Kruger floods hit safari revenues – recovery under way
Tourism businesses in the Greater Kruger National Park are assessing damage and reopening after January’s severe flooding, with 52% of respondents to a Tourism Update survey reporting a “severe” hit to revenue. The impact was driven by cancelled or postponed bookings (88%), road access issues (84%) and disrupted guest activities (79%). Infrastructure damage across the KNP and private reserves – including Timbavati, Klaserie and Balule – forced temporary closures ranging from a few weeks to more than six months.
Recovery is uneven. Tanda Tula in Timbavati reopened on 28 January and reports strong occupancy, while Hideaways Africa’s Amava River Lodge in Balule will remain closed until at least 31 December. Local operators in Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa say trade has stalled amid gate closures and access constraints, and 44% of surveyed businesses report affected forward bookings. Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge noted several overseas cancellations despite reopening on 25 January but forecasts a strong high season from April. Connectivity is improving, with FlySafair set to relaunch services on 14 February alongside Airlink and Cemair, and a live map from the Maruleng Tourism Association and Kruger Lowveld Chamber now guiding travellers on affected roads and camps.
Source: Tourism Update
