Cape town: Garden Route National Park The South African National Parks (SANParks) reports that teams and stakeholders are diligently working to restore access to the Garden Route National Park following extensive damage caused by persistent rainfall.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Wilderness Section has several roads that remain eroded and inaccessible due to mudslides and fallen trees obstructing access routes. Although water levels are subsiding, they remain elevated in parts of Swartvlei, resulting in the continued closure of recreational activities and hiking trails. Fortunately, accommodation facilities have not been affected, and no cancellations have been reported.

In the Knysna Section, extreme rainfall totaling 378 mm has created significant infrastructure challenges. Roads such as Komsepad and Kranshoek remain blocked by fallen trees, necessitating extensive clearing operations. The R339 is currently accessible only to 4x4 vehicles, and power outages and limited network coverage continue to pose challenges. Despite these issues, the Thesen Island Regional Office and Front Office remain open. One vessel was destabilized during the flooding, but it poses no environmental risk, while Diepwalle campsite and trails remain closed.

In the Tsitsikamma Section, conditions have improved as rainfall and strong winds have subsided. Water levels at the Groot River in Nature's Valley have decreased, and debris-clearing operations at the bridge are underway. However, the temporary restaurant structure at the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp has been temporarily closed due to foam from flooding conditions, and all hiking trails and water-based activities remain suspended. Nature's Valley Camp in the Tsitsikamma Section remains closed as teams assess the extent of the damage and continue mop-up operations.

SANParks emphasizes its commitment to working with stakeholders to restore access, repair infrastructure damage, and ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and neighboring communities across the Garden Route National Park.