WATCH: Kruger National Park fire hits flood-damaged chalets

A fire damaged two tourist units at Kruger National Park’s Letaba Rest Camp on Heritage Day, dealing another blow to a camp still recovering from severe flood damage earlier this year.

The blaze broke out on Thursday, 24 September, as South Africans marked Heritage Day across the country.

Letaba staff and rangers responded immediately and contained the fire before it could spread to other buildings.

No one sustained injuries and SANParks reported no fatalities.

SANParks investigates Heritage Day fire

SANParks has now launched an investigation to establish what caused the blaze.

“The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage and investigations are underway,” the parks authority said.

The parks authority confirmed that the blaze affected two tourist accommodation units, while all other facilities continued operating normally.

The park shop, filling station, Elephant Hall museum and reception remained open following the incident.

Officials said they would provide another update once investigators establish what sparked the blaze.

Fresh setback for flood-hit Letaba

The fire comes at a difficult time for Letaba Rest Camp.

Floods caused extensive damage to the camp in January, forcing SANParks to close and repair tourist accommodation and other infrastructure.

SANParks has since embarked on a phased restoration programme.

Earlier this month, authorities confirmed that contractors had restored 25 tourism units in Letaba’s Circles A to C at a cost of R19 million.

Another 64 units remained under restoration, with SANParks targeting 30 November for completion.

SANParks had also been working to reopen facilities ahead of the busy year-end tourism period.

The fire therefore adds another setback to Letaba’s recovery just months after flood damage disrupted operations.

Letaba remains open to visitors

Despite the Heritage Day fire, SANParks has not closed Letaba Rest Camp.

Visitors can still access the camp’s main facilities while investigators determine the cause of the blaze.

Letaba sits along the Letaba River in the central-northern section of the Kruger National Park and remains one of the park’s best-known rest camps, particularly for elephant viewing.