R950 million repair bill for South Africa’s most iconic national park hit by devastating floods

South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park faces a substantial funding shortfall to repair severe flood damage, restricting visitor numbers.

The vast wildlife reserve, a popular international tourist destination and home to critically endangered species such as the black rhinoceros, suffered major damage to roads, bridges and accommodation following torrential rains in January.

Repairs will cost an estimated R950 million, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment David Maynier said during a site visit in August.

The South African National Parks, the state entity that manages the reserve, has set aside R100 million, and the national government has set aside R218 million, while there was a R150 million insurance settlement, but a gap of R481 million remains, he said in response to a parliamentary question.

To date, about R87 million has been spent, and budgets for another R188 million in projects have been approved.

Visitor numbers reached 1.87 million in the 12 months through March 2025, according to SANParks’ annual report.

Some 90,000 guests visited in February this year, down 7,000 from the same month in 2025, reflecting the impact of the floods.