Some lodge owners in the Zambezi region say they are struggling to cope as the Zambezi River rises unexpectedly, leaving wildlife stranded and tourism operations under increasing pressure. Serondela Lodge, part of the Wild Waters Group of Lodges, is among those feeling the impact as water levels continue to climb.

Simone Micheletti, managing director of Wild Waters Group, which manages the lodge, said the situation remains uncertain as the river continues to swell. “The water this year has raised dramatically. Initially it slowed down a bit, but now it’s pushing again. Slowly but surely it’s rising. We are not done yet adn for the next couple of days we can expect more rainfall,” he said. He noted that the floods arrived earlier than expected and rose at an unusual pace, catching both operators and wildlife off guard.

Speaking to Network Media Hub (NMH) Micheletti said that although the main lodge structures remain dry for now, the situation on the ground is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Access to some lodges has been disrupted, with roads either submerged or unsafe to use. “Some roads are blocked, and although access by boat is possible, safety is tricky now,” Micheletti explained. As a result, some lodges have been forced to scale down operations or temporarily shut their doors to guests.

Beyond the operational challenges, the environmental impact is becoming more visible. Wildlife in the floodplain has been severely affected by the sudden rise in water levels. Images shared with this publication from the area show animals, including zebras, struggling to navigate the flooded terrain. “Even the wildlife got caught. They got caught by surprise,” Micheletti said, adding that the speed and timing of the floods left little room for natural adaptation.

The disruption is also translating into significant financial losses. According to Micheletti, the impact goes far beyond cancelled bookings. “It’s not only the bookings that we lose, but also the extra income from activities, drinks, and other services,” he said. “We are losing a lot of clients, and it’s more than just the booking.” The slowdown in tourism affects not only lodge owners but also employees and surrounding communities that depend on visitor spending.

While acknowledging that flooding is a natural occurrence in the region, Micheletti believes there is room for government intervention to ease the burden on affected businesses. “Maybe they could look into a bit of tax relief or other support,” he suggested. “We are already losing out so much, so anything that helps mitigate the damage would be welcome.”

With water levels still rising and more inflow expected, uncertainty continues to hang over the region. Micheletti stressed that the situation is far from over. “It went up so fast and so early. Even the wildlife got caught. It’s quite unfortunate,” he said.

As the Zambezi River continues to swell, lodge operators remain on high alert, balancing safety concerns with the need to sustain their businesses, while the region’s wildlife faces an increasingly fragile environment.