Following the recent floods affecting Kruger National Park, there is good news from a close neighbour. Burchell’s Bush Lodge custodian, Dave Gillespie, released a statement on Tuesday, 26/01, to reassure owners.
A post shared by Burchell’s Bush Lodge (@burchells_bush_lodge)
Burchells Bush Lodge Owner Floods Communication
Burchell’s Bush Lodge
Located on the banks of the Sabie River, Burchell’s Bush Lodge is just a stone’s throw from Paul Kruger Gate. Primarily a timeshare resort, Burchell’s offers visitors self-catering accommodations, guided game drives, and relaxed bushveld hospitality.
Received from Burchell’s Bush Lodge
Lodge custodian Dave Gillespie forwarded a letter addressed to owners at Burchell’s Bush Lodge to Latest Sightings.
In it, he acknowledged that the recent flooding in and around Kruger had been widely reported, particularly on social media.
Gillespie noted that record rainfall had been recorded in some areas since the weather front hit the area on 7 January 2026. However, he stressed that the impact was uneven across areas.
As regards rainfall at his location, Gillespie wrote, “Burchell’s Bush Lodge has been extremely fortunate. Although we did receive a significant amount of rain, it was mostly light rain and intermittent showers, averaging approximately 1–2 mm per hour, with a total of around 350 mm recorded to date.”
His statement goes on to share that, operationally, Burchell’s Bush Lodge had only been minimally impacted. According to the statement, only the swimming pool, gravel roads and pathways need attention. It adds that resurfacing and cleaning operations are already underway.
Significantly, it reports that no chalets or outbuildings were structurally compromised in any way.
In other words, the accommodation and related infrastructure are all fit for purpose, ready to welcome visitors.
Wider implications
A key drawcard of the lodge is the access it grants visitors to the Kruger Park, whether on guided or self-drive safari drives.
To that end, the statement reports that the southern section of the Kruger National Park was not as severely affected as areas north of Satara.
Still, there are some disruptions to be expected, which were brought to the attention of owners.
The statement reads, “Nevertheless, there has been some localised flooding of roads and bridges, with a few closures expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future.”
These aside, Gillespie’s statement reports that several routes (on tarred roads) remain accessible.
What about wildlife sightings?
It goes on to note that some exceptional sightings of predators, including lions, leopards, and wild dogs, have been had.
It suggests that the wildlife appears to prefer the “tar roads over the surrounding waterlogged and muddy terrain.”
The inference of this is that visitors to the park can still expect decent sightings of wildlife, bearing in mind that the vegetation is likely to be dense.
Also, it is worth noting that with abundant standing water, concentrations of game around typical waterholes is unlikely.
Quota system
Gillespie adds that SANParks has implemented a day visitor quota system. Permits can be obtained via the SANParks Website.
Alternatively, they are available at the Paul Kruger Gate Reception for subsequent visits.
Relief effort support
In closing, the statement announces Burchell’s Bush Lodge‘s intention to launch a relief fund to support emergency relief and recovery efforts.
This will be facilitated by Touching Dreams, an independent non-profit organisation, part of the Dream Hotels and Resorts Group.
Further details will be communicated by the group in the coming days
