Breaking: Wildfire in Tsitsikamma Section Of Garden Route National Park

The Keurbooms–Soetkraal area within the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park is currently being ravaged by wildfire, which has been burning for about two hours according to a report on from SANPark.

Believed to have been caused by lightning, the fire is burning in very remote, mountainous terrain on SANParks-managed land, generally referred to as the Soetkraal area. The fire has spread over an estimated 10,000 hectares.

At this stage, the fire remains active. Firefighting teams are implementing a containment strategy aimed at keeping the fire within predetermined management parameters. Minor damage to property infrastructure has been recorded.

SANParks is leading the response, supported by MTO Forestry, the Garden Route District Municipality, Goukamma Municipality, Bitou Municipality, the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, and private landowners, including farmers. Both aerial and ground resources have been deployed extensively to manage the fire and to limit its spread.

Areas identified as higher risk include private orchards in the Langkloof area, as well as homesteads and settlements in the Crags area east of Plettenberg Bay. Firefighting operations are prioritising the protection of life, property, and critical infrastructure in these locations.

Weather forecasts indicate no rain in the short term, which may continue to influence fire behaviour. Teams remain on high alert and will adjust tactics as conditions change.

If the fire is successfully contained within the planned parameters, it is expected to provide long-term ecological benefits to the area. These include post-fire regeneration of fynbos species and a reduction in future fire risk through the removal of accumulated fuel loads.

SANParks will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available.

Island Lake Launch Site Closed Following Boat Fire Incident

In a related development, the Island Lake boat launch site in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park has been closed to the public following a boat fire incident that occurred on Monday, 5 January 2026.

A privately owned boat belonging to a guest caught fire on Island Lake while preparations were underway to launch it. Initial reports indicate that the boat was already in the water when the engine was started, at which point it caught alight. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under investigation.

No fatalities were reported. One individual sustained an injury and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

SANParks rangers responded to the incident, with support from the Wilderness Fire Brigade, who acted promptly to contain the fire and secure the area. The jetty leading to the launch site sustained minor damage because of the fire. As a result of fuel spillage linked to the incident, SANParks has appointed a service provider to carry out environmental clean-up and remediation.

To ensure public safety and allow for proper rehabilitation of the affected area, the Island Lake launch site will remain closed until further notice. The Island Lake picnic area remains open and accessible to visitors.

The Demise Of A Base Jumper In Table Mountain National Park

In another piece of sad news, South African National Parks (SANParks) is saddened by the tragic loss of life involving a BASE jumper at Platteklip Gorge in the northern section of Table Mountain National Park on Monday, 5 January 2026.

Rangers and emergency services responded immediately, and following a coordinated rescue operation, the affected individual was located. Sadly, the person was declared deceased at the scene. SANParks extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

SANParks reiterates that BASE jumping is an illegal, unregulated activity and is strictly prohibited within Table Mountain National Park. We therefore appeal to all visitors to refrain from undertaking such activities. The park is a protected area in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003) and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where activities that pose risks to human life and the environment are not permitted.