SANParks closes Nature’s Valley Camp amid severe flooding and Storm Damage

South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed Nature’s Valley Camp in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park due to severe flooding caused by ongoing heavy rainfall.

The closure follows an Orange Level 8 weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service.

According to SANParks, all guests at the camp were safely evacuated after persistent rain led to flooding in the area. Officials confirmed that the Groot River Mouth at Nature’s Valley opened naturally, allowing water to flow out of the camp.

In the Knysna Section of the park, the Thesen Island Office was also forced to close after experiencing flooding and wind damage caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall. Authorities warned that roads in low-lying areas near the Knysna Estuary could be closed due to coastal surges and high tide conditions.

Meanwhile, in the Wilderness Section, all campers were relocated to formal accommodation facilities, while the North Camp at Ebb and Flow has been shut down. SANParks said the Touw River Mouth and Swartvlei Mouth were artificially opened to manage rising water levels.

“All hiking, cycling, and water-based activities remain suspended,” SANParks said in a statement.

SANParks teams, working alongside Disaster Management agencies, have been deployed across affected areas to monitor conditions and respond to weather-related incidents.

The organisation said damage to infrastructure will be assessed once weather conditions improve.

Authorities added that all sections of the Garden Route National Park remain under close monitoring, with restricted access in several areas due to flooding and related impacts.