The South African National Parks (SANParks) has marked the start of National Parks Week with the handover of tourism units and the official opening of the Letaba High Water Bridge.
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier on Monday cut the ribbon to officially open the bridge at Letaba Rest Camp, situated in Limpopo. Damage to the bridge had led to restricted access to the northern sections of the park.
This came after parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga were lashed by heavy rains in January. Floodwaters submerged areas of the camp, leading to its closure to tourists. Reconstruction work at the camp has since resulted in the restoration of some tourism units.
“The opening of the restored Letaba Rest Camp facilities and the Letaba High Water Bridge represents far more than the completion of infrastructure. It represents resilience, determination and commitment in ensuring that one of the world’s great conservation landscapes remains strong, accessible and sustainable into the future.
“The units we are opening today represent a decision not just to replace the damaged infrastructure with what it was before, but to use the opportunity to upgrade the units,” the Minister explained.
Maynier and senior SANParks management visited one of the upgraded units within the rest camp.
He added that the new, modern look and feel of the units would improve the experience of guests at the park.
“With additional units expected to follow later this year in time for peak tourist season, it is clear that SANParks management is taking steps to address the severe economic impact of the floods. Getting more tourists back into guest accommodation is a clear priority for this team. Work has been completed so quickly.”
At Letaba Rest Camp, 25 tourism units in Circles A to C have been restored at a cost of R19 million. The completed work includes furniture and 10 family cottages. A further 64 tourism units remain under restoration and are expected to reopen in phases, with completion anticipated by 30 November 2026.
Maynier also commended SANParks for the speedy work done on the bridge, with the rebuilding project having kicked off on 4 February and reaching finality “a week and a half ago.”
“The urgency to reconnect the north and south of the park is clear. This work is an investment into the Kruger National Park today but also an investment into the Kruger National Park of tomorrow,” he said.
The bridge was opened to traffic on 23 March 2026, reconnecting the northern and southern sections of Kruger. Final work, including sand sealing of the road, was completed on 28 August 2026.
SANParks said the R9.5 million project included the reconstruction and stone pitching of the damaged bridge approach, together with improved drainage.
Maynier further highlighted the importance of the country’s national parks being better prepared for the challenges of the future.
“The projects we are opening today demonstrate what the future can look like. We can use the Kruger National Park as a springboard for innovation, partnerships and investment that can strengthen resilience, not only here but across the entire national parks.”
He added that government alone cannot address the challenges of the future and that partnerships are needed.
“Imagine a future where our national parks become leaders in resilient infrastructure design, not just in our country but across the world, where roads and bridges and visitor facilities are designed with future climate realities in mind.”
The Minister has invited industry, investors, research institutions and development partners to engage with government and SANParks to collectively accelerate investment in resilient conservation and infrastructure. SANParks Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hapiloe Sello said the day was one for celebration.
“It’s a day that allows us to demonstrate as SANParks that we are committed to restoring, strengthening and sustaining the assets entrusted to us so that they continue serving visitors, supporting conservation and contributing to the broader economy of South Africa,” she said.
National Parks Week
With the annual SANParks National Parks Week underway, Maynier encouraged South Africans to make use of the opportunity presented by the initiative.
“This is our natural heritage, and it belongs to all of us. Please do visit your local national park and share in the extraordinary beauty of our treasures,” he said.
This as pupils in school uniform, among others, were seen at the rest camp premises.
The 21st South African National Parks Week is an initiative that has become one of the most important opportunities for South Africans to explore and reconnect with their national parks.
SANParks announced that 7 to 13 September 2026, would be the dates during which day visitors can gain free access to participating national parks.
However, for Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park, free access is from Monday, 7 September, to Friday, 11 September 2026 and excludes the weekend.
According to SANParks, free access covers day entry only and does not include accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other paid tourism products. Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are excluded. Entry limits and other conditions may differ between participating parks. - SAnews.gov.za
