LIMPOPO – Tourism in the Mopani district is gradually recovering following weeks of heavy rainfall that disrupted travel, damaged infrastructure and led to a sharp decline in visitor activity.

Magoebaskloof restaurant owner Heather Gore of Blueberry Heights said the prolonged rain had a severe financial impact, particularly as residents and tourists avoided travel and power outages affected operations.

“We were badly affected because no one wanted to leave their houses during the rain. We lost a lot of money, and there was a time when we did not have electricity for about a week, which cost us a lot,” Gore said. “Since the rain has eased, customers have started coming back and we are almost back to where we were before. However, electricity remains a challenge as power still goes on and off because of damaged poles. We hope to recover from the losses over time.”

Another Magoebaskloof restaurateur, Lara Luis of Pot ‘n Plow, said that they did not receive many customers during the rain, as many of their customers are visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) passing by.

The Maruleng Tourism Association (MTA) confirmed that conditions in Hoedspruit have largely stabilised, with tourism operations steadily returning to normal.

“The floods have ended, the skies are clearing, and Hoedspruit is officially open for business,” the MTA said in a statement. “The message to the market is clear: we are open, we are accessible, and we are ready to welcome both domestic and international travellers.”

According to the MTA, flights into Eastgate Airport have also resumed, with Airlink and CemAir operating scheduled services.

“Major access roads into Hoedspruit are also open, although motorists are advised to remain cautious due to potholes and debris left by the heavy rains,” it stated. The association further said visitors to the KNP, which has opened its gates again, are urged to stick to tarred roads, as gravel roads remain closed for safety and conservation reasons.

According to them access to some lodges, particularly those located within private reserves, may still be affected by river crossings. “We strongly encourage guests to contact their lodge directly before travelling, as operators have the most up-to-date information regarding access and local conditions,” the association said.

“When you visit Hoedspruit, you are not just visiting a destination; you are supporting a community that stands together,” the association stated.

Meanwhile, the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) has expressed concern over the sharp decline in tourism activity across the province following the floods.

According to the department, tourism levels in districts such as Vhembe and Mopani have dropped to levels last experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Thursday last week, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Willie Aucamp, said during a press conference that the KNP recorded a 41% decline in guest entries between January 9 and 19 as a result of the floods.

Ledet has called on all tourism establishments, including lodges, guesthouses, hotels and game reserves, to urgently submit reports detailing flood-related damage and operational challenges.

The information will be used to assess the full impact of the disaster and to guide recovery efforts aimed at restoring tourism activity to pre-flood levels.