As flooding from a Mozambique-originated storm worsens in Limpopo—following initial Kruger camp evacuations—schools in Vhembe and Mopani districts remain closed, Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit shuts down, and tourists are evacuated from reserves. An Orange Level 9 warning persists for Wednesday, underscoring saturated soils and high flood risks.
In Hoedspruit, South Africa's Safari Capital and gateway to Kruger National Park, rivers including Sabi Sand, Klaserie, and Zandspruit have burst banks, submerging the R527 Zandspruit Bridge and isolating lodges. Building on earlier evacuations from Kruger camps like Shingwedzi and Pafuri reported last week, helicopter pilot Gerry McDonald of Big Game Heli Services rescued tourists Tuesday and gears up for more, drawing parallels to the 2012 floods: "It’s very similar... that long sort of gentle, soaking rain." Prior rains have saturated the ground, intensifying runoff.
Limpopo's Education Department extended school closures in Vhembe and Mopani through the week for safety, aligning with the South African Weather Service's (SAWS) Orange Level 9 alert for eastern Limpopo on Wednesday. SAWS spokesperson Hannelee Doubell noted ongoing disruptive rain. Eastgate Airport closed Tuesday, stranding travelers, while SANParks closed additional Kruger roads and gates, rescheduling visitors.
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve manager Riaan Kruger reported 150mm of rain since Sunday, with no emergency declared as wildlife thrives in new pools: "The buffalo and rhino are just loving [them]." Conservation teams report no animal injuries at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Logistics rely on 4x4s; citrus farmer Braam van der Merwe sees minor farm impacts but welcomes bushveld rain: "Ons is dankbaar vir die reën, maar dit moet nou stop" (We are grateful for the rain, but now it must stop). Less severe than 2000 or 2012 events, updates will follow as conditions change.
