NATIONAL NEWS - The cost of repairing infrastructure damaged by severe flooding in the Kruger National Park earlier this year is estimated at R950 million.

Heavy rains and flooding in January 2026 caused extensive damage across the park, affecting roads, accommodation and water-related infrastructure.

Since then, the park’s management team and contractors have been working to progressively repair and restore the damaged facilities.

Letaba among worst-hit areas

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier visited the Kruger National Park last week to receive briefings on the progress of the flood recovery programme.

He visited Letaba Rest Camp, one of the areas hardest hit by the floods, where repair work is currently underway and progressing well.

The A and B circles at Letaba are expected to reopen in September 2026.

The Letaba High-Level Bridge was also severely damaged in the floods. Although the bridge is currently open, final work on the rebuild is nearing completion.

Focus on more resilient infrastructure

Maynier said the recovery programme is not only focused on repairing the damage, but also on improving the resilience of the park’s infrastructure.

“The recovery work being undertaken is not just repairing the damage, but also building more modern and resilient facilities for the future,” he said.

“Our national parks are valuable environmental assets, and the Kruger National Park is the jewel in our crown. We must ensure that they are maintained and revitalised.”

Guest experience remains a priority

During his visit, Maynier also engaged with visitors staying at the Skukuza Rest Camp units and the Letaba campsite.

He said the visitor experience would remain an important consideration when investing in the park’s future.

“The guest experience must be a key focus for investments going forward, as we want families and friends to come together and create lasting memories of their time at the park,” said Maynier.

He added that feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, while any issues identified would be addressed by the park’s management.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will provide further updates on the progress of the Kruger National Park flood recovery programme in due course.

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