderness Camp
• 08 December 2025 – 31 December 2025
• The area needs sufficient time to dry after river levels recede. Road reconstruction will begin once conditions are safe.
• De Hoop – Block C
• 08 December 2025 – 31 December 2025
• Reassessments will be carried out as soon as water levels start dropping.
• Road R12 (De Hoop Block C – Richtersberg)
• 08 December 2025 – 31 December 2025
• The road will remain closed until the surrounding terrain becomes stable enough for repairs.
• Sendelingsdrift Pontoon
• Closed until further notice
• Operations will resume once water levels allow safe crossings.

Open camps & safe areas
All other accommodation and wilderness camps remain fully operational, including:
Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp, Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp, De Hoop Blocks A & B, Potjiespram, Richtersberg, and Kokerboomkloof.

Options for affected travellers
To minimise the impact on your travel plans, SANParks is offering several flexible solutions at no extra cost:

• Alternative accommodation (no modification or cancellation fees)
• Credit on Hand (C.O.H.) to move your booking to a future date
• Full refunds for affected reservations

SANParks continues to monitor conditions closely and is committed to ensuring visitor safety and comfort throughout this period of flooding. Travellers are encouraged to get in touch with SANParks to make alternative arrangements or adjust existing bookings.

 

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Namibia: DR212 between Aussenkehr <> Rosh Pinah reopened!

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) has announced the reopening to traffic of District Road 212 (DR212) from Aussenkehr to Rosh Pinah. The road was recently closed off due to water washaways that damaged a section of that road. All repairs have been completed and the DR212 is deemed safe for travel again. 

District Road 212 (DR212) in Namibia is a gravel road that forms part of the C13 route, connecting Aussenkehr and Rosh Pinah along the Orange River in the Karas Region. It serves as a vital corridor for regional mining, agriculture, and tourism, with some low-volume bitumen surfacing in places. The road is highly scenic but also flood-prone, often affected by seasonal rainfall and rising river levels that cause temporary closures and damage. When impassable, travellers must take a lengthy detour via Noordoewer, Keetmanshoop, and Aus.

South Africa: /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park camps reopen as Orange River water levels drop!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the partial reopening of several camps in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, following a significant drop in Orange River water levels. The camps were temporarily closed in April and earlier in May 2025 due to flooding.

Reopened camps now available for bookings:

• Pooitjiespram Camp
• De Hoop Campsite (Sections A & C)

These camps are once again accessible to visitors and open for  reservations.

The following camps and facilities that were impacted by the flooding remain closed:

• The Pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post
• De Hoop Campsite (Block B)
• Richtersberg Camp
• Tattasberg Wilderness Camp

SANParks continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as conditions improve. Visitors planning to travel to the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park are encouraged to check the latest park alerts and availability before making arrangements.

Namibia road closure update: MR118 – Rosh Pinah to Oranjemund! [update #2]

update (12 May 2025): The water levels along MR118 (Oranjemund-Rosh Pinah road) have subsided. Hence, the affected section on MR118 got officially reopened to traffic on 10 May 2025.

update (09 May 2025): The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) has informed the public that a section on the MR118 (Oranjemund-Rosh Pinah road) remains closed as there is still water along the sides, making it unsafe to reopen at this stage.

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) has announced the closure of Main Road 118 (MR118), connecting Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund, effective from the evening of 07 May 2025. This precautionary measure is due to the rising water levels of the Orange River, which are expected to overtop the road overnight. Only emergency vehicles will be permitted passage under strict supervision.

Motorists are advised to use the following detour routes:

• Via Aus and Lüderitz (Namdeb Road):
• From Keetmanshoop, proceed via Aus and Lüderitz.
• Take the gravel road to Oranjemund.
• Operating hours: 07:00 – 15:00 daily.
• Important: Access is subject to NAMDEB's regulations. Travel is at motorists’ own risk.
• Only Light Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) and trucks are permitted; sedans and light vehicles are not allowed.
• Via Noordoewer and South Africa:
• From Keetmanshoop, travel via Grünau and Noordoewer.
• Cross into South Africa and proceed to Steinkopf, then Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay.
• Re-enter Namibia through the Oppenheimer Bridge to Oranjemund.

Motorists are urged to exercise caution, adhere to road regulations, and stay updated on further announcements from the Roads Authority.

Stay safe and plan your journey accordingly!

Orange River flooding impacts /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: What travellers need to know!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an important update for travellers planning to visit the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Due to rising water levels of the Orange River since April 2025, several camps and operations within the park are directly impacted by flooding.

See below the current predicted timeframe for closure of camps based on estimation of previous experiences:

• Tattasberg: Closed from April to July 2025. Decision pending water level decrease; road repairs may take time.
• Richtersberg: Closed from April to July 2025. Reassessment once the water level decreases.
• De Hoop:
• Block A: Closed in May 2025.
• Block B & C: Closed from April to June 2025. Review upon water level decrease.
• Potjiespram: Blocks A-C closed in May 2025. Reassessment pending water level decrease.

The following camps remain fully operational and open for visitors

• Sendelingsdrift Campsite and Chalets
• Gannakouriep Wilderness Rest Camp
• Kokerboomkloof Camp

The pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is closed since March 2025 and remains closed until further notice due to the high Orange River water levels.

If your travel plans are impacted, SANParks provides the following options without any modification fees:

• Alternative Accommodation (no modification fee)
• Credit on Hand (C.O.H) reschedule booking
• Full Refund

For assistance with your booking, please contact the officials at /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

South Africa: Augrabies Falls National Park sees record water flow as Orange River surges! [update #3]

update (07 June 2025): Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks, Genevieve Maasdorp, confirmed in a posting on facebook that the picnic area for day visitors at Augrabies Falls National Park remains closed until further notice. 

update (14 May 2025): The Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks, Genevieve Maasdorp, confirmed in a posting on facebook that the game viewing area are currently only open for vehicles with high ground clearance and 4x4.

update (05 May 2025): The restaurant and the shop in the Augrabies Falls National Park are open!

Augrabies Falls National Park in South Africa’s Northern Cape is currently experiencing a spectacular natural event, as the Orange River thunders over the iconic 56-metre-high falls at an extraordinary flow rate of 3,991 cubic metres per second—a dramatic increase from the usual 30 to 50 m³/s.
This surge is the result of heavy rainfall across much of South Africa, leading to significant water releases from the Vaal and Gariep Dams upstream. The powerful torrent has transformed the Augrabies Falls into a breathtaking display, drawing attention from nature lovers and photographers eager to witness this rare phenomenon.

Due to rising water levels, certain areas within Augrabies Falls National Park have been temporarily closed for safety. These include the game viewing area and the popular picnic site, which offers braai facilities and a swimming pool. Currently, only three of the park’s viewing decks remain open, while the others have been shut as a precautionary measure.

Despite the closures, Augrabies Falls National Park remains open to the public, and the falls are delivering one of their most dramatic and thunderous displays in years. Visitors are encouraged to come and witness the extraordinary power of nature, with the high-water spectacle expected to continue for several more weeks.

Namibia: Temporary closure of District Road 212 (Rosh Pinah - Aussenkehr)! [update]

update (05 July 2023): The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) has announced that the Rosh Pinah - Aussenkehr road (DR 212) is open to traffic again. However, road users are urged to continue to take precaution when driving in wet conditions.

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain Namibia's road sector, has informed the public that the Rosh Pinah - Aussenkehr road (DR 212) has been temporarily closed due to wet and slippery conditions, following recent heavy rainfall in some parts of the //Karas Region. The RA is requesting the public to strictly adhere to the erected closure signs and to not attempt to use this road. Furthermore, road users are advised to use the alternative route (Aussenkehr - Noordoewer - Keetmanshoop - Aus - Rosh Pinah) until further notice. We'll keep you posted!

Namibia: MR118 (Rosh Pinah to Oranjemund) has been reopened!

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain Namibia's road sector, has informed the public that the MR118 (Rosh Pinah to Oranjemund) has been reopened for public use on 08 March 2023. The water levels of the Orange River have subsided significantly to re-establish the traffic on affected sections. However, motorists are kindly reminded to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to the erected road traffic signs at all times.
The MR118 was closed for public use due to safety reasons, as water from the Orange River is covering the entire affected section.

Namibia: Temporary Closure of District Road 212 (Aussenkehr <> Rosh Pinah)!

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain Namibia's road sector, has informed the public that the DR 212 between Aussenkehr and Rosh Pinah is currently closed until further notice. Some sections of the road are flooded, which is caused by the high water levels in the Orange River due to recent heavy rains received in some parts of South Africa. The road was also closed due to flooding in November 2022. By that time, the RA was requesting all affected travelers to make use of the Keetmanshoop - Aus - Rosh Pinah road instead of DR 212 until the water levels have subsided and the road is deemed safe to motorists. We'll keep you posted!

Namibia: Rosh Pinah to Oranjemund road temporarily closed! [update]

update (01 February 2022): The Roads Authority (RA) is pleased to announce that MR118 (Rosh Pinah <> Oranjemund) has been re-opened for public use on 01 February 2022.

Namibia's Road Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain the country's road sector, has informed the public that the MR118 (Rosh Pinah <> Oranjemund) has been closed, with immediate effect, until further notice. This is a precautionary measure due to the rising water levels of the Orange River. Access on this route will be provided to emergency services vehicles only. The RA advises road users to use the Oranjemund <> Luderitz route in the interim. However, this road will be open to the public between 06:00 and 15:00 only. We'll keep you posted!

South Africa: SANParks closes three viewing decks due to high waters in Augrabies National Park but remains open!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Augrabies Falls National Park in South Africa's Northern Cape will remain open to the public despite the high water levels of the Orange River. According to SANParks, the river's water flow has increased at Augrabies Falls National Park to more than 3,000 cubic metres per second. It is expected that the Orange River will remain at this flow until the weekend and then slowly decline over the next two weeks. Due to these high levels, SANParks' management has temporarily closed three of the seven viewing decks at the Augrabies Falls as a safety precaution and to ensure all guests enjoy the waterfall with peace of mind. The remaining four viewing points are open and are still offering a close-up experience of the 56 meter high main falls that cascade into the granite abyss of the Orange River Gorge. Augrabies Falls National Park's restaurant and shop are both still open for customers.

Namibia <> South Africa border post closed

Due to the rise of the water level of the Orange River, the pont/ferry that allows access across the river at Sendelingsdrift border post has closed until further notice. Pls make use the of the Noordoewer border post (see map), open 24 hours a day.


View Sendlingsdrift - Noordoewer in a larger map