In mid January 2012, Cyclone Dando struck southern Africa, leading to widespread heavy rainfall (450-500 mm in 48 hours) and flooding in the Kruger National Park (KNP), eastern South Africa. This flooding occurred just 12 years after the last major catastrophic flooding in the KNP (Jan/Feb 2000), which also caused dramatic river channel and vegetation changes. Using data acquired from light aircraft (photographs, LiDAR) together with field surveying and sediment sampling, this study exploited a rare opportunity to investigate the flooding, erosion & sedimentation that occurred during the January 2012 event along three rivers in the KNP. The data obtained was compared with pre-existing data that were collected prior to and following the 2000 flooding in the KNP, and then combined with state-of-the-art computer models to simulate flow characteristics during floods and the longer term response of the rivers to sequences of extreme floods. The aerial, field and modelling results helped to develop new conceptual models of the response of these rivers to extreme events. Such models have practical application, both for river managers in the KNP & farther afield. Many climate change scenarios predict future increases in the size and frequency of extreme flood events in southern Africa and other dryland regions, and better understanding of the spatial extent of flooding, erosion & sedimentation will contribute to improved flood hazard management & environmental stewardship.