Evacuation of Tourists at Kruger National Park Ensures Safety Amid Heavy Rainfall

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister expressed solidarity with tourists affected by flooding in the park, which prompted the evacuation of visitors from impacted areas.

 

South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, has said the precautionary evacuation of tourists from parts of the Kruger National Park due to ongoing heavy rainfall was necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors and park staff.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister expressed solidarity with tourists affected by flooding in the park, which prompted the evacuation of visitors from impacted areas.

“We recognise that this situation has been distressing for tourists whose travel plans have been disrupted, and we thank them for their cooperation, patience and understanding during the evacuation process,” de Lille said.

Emergency Response and Safety Measures

The Minister confirmed that South African National Parks (SANParks), working alongside emergency services and relevant authorities, acted swiftly and professionally to manage the situation, which she said is currently under control.

“SANNParks has well-established emergency protocols, and their response ensured that all necessary safety measures were implemented efficiently and without loss of life,” she said, urging travellers to comply with all safety instructions issued by park authorities.

Park Access Under Review

Continuous safety assessments are underway, and access to affected areas of the park will only be restored once conditions are deemed safe, the Minister said.

She reassured both domestic and international visitors that South Africa remains a safe and welcoming tourism destination, despite weather-related disruptions.

Support from Tourism Sector

Minister de Lille also thanked tourism stakeholders, including the private sector, for assisting with alternative accommodation arrangements, and acknowledged the cooperation of park staff and surrounding communities during the evacuation.

For updates or emergencies, SANParks can be contacted through its 24-hour emergency call centre at +27 (0)13 735 4363 or via WhatsApp on +27 (0)76 801 9679.