SANParks has had its hands full with the current winter weather; facing wild fires, heavy snow and flooding, they have asked the public to please give them grace as they focus efforts on protecting animals, facilities and staff.
South Africa (11 July 2024) – This winter is proving to be a test for many with vicious storms, icy snowfall, flooding and if the wet and cold wasn’t enough, wild fires to round it all off. The South African National Parks (SANParks) is facing trouble on all fronts at the moment as the weather pushes the teams.
They have released several updates over the past 24 hours, calling for the public to be understanding as they close sections of their parks, due to safety. The focus is on protecting animals, their facilities and staff. With the public in the mix, it can make things harder to it is best to stay home while the teams work on natural disaster efforts.
The Addo Elephant Park has had a devastating wild fire run through a large part of the property, thankfully it has been halted but the damage is great! It was estimated that around 3,000 hectares of land were burnt but the team will only assess once the weather shifts. In this case, the rain will bring welcome relief to the situation. Another plus was that the fires were in remote lands that the public cannot access, so they are at least, not in any danger.
“On Monday 8 July Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) in the Eastern Cape experienced a wildfire in the Zuurberg section of the park. The source of the fire is unknown at this stage and teams from AENP and the Sarah Baartman West Fire Protection Association are on site to manage the situation.
The fire started on Sunday evening, 09 July when the park experienced gale force winds and has subsequently moved over to the Nyathi section of the park. There is some damage to the boundary fence but no animal losses or other infrastructure damage.
SANParks extends its gratitude to the public for the cooperation and understanding that has been conveyed.”
The Western Cape SANPark’s teams are having to make calls of closure to keep the public protected. In a statement released late yesterday afternoon, they have asked the public to please stay away from key locations.
Parts of Table Mountain National Park are closed and the entire Tankwa Karoo National Park is closed due to flooding and heavy snowfall. So if you are off to go snow hunting, please steer clear of this area, for your safety and that of the SANParks rangers.
“South African National Parks (SANParks) has closed off various sections of Table Mountain National Park as well as the whole of Tankwa Karoo National Park due to the current flooding and heavy snowfall in the Western Cape.
Sections of Table Mountain National Park that have been temporarily closed are the Cape Point overnight hiking trail, the road to the Overseers Cottage, as well as the roads to Olifantsbos Cottage and the Smitswinkel and Slangkop tented camps. All access roads leading to Tankwa Karoo National Park have also been closed due to snowfall until further notice.
Excessive mud slides, overflowing rivers and damages to access roads due to heavy rain have contributed to the closure of sections inside Table Mountain National Park, while Tankwa Karoo National Park is inaccessible on all roads due to snowfall.
The safety of our visitors remains our highest concern and we urge everyone not to attempt accessing these points until further notice.
Adverse weather conditions are expected over the Western Cape, particularly Cape Town, and SANParks urges all visitors to exercise extreme caution on access roads to Cape Point and Boulders. Hikers are advise not to attempt any hiking trails especially on Thursday.
Updates will be provided as the situation develops. Cooperation from the public is appreciated during this challenging time.”
So if Adventure is calling your name, you turn around and tell Adventure you are choosing safety this week! You tell Adventure you are down for cosy home vibes with some snacks and cuddles. And that Adventure should do the same!
SANParks will continue to update the public about the situation and advise when these parks are open once again.