SANParks Launches Flood Recovery Operations Across Garden Route National Park

Torrential rainfall causes landslides, road collapses, flooding and infrastructure damage across Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma sections.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has launched extensive emergency recovery and restoration operations across the iconic Garden Route National Park after days of persistent heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, infrastructure damage and major access disruptions in several sections of the park.

Authorities said teams and stakeholders are working around the clock to restore access routes, clear debris and ensure public safety as severe weather conditions continue to impact parts of the Western and Eastern Cape coastline.

The flooding has affected key tourism and conservation areas including the Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma sections of the park, with roads washed away, hiking trails closed, estuary systems disrupted and several facilities temporarily shut down.

Wilderness Section Hit by Erosion and Mudslides

In the Wilderness Section, SANParks reported that multiple roads remain severely eroded and inaccessible following continuous rainfall.

Mudslides, fallen trees and waterlogged terrain have further complicated access and cleanup operations across the area.

While water levels in parts of Swartvlei have begun to subside, authorities said conditions remain dangerous in several locations.

As a precaution:

• Recreational activities remain suspended

• Hiking trails remain closed

• Some access roads remain impassable

Officials noted that accommodation facilities in the Wilderness Section have not been damaged and no booking cancellations have been reported so far.

Knysna Records Extreme Rainfall of 378 mm

The Knysna Section experienced some of the worst impacts, with SANParks reporting an extraordinary 378 millimetres of rainfall, triggering widespread infrastructure challenges and environmental disruption.

Several important roads, including:

• Komsepad

• Kranshoek routes

remain blocked by large fallen trees and debris, requiring extensive clearing operations.

The R339 road is currently accessible only to four-wheel-drive vehicles due to hazardous conditions and damaged surfaces.

In addition to transport disruptions, the region is also experiencing:

• Power outages

• Limited telecommunications coverage

• Operational constraints in remote areas

Despite the challenges, SANParks confirmed that the Thesen Island Regional Office and Front Office remain operational.

Floating Debris and Navigation Risks in Knysna Estuary

Floodwaters have also severely impacted the Knysna Estuary ecosystem, where large volumes of floating debris are now obstructing navigation routes.

SANParks teams are conducting ongoing debris-clearing operations to stabilise the estuary and reduce risks to marine users.

Authorities warned that several navigational channel markers have been displaced during the flooding.

"As a precaution, skippers are advised to exercise caution when navigating the estuary," SANParks said.

One vessel was destabilised during the flooding, although officials confirmed that it currently poses no environmental threat.

Meanwhile:

• Diepwalle campsite remains closed

• Hiking trails remain suspended

• Visitor access remains restricted in several zones

Tsitsikamma Conditions Improving but Restrictions Continue

In the Tsitsikamma Section, weather conditions have begun improving following the subsiding of heavy rain and strong winds.

Water levels at the Groot River in Nature's Valley have dropped significantly, allowing authorities to begin debris-clearing operations at key bridge crossings.

However, several tourism and recreational activities remain suspended, including:

• Hiking trails

• Water-based activities

• River access operations

The temporary restaurant structure at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp was also temporarily shut after being engulfed by foam and flood debris generated by the extreme weather conditions.

Nature's Valley Camp Remains Closed

SANParks confirmed that the Nature's Valley Camp in the Tsitsikamma Section remains closed while officials assess infrastructure damage and continue extensive cleanup operations.

Authorities are currently evaluating:

• Structural safety

• Flood impacts on facilities

• Environmental damage

• Trail conditions

• Public access safety

No timeline has yet been provided for full reopening of affected areas.

SANParks Launches Full-Scale Restoration Operations

SANParks said coordinated restoration efforts involving park management teams, municipal authorities, emergency services and stakeholders are ongoing across the Garden Route National Park.

"SANParks teams and stakeholders are working tirelessly to restore access, repair infrastructure damage, and ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and neighbouring communities," the agency said.

Operations currently underway include:

• Road repairs

• Tree clearing

• Flood debris removal

• Estuary rehabilitation

• Infrastructure safety inspections

• Environmental impact assessments

Extreme Weather Increasing Pressure on Conservation Infrastructure

The severe weather event once again highlights the growing vulnerability of South Africa's conservation and tourism infrastructure to extreme climate-related events.

The Garden Route region, one of South Africa's most visited ecological and tourism destinations, has in recent years experienced:

• Flooding

• Storm surges

• Wildfires

• Coastal erosion

• Infrastructure damage linked to extreme weather

Environmental experts warn that climate variability is intensifying weather-related risks for protected areas and coastal ecosystems.

Tourism Sector Monitoring Recovery Closely

The Garden Route National Park is a major contributor to South Africa's tourism economy, attracting domestic and international visitors to its:

• Coastal forests

• Hiking trails

• Estuaries

• Marine ecosystems

• Adventure tourism attractions

Industry stakeholders are closely monitoring restoration efforts as authorities work to minimise long-term disruption to tourism operations while prioritising public safety.

Officials have urged visitors to follow SANParks advisories and avoid restricted zones until conditions stabilise fully.