GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - In a statement released today, the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) communication manager Nandi Mgwadlamba said that although rivers in the Tsitsikamma section of the GRNP are relatively full following recent rainfall, all-day and multi-day hiking trails are open again, including the world famous Otter Trail.

Water in the Nature’s Valley camp has also subsided.

According to the area manager of the Knysna section of the GRNP, Johan de Klerk, “Roads in the forestry areas in Knysna (Kom-se-Pad) are drivable and trees, debris and water cleared.”

The Jubilee Creek picnic area is still closed and trails in and around Goudveld are under assessment.

The Ebb and Flow Rest Camp in the Wilderness section of the Park is open and operating although some of the trails are also under assessment due to high water levels, particularly the Half-Collared (7.2km) and Brown-Hooded trails (4.1km).

With the current weather prediction of mild to warm conditions, water is expected to drain to various water sources such as rivers and the ocean.

This is welcomed as the GRNP team gears up to open all its gates for free during the SA National Parks Week campaign from September 14 to 19.

• Rangers assess flood damage
• Water, water everywhere
• Deck becomes River
• Knysna rainfall update
• Knysna flood damage
• School closed after heavy rain
• Rivers in flood