Rising rivers prompt immediate evacuation
Severe flooding triggered by heavy downpours in the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park has compelled authorities to shut down two key border crossings between South Africa and Mozambique with immediate effect. The Border Management Authority (BMA) confirmed that both the Pafuri and Giriyondo border posts have been temporarily closed after swollen rivers threatened the safety of travellers and personnel stationed in the area.
The emergency decision came after park rangers monitoring waterways in the region raised the alarm over rapidly deteriorating conditions. The Luvuvhu River, which runs in close proximity to the Pafuri border post, has been under particularly close surveillance. Rangers reported that water levels at the Luvuvhu river bridge surged by roughly half a metre in just 24 hours.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said protecting lives remained the overriding priority in making the call to suspend operations.
"The water levels are rising rapidly and unpredictably. To eliminate any risk, we have decided to temporarily suspend operations until it is safe again."
Multiple rivers in flood as access roads become impassable
The Luvuvhu is not the only watercourse causing concern. Further updates from the field confirmed that both the Klein Letaba and Middelvlei rivers are also in flood. Water levels in the Letaba River have climbed to such an extent that it too faces the danger of bursting its banks, compounding the crisis across the region.
The impact of the flooding extends well beyond the border posts themselves. The Pafuri gate, situated approximately 30 kilometres from the border post, has been rendered impassable by floodwaters. Giriyondo, a significant crossing point within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, is likewise inaccessible for the time being.
Masiapato confirmed that precautionary steps were taken swiftly to safeguard all personnel and equipment in the affected zones.
"All BMA staff members, members of the Post Management Committee and operational vehicles stationed at the relevant border posts have been safely evacuated. No injuries or damage to the infrastructure have been reported."
Travellers who had planned to enter the park or cross into Mozambique via the affected routes have been urged to seek alternative options. Those who intended to use the Pafuri gate are being directed to the Punda Maria gate, which lies roughly 65 kilometres from the border post and remains open and accessible at this stage.
The BMA said it is working closely with park management and other relevant authorities to keep a constant watch on conditions. Operations at both border posts will resume only once officials are satisfied that it is safe to do so.
The closure of two northern Kruger border posts disrupts cross-border trade and tourism between South Africa and Mozambique, affecting local communities that depend on these routes for commerce and livelihoods. Businesses operating within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park face immediate revenue losses during a key travel period. With multiple rivers in flood and access roads impassable, recovery timelines remain uncertain, and authorities will need to assess infrastructure integrity before reopening, potentially prolonging economic disruption in the region.
