Kruger National Park flood damage estimated at R500m as recovery fund launched

Flood damage to South Africa’s premier game reserve, the Kruger National Park, is being estimated at R500 million, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp said on Thursday.

However, Aucamp said that this was only a preliminary estimate, with accessibility issues after the heavy flooding still making it impossible to do an extensive assessment.

Aucamp on Thursday launched a recovery fund to support the rebuilding exercise.

He also lauded South African National Parks (SANParks) staff for bringing all visitors and staff to safety without loss of life or injury.

At least 500 staff members at the Mopani and Olifants camps, however, were still trapped as the floodwaters made it impossible for them to leave.

Aucamp said the restoration had to future-proof the park for the effects of climate change, as the park was still recovering from flooding in 2023 when this season’s heavy rains began.

"The Kruger National Park is increasingly a natural disaster nodal point. Climate change is a reality," Aucamp said.

The minister gave the assurance that the highest fiduciary oversight would be exercised over the SANParks Kruger Park Recovery Fund, which will raise money in tandem with the SANParks Honorary Rangers’ Fund.

"Our goal is to ensure that all of the necessary government protocols are in place so that we can confidently assure donors that their monies will not be pillaged."

The park is due to celebrate its centenary this year.