The extent of the damage at Badplaas Forever Resort. PIC/Supplied
A popular Mpumalanga holiday destination, Badplaas, a Forever Resort, was struck by intense flash flooding early Wednesday, April 8, forcing management to shut down some of its primary attractions.
The resort, located near Badplaas (eManzana), saw a massive surge of water damaging infrastructure and its world-renowned thermal springs.
The following facilities would be closed until further notice: outdoor and indoor pools, speed slides and super tubes, the health hydro and spa facilities.
Eyewitness accounts and reports recount the severity of the flooding. Sources claim water levels reached staggering heights near the main entertainment areas.
While the resort’s accommodation, including the hotel, chalets and rondawels were mostly unaffected and are safe for guests, the silt and debris left behind by the floodwaters, had made the recreational areas unusable.
“Due to flash flooding on April 8, the pools, slide and hydro spa are closed until further notice. Thank you for your patience,” the resort shared in a social media update.
Guests praised the resort staff for their quick action in ensuring their safety. Those with upcoming reservations are encouraged to contact the resort directly regarding the facilities’ status.
Professional teams are conducting damage assessments and started clearing mud and debris from pools. While the water park is closed, the surrounding nature reserve and game drives remain operational, weather permitting.
Flash floods are rapid-onset events often caused by intense rainfall over a short period. In mountainous or valley regions such as Badplaas, the runoff can transform small streams into raging torrents within minutes.
Those in this area in Mpumalanga are advised to stay updated with local weather alerts and avoiding low-lying bridges and riverbanks during heavy downpours.
