Six elephants have escaped a renowned South African park through a river on Wednesday, the park said as it struggled to get the giant animals to return.

"We can confirm that six elephants escaped" from Kruger National Park, a tourist magnet bordering Mozambique, said Ike Phaahla, a spokesman for South African National Parks (SANparks).

The animals escaped "through the river as the water is low at this time of the year", he told AFP.

The park initially tried to drive the elephants back using a helicopter, but a large crowd of community members blocked the animals from returning, he said.

As a result "the situation turned dangerous", Phaahla said, adding that law enforcement officials had been alerted for assistance.

"As soon as the situation is under control, they will attempt again to get the elephants back into the park," he said.

Elephants that have escaped protected parks and reserves in Africa have at times been slaughtered by residents for their meat.