Mapping and evaluating the impact of flood hazards on tourism in South African national parks

There is consensus that the risk of flooding is increasing in many parts of Africa and globally due to climate variability and change-induced extreme weather events. Floods are often considered a necessity by the conservation community in semi-arid regions since they recharge important aquifers and wetlands, which are critical areas for biodiversity conservation. However, floods threaten tourism infrastructure, given their destructive nature. This study maps and evaluates flooding hotspots in 19 South African national parks and assesses flood occurrence and their impact on tourism. A mixed methods approach was adopted, utilising primary data collected from interviews, surveys, field observations and secondary data sources.

The study found that most flood hotspots are located in the Kruger National Park, with more than nine hotspots in Mapungubwe National Park, and almost all flooding events are linked to extreme weather events. Flooding incidents are increasing in these parks, devastatingly impacting tourism infrastructures, such as camps, roads, bridges and heritage and picnic sites. Other parks concerned about flooding include the Wilderness section of the Garden Route, Bontebok National Park and isolated events in some parts of the Kgalagadi, Augrabies and Mokala National Parks. The most affected parks are within the pathway of tropical cyclones. The study recommends engineering, nature-based solutions and the development of early warning systems to manage these flood risks in national parks.