The low water bridge over the Crocodile River in the Kruger National Park overflowed during the recent heavy rains in the Lowveld. Photo: Courtesy of Kruger National Park

The clean up and repairs have begun in Kruger National Park after last week torrential rain caused flooding, forcing the rescue of 32 tourists who became trapped.

The flooding began on Monday last week when it is believed there were at least 1,800 people in the park at the time. Tourists were evacuated from washed away cars and flooded camps in the safari park.

South Africa National Parks (SANParks) said late last week that 80 per cent of Kruger National Park was functional, with repair work expected to take less than six months to complete.
 
SANParks chief executive David Mabunda inspected the damage and reported there were no serious injuries, with the most serious damage to the infrastructure.

"Roads, bridges, culverts, water supply pumps have been washed away. Barring a few tents, there has been limited damage to the tourism facilities," he said.

A statement on the South African National Parks website urged visitors already in the park to “exercise caution around rivers as crocodiles are likely to be in flat areas."

Rains in 2000 caused flooding Kruger National Park which is South Africa's flagship big-game park and a top destination of foreign tourists.  Established in 1898, it covers more than 7,500 square miles and boasts hundreds of animal and plant species.

Updates on gate access to the park, road closures and areas still affected by flood waters can be found on the SANParks website.