Donations flood in as R2 million raised to save South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park

A fund to help the Kruger National Park recover from recent deadly and devastating floods has raised more than R2 million. January’s destructive floods in Limpopo and Mpumalanga killed at least 38 people and severely affected infrastructure at Kruger National Park. To assist with the recovery, a fund was created by SA National Parks (SANParks).

Sadly, the total recovery cost far exceeds that amount. SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said that, with insurance covering only a portion of the damage to older infrastructure, the park faces a significant funding gap to restore full operations. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, estimates that repairs will cost more than R500 million.

The floods, triggered by a Level 10 weather warning and record-breaking rainfall, saw major rivers, including the Sabie, Olifants, and Crocodile, burst their banks. The resulting surge washed away bridges, collapsed road sections, and inundated 15 tourist camps, forcing emergency evacuations.