28 May 2026

Tourism operations are gradually returning to normal following the reopening of the road into the Moremi Game Reserve after months of closure caused by severe flooding in the Okavango Delta.

The strategic tourism route was shut down in March due to rising floodwaters, which disrupted logistics across the delta. Vehicles became stuck, some airstrips were flooded, and occupancy rates dropped sharply during what is normally a peak tourism season.

There were concerns that the prolonged closure of the road has paralysed the tourism sector as mostly mobile tour operators and some camps operating in the delta were negatively affected as many were facing acute cash flow pressure.

According to Moremi Park manager Kefeletswe Phori, the road was reopened in April after extensive consultations with tourism operators and other stakeholders.

Although water levels remain high and some routes are still impassable, authorities decided that keeping the roads closed indefinitely would severely damage Botswana’s tourism industry, a major contributor to the national economy.

Ms Phori said some areas, including Third Bridge, remained closed, while roads around Xakanaka and South Gate-Khwai are usable when there is no rainfall. Despite these challenges, mobile safari operators have resumed transporting tourists into the delta, and alternative camping sites were allocated to the Botswana Guides Association (BOGA). The association advocates for citizen-owned tour operators, professional guides and safari operators and it has been calling for an intervention as the closure of the road had serious consequences for operators.

Tourists continue to flock to the delta because of its rich wildlife and unique ecosystem. Some tourism camps have adapted by shifting from land-based game drives to water-based boating excursions. Operators are also proposing the construction of bridges across flooded channels to improve transport access.

Project and stakeholder manager at Wilderness Safaris, Attorney Vasco, said camps remained operational despite the flooding, with boats being used to transport guests and supplies.

While some activities such as game drives and walking safaris were disrupted by washed-out routes, he noted that the floods had pushed wildlife closer to campsites, creating exceptional game-viewing opportunities. “We are managing a balance between capitalising on the scenic water rich wilderness and navigating logistical challenges posed by increased flows. Also, we expect a bumper season in our campsites,” he added.

Managing director of Letsatsi Safaris, Joe Bayei, said the closure had nearly brought tourism activities to a halt and increased operating costs due to damaged roads and longer travel times. He called for the development of alternative routes to support the industry during future floods. ENDS