Amava River Lodge Temporarily Closes Due to Severe Flooding in Greater Kruger

Hideaways Africa confirms the temporary closure of Amava River Lodge in South Africa’s Greater Kruger region following severe and highly localised flooding along the Olifants River on 15 January 2026. Exceptional rainfall across parts of the Lowveld caused the river to enter full flood and overtop its banks. The situation was intensified by the failure of several upstream dams on private land, resulting in a sudden surge that exceeded flood levels last recorded in 2012. Lodges situated above the established floodline were also affected. Following aerial inspections and initial damage assessments, several lodge units at Amava River Lodge were confirmed destroyed, and access to the area remains restricted. As a result, the lodge has been closed with immediate effect. Based on current assessments, Amava River Lodge is expected to remain closed until 31 December 2026, with this timeline to be reviewed as recovery efforts progress. Focused Recovery and Guest Support Damage assessments are ongoing, and a structured recovery and reopening plan will be developed once full access to the site is restored. Hideaways Africa is working closely with all affected guests and trade partners to manage existing bookings and confirm alternative arrangements where required. The safety and wellbeing of guests and staff remains the highest priority, and restoration work will proceed once conditions allow. Operations Continue Across Southern Africa Hideaways Africa confirms that this event has been limited to specific areas within the Greater Kruger region and does not reflect broader conditions across Southern Africa. All Hideaways Africa camps and lodges in Zimbabwe and Botswana remain fully operational, unaffected, and bookable, with safari travel continuing as normal across these destinations. The wider portfolio continues to welcome guests, offering the same trusted experiences, landscapes, and wildlife encounters the brand is known for. Acknowledgement and Ongoing Updates Hideaways Africa extends its thanks to its on-the-ground teams for their calm and professional response during the evacuation, as well as to the Balule team and Gerry McDonald for their assistance during this period.