A Miracle at Naka | Limpopo Floods 2025
The 2025 Limpopo Floods: A Story of Devastation and Resilience
Luxury Game Reserve
The 2025 Limpopo floods have been the most devastating in decades, leaving a trail of destruction across the region. As the Limpopo, Matlabas, and Ngotwane rivers swelled beyond their banks, entire communities faced unprecedented challenges. Our hearts go out to the farmers who lost everything, the people left stranded, the crops destroyed, and the animals that perished in the raging waters.
Yet, amidst the loss and chaos, there were heroes. We salute the rescue workers who risked their lives, the tenacity of the helicopter pilots navigating treacherous conditions, and the courage of our people who stood together in the face of adversity. Most of all, we honor the love and unity that bound our community through this crisis.
At Naka Lodge, we witnessed both the destructive power of nature and the miracle of survival. Our prayers were answered as the lodge was spared from the worst, even as floodwaters breached the moat and came dangerously close to the buildings. The staff, having evacuated their homes near the old border crossing and police station, watched helplessly as the water rose—but they never lost hope.
A breathtaking yet sobering sight emerged as the floodwaters carved a new landscape, revealing beauty unseen in decades. Yesterday, I had the privilege of flying to Naka Lodge with its owner to capture the aftermath. The sight was both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking—a meeting of three mighty rivers, each swollen beyond recognition, each telling a story of loss and survival.
The confluence of the Limpopo, Matlabas, and Ngotwane rivers created a remarkable scene, one that will be remembered for years to come. The Ngotwane, originating near Ramotswa in Botswana, had journeyed through Gaborone and Mochudi before merging with the already overflowing Limpopo. The Matlabas, flowing from Marakele National Park, had joined the torrent, adding to the widespread destruction. With the Crocodile River also flooding upstream near Thabazimbi, the sheer volume of water was staggering.
As the floodwaters slowly recede, the difficult task of assessing the loss of wildlife begins. The land, once teeming with life, now bears the scars of nature’s fury. Yet, despite the devastation, we do not blame the rain—for it follows the drought, and balance is the way of nature.
This flood has been a reminder of both the power and the fragility of life. It has tested our resilience, our faith, and our unity. But in the wake of loss, we find gratitude. Gratitude for the lives spared, for the miracles witnessed, and for the strength of our community. The road to recovery will be long, but together, we will rebuild.
To all those affected, we stand with you. To those who came to the rescue, we thank you. And to the land that bore witness to it all, we honor you.
#MiraclesAndBlessings #LimpopoFloods2025 #NakaLodge
