The Lower Sabie Rest Camp shop is completely destroyed.
A fire that broke out on the morning of April 21 at the retail centre of Lower Sabie Rest Camp in Kruger National Park has been successfully contained, bringing relief to visitors and management at the iconic safari destination.
According to SANParks general manager for media and stakeholder relations, Rey Thakhuli, emergency teams responded swiftly to the incident, ensuring that the blaze did not spread beyond the affected retail area.
Thakhuli confirmed that while the camp’s restaurant was spared from structural damage, it will remain closed for the time being due to power interruptions caused by the fire. Restoration efforts are currently underway to stabilize services and ensure the safety of both staff and visitors.
To mitigate the disruption, SANParks has announced plans to introduce temporary retail and food and beverage services as soon as possible. These interim measures are intended to assist guests who rely on the camp’s facilities during their stay.
In the meantime, visitors with bookings at Lower Sabie are advised to prepare in advance. “Guests with bookings at the camp are encouraged to stock up on supplies before arrival,” said Thakhuli. He added that essential items such as firewood, ice, and groceries can be obtained at nearby camps including Skukuza Rest Camp, Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp, Satara Rest Camp, Tshokwane Picnic Site, and Nkuhlu Picnic Site.
Importantly, SANParks reassured the public that accommodation facilities at Lower Sabie were not affected by the fire. The camp remains fully operational and is fully booked for the upcoming long weekends on April 27 and May 1, which are typically peak periods for domestic and international tourists visiting Kruger National Park.
All scheduled activities, including guided game drives and walking safaris, will continue as normal, ensuring that visitors can still enjoy the renowned wildlife experience the park has to offer.
However, SANParks has urged all guests to exercise caution and avoid the damaged retail area while assessments and repairs continue. Safety remains a top priority as officials work to restore full functionality to the camp.
The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed, and investigations are expected to follow.
