- Tour operators decry losses as floods force Moremi closure
- Refunds already surpass P700 000 as cancellations monthly
Tourism operators in the eastern region of the Okavango Delta are reeling from a wave of cancellations and refund demands following the temporary closure of Moremi Game Reserve due to severe flooding as a result of heavy rains. This nature versus profit scenario is expected to expected to escalate for a bit longer.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism recently updated on the situation at reserve’s closure, warning that water levels at the Khwai River have reached the top of the bridge decks, rendering primary access routes impassable. The disruption has left mobile safari hair-operators and lodge owners struggling to manage the sudden loss of seasonal revenue.
Godfrey Tlhase, CEO of Bush Kings Safaris, described the closure as a “huge setback” for small-scale operators. Tlhase revealed that his company was forced to cancel five group bookings, including mobile camping safaris and mokoro excursions.
“We are looking at refunding approximately P685,000 to our clients,” Tlhase said. “For a small company, losing five major trips that were meant to generate our primary income is devastating. We are now facing serious challenges in meeting our monthly payroll.”
Boineelo Disho, Director of Bush Orchestra Safaris, echoed these concerns, noting that Moremi is the “center of attraction” for the region’s tourism. She confirmed the cancellation of six day-trip bookings, resulting in P36,000 in refunds.
The impact extends to larger hospitality groups as well. SKL Group of Companies Director, Reaboka Mbulawa, stated that the closure is a blow to both local and regional travel. Mbulawa noted that SKL has seen cancellations from 150 to 200 self-drive tourists who had planned to visit Khwai, Savuti, and Linyanti.
“Our travellers plan their trips one to two years in advance,” Mbulawa explained. “If an international tourist sitting in Europe is informed that Moremi is closed, they simply cancel the entire journey. This is a severe hit to an industry that has not yet fully recovered from the impacts of COVID-19.”
Kwalate Safaris Manager, Bruce Masusu, also confirmed that his office is processing refunds for March bookings, citing the total inaccessibility of the park.
Despite the economic strain, the Botswana Guides Association (BOGA) has come out in support of the government’s decision. BOGA Chairman Kenson Kgaga noted that while the financial loss is regrettable, the safety risks are too high to ignore.
“The roads are in a condition that would inevitably lead to accidents and frequent vehicle breakdowns,” Kgaga said. “Closing the park protects both the tourists and the operators’ equipment from the hazards of the current terrain.”
The North West District Disaster Management Committee reaffirmed this week that the gateway route through Shorobe, Sankoyo, Mababe, and Khwai remains flooded and unsafe as heavy rains continue to lash the region.
