Fire damages shop at Kruger Park's Lower Sabie rest camp

Restaurant and reception closed for safety after Tuesday blaze; no injuries reported as investigation begins.

A fire at Lower Sabie rest camp in Kruger National Park on Tuesday morning damaged shop facilities and forced the closure of the restaurant and reception area, South African National Parks said¹². No injuries or fatalities were reported¹.

Rangers and staff contained the fire before it spread to other structures, SANParks said¹. The restaurant itself sustained no fire damage but will remain closed due to power cuts caused by the incident². Accommodation was not affected, and the camp remains fully booked for upcoming public holidays on 27 April and 1 May². Guided game drives and walks are continuing as normal².

The cause of the fire is under investigation¹². SANParks said temporary retail and food services will be implemented as soon as possible, and urged guests with camping bookings to stock up on supplies before arrival².

The fire occurred as the park faces access disruptions from infrastructure damage. Orpen Gate is inaccessible after a bridge along the R531 near the Wits Rural Facility, outside the park, was washed away¹. The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo said the bridge was destroyed on Sunday night following heavy rains this week¹.

Visitors have been advised to use alternative entry points including Paul Kruger Gate and Phalaborwa Gate until further notice¹. The DA urged Limpopo's MEC for public works, roads and infrastructure, Ernest Rachoene, to begin urgent repairs, saying prolonged disruption could harm tourism and agriculture in the region¹. The R531 serves as a key access road to the park and for surrounding rural communities¹.