Simbavati River Lodge

Floods at Simbavati

 

Maybe it is a good thing that humans are not expected to live beyond 100 years. This is especially true if you live on a property that is built on a 100 year flood line, because then you can reasonably expect to be bundled out of your property only once in your lifetime!



The ‘pros’ of a beautiful location on a river bank in the middle of the dry African Bushveld are obvious, but THE major ‘con’ arrived to haunt Simbavati River Lodge last night in the form of a torrential downpour.

We regret to advise that Simbavati River Lodge has sustained severe damage as a result of the flooding over the last 24 hours, alongside several other major lodges in the Greater Kruger National Park area.
Communication with the lodge has been almost completely cut off, with sporadic connection over broken cellphone reception being the only means of contact.

All staff and guests are reported to be safe after having been evacuated from the lodge, and are currently waiting on higher ground for the rain to relent.  A helicopter is on standby to airlift guests from the property as soon as cloud cover lifts sufficiently to facilitate safe flying conditions.

Alternative accommodation for all guests has been arranged at lodges in other reserves which have not been affected by the flooding.

At present, it is impossible to report on the extent of the damage caused, or to make an accurate assessment of how long the lodge will be closed.

The owners, management and staff of Simbavati are currently doing everything possible to ensure that all clients - current and future - will suffer the least possible disruption to their travel plans. Updates will be posted on our Facebook page. Agents and clients are requested to please e-mail central reservations with enquiries, with telephonic communications reserved for emergencies only. The emergency number is 021 945 3751.

We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support received from the industry and other lodges, and wish to express our gratitude and thanks to all parties concerned.  

Mother Nature paid us one spectral visit. We stand in awe of Her power, and are reminded of the respect She deserves. Mostly we are humbled by Her ability to get people look beyond their differences, and to instead stand together in support of one other.

Frikkie Reynders

Managing Director:
Simbavati River Lodge