South Africa’s flagship game reserve, the Kruger National Park, faces a long and expensive road to recovery following devastating floods. As of last week, the estimated bill could top R500m.
Compounding matters, the park closed numerous camps and limited daily visitor numbers, depriving it of much-needed income at a critical time.
Media briefing
On Thursday, 22 January 2026, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Mr Willie Aucamp, addressed the media. His address was primarily to inform the public of developments after record rainfall fell over parts of Kruger.
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Aucamp commended Kruger personnel for their timely response to the unfolding tragedy, with no lives lost thanks to Early Warning Systems and precautionary evacuations.
However, he went on to say that the initial reports coming in suggested widespread damage to infrastructure. This includes damage to roads, bridges, dams, and accommodation.
Initial estimates
He said the preliminary reports suggested that the cost of the relief and recovery effort may exceed R500m. Aucamp said that this amount exceeded the government’s capacity to respond.
He added that although the full extent of the damage was unknown at the time, he predicted that it would likely take years to rebuild all the damaged infrastructure, adding that road network repairs may take more than five years to complete.
Reduced income
Aucamp explained that income generated by the park accounts for 80% of SANParks’ budget, implying that the disaster would have a ripple effect across all the properties it manages.
Out of necessity and an abundance of caution, park management closed many camps and suspended other income-generating activities, including shops and game drives.
According to other sources, “Between 9 January 2026 and 19 January 2026, Kruger National Park recorded 24,073 guest entries, representing a 41% decline compared to the same period in the previous year.
To this day, a quota system is in place for day visitors, further impacting income revenue.
The net result is that Kruger will have to find ways to do more with less for the foreseeable future.
At the time of writing, numerous camps remain closed, including the ever-popular Shingwedzi and Letaba Rest Camps.
No information is currently available as to the exact extent of the damage at these locations or when they will reopen to the public.
However, as we reported on January 26 and 27, authorities have reopened some camps, facilities and entry points.
Kruger recovery fund
He went on to announce that in response to the tragedy, the government was creating the Kruger Recovery Fund, asking for donations from both local and international donors.
Those who would like to contribute can do so via the official SANParks channel, here.
SANParks also announced that humanitarian relief had been received from various businesses and charity organisations. This will go to those within the park and on its borders who were affected by the flooding.
Additionally, we received the following statement from Dalene Preston, on behalf of SANParks Honorary Rangers, regarding a separate relief fund:
SANParks Honorary Rangers Kruger Park Flood Fund is a separate fund to the Kruger Recovery Fund announced by Minister Aucamp on 22 January. The SHR Flood Fund is managed by the SANParks Honorary Rangers and will provide targeted support to Kruger National Park through the established Wish List system. The fund will address priority needs identified by park management, ensuring that essential items and resources are delivered where they are most urgently required.
You can find links to donate in the post below:
Latest Sightings will keep you updated on any further developments as and when they are received.
