Kruger flood repairs estimated at R950 million as recovery work continues

The cost of repairing infrastructure damaged by flooding in the Kruger National Park earlier this year is estimated to reach R950 million, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has said.

Heavy rains and severe flooding in January 2026 caused substantial damage to infrastructure in the park, including roads, accommodation and water-related infrastructure. Since then, the park's management team and contractors have been progressively repairing the damage.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment David Maynier said in a statement on Tuesday that the recovery work extended beyond simple repairs.

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

Maynier visited the park last week to receive high-level briefings from its management team on progress in repairing flood-damaged infrastructure. He visited Letaba Rest Camp, one of the worst-affected sites, where repairs are under way and progressing well. The camp's A and B circles are expected to be back in operation by September 2026.

The Letaba High-Level Bridge, also severely damaged in the flooding, is currently open, with the final aspects of its rebuild nearing completion.

Maynier also spent time engaging with guests at the Skukuza Rest Camp units and the Letaba camp site.

“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. I'm happy to report that the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, and any snags will be addressed by the park's management,” he said.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it would provide further updates on the recovery works in due course.