Severe floods in South Africa caused severe damage to Kruger National Park, the country’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserve, with losses estimated at more than €25 million, according to Environment Minister Willie Ouskamp.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Ouskamp said the floods had destroyed key infrastructure across the park, including bridges, roads and tourist accommodation facilities, posing a serious threat to the financial stability of South African National Parks (SANParks), the authority that manages the country’s protected areas.
Cited by African news outlet 360 Africa, the minister stated that preliminary assessments indicate damage to essential infrastructure in Kruger National Park alone is expected to exceed 500 million rand (approximately €26 million).
He added that water and electricity distribution networks were badly affected, while the loss of tourism revenue could jeopardize the sustainability of the entire national parks system.
Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most important tourism assets and a major contributor to the national economy.
For her part, SANParks Director-General Hapilwe Sello confirmed that 15 camps remain closed, while more than 500 employees are still stranded inside the park as they await receding floodwaters.
Ouskamp reassured that wildlife in the park has largely survived the floods, noting that no animal carcasses have been found so far.
The minister announced that the government will establish a dedicated fund to support the rehabilitation of Kruger National Park and has launched a local and international fundraising campaign to help restore the natural and tourism landmark.
According to SANParks’ annual report, the park welcomed around 1.9 million visitors during the 2024–2025 season, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing authorities as they work to repair the damage and revive tourism operations.
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