Water Shortages in Garden Route Impact Tourism and Local Economy in South Africa, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 14, 2025

A region in South Africa that is famous for its stunning scenery, thriving tourism, vacation resorts, and is found in the Western Cape of South Africa: the Garden Route, is faced with a critical water crisis that is likely to hugely affect the economy of this area. Water shortages in major towns, as well as the rural areas of this region, are taking a toll on businesses, especially during the approaching peak festive season.

This situation has caused an influx of emergency response by the humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers, who have come in to help the communities cope with the effects of the drought. This could not have happened at a more critical time, since the region faces a high peak of tourists during the holiday season. It is feared that the juxtaposition of the drought crisis with tourists who flock to the region for the holidays could ruin businesses, especially those that are related to tourism.

The Impact of the Water Crisis on Tourism and Local Businesses

The Garden Route is a major hub for tourists traveling to South Africa, offering an array of attractions from its stunning beaches to nature reserves and charming towns like Knysna, George, and Mossel Bay. The region’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with thousands of jobs tied to hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and other businesses catering to travelers. The ongoing water crisis threatens to undermine this vital sector.

Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder and chairperson of Gift of the Givers, emphasized the severe consequences for the region’s tourism sector: “The water crisis in the Garden Route couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time when the hospitality industry is dependent on local and international tourists. This time round in the festive season, it is far more widespread, which will impact heavily on business, jobs, and the economy.”

The peak festive season, which runs from December to January, is critical for the tourism industry in the Western Cape. This time of year sees an influx of travelers, many of whom flock to the Garden Route to enjoy the warm summer weather, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. However, with water shortages affecting essential services, accommodations, and leisure facilities, the overall visitor experience has been severely disrupted.

Gift of the Givers Steps in with Emergency Water Relief

In response to the escalating crisis, Gift of the Givers has launched a large-scale emergency response to provide immediate relief. The organization is working closely with local authorities, including the Garden Route Municipality Disaster Management and Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management, to assess the severity of the situation and provide much-needed support.

Gift of the Givers has already deployed water tankers to various towns in the region, ensuring that residents and vulnerable institutions have access to clean drinking water. Bottled water has been distributed to those most in need, and borehole specialists are evaluating infrastructure to assess and repair any damage to local water sources.

“We are in urgent need of stabilizing the situation,” said Sooliman. “It will require collective action from municipalities, businesses, residents, and tourists to mitigate the impact of the crisis, especially during this time when tourism activity is at its peak.” Sooliman also noted that the collaboration between local governments, businesses, and NGOs is essential to ensure the continued flow of resources and prevent further escalation.

Agriculture in Crisis: The Ripple Effect of the Water Shortages

In addition to the impact on tourism, the water crisis has also triggered a secondary issue for local farmers. In areas like Mossel Bay and Die Vlaktes, farmers have reported severe shortages of water for their livestock, which threatens the region’s agricultural industry. The lack of water is particularly harmful to sheep farmers, whose livestock rely on consistent access to water sources for survival.

In response, Gift of the Givers is assisting farmers by providing lucerne (a type of forage) for the sheep and food parcels for farmworkers. The first loads of relief supplies are expected to arrive in mid-December, offering crucial support to those in the agricultural sector who are struggling to manage the consequences of the water shortage.

Sooliman highlighted the importance of continued relief efforts, noting that the region’s agricultural industry plays an important role in sustaining the local economy, especially in rural areas where tourism is not as prevalent.

Local Communities Rallying to Support Relief Efforts

Local communities and businesses have also joined forces to support relief efforts. One of the major initiatives is the water donation campaign being organized by Gift of the Givers in partnership with Cavendish Mall. The organization has set up collection points at the mall, where shoppers can donate five-litre bottles of water to be distributed to communities in need. This initiative not only helps alleviate the water shortage but also fosters a sense of solidarity among locals, demonstrating the collective power of the community in times of crisis.

The water donations will be distributed across various towns along the Garden Route, including Knysna, Brenton-on-Sea, Zoar, Kannaland, Ladismith, and Beaufort West, which have all been significantly affected by the water shortage.

Tourists Impacted: What Travelers Need to Know

As the situation continues to unfold, travelers planning to visit the Garden Route should be aware of the potential challenges posed by the water shortage. Local accommodations, particularly those in small towns, may face limitations on water usage, affecting everything from hotel services to restaurant operations. Travelers are encouraged to check with their accommodation providers about water usage guidelines and any potential disruptions before arrival.

Despite the challenges, local tourism operators are working hard to ensure that visitors can still enjoy the region’s stunning natural beauty, including the Garden Route National Park, Beaufort West, and the Knysna Lagoon. Tourists are advised to be mindful of local conservation efforts and cooperate with the water-saving measures in place to help the community manage the crisis.

A Call for Collective Action

The fallout from the ongoing water crisis in the Garden Route is an issue that urgently needs the attention and action of every section of society: government, business, residents, and tourists alike. While the tourism sector presently undergoes a debilitating blow during this critical time, joint responses made through local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and the community give promise for quicker recovery.

It is also an opportunity for the traveler to support the region by being observant with water use and contributing to relief efforts where possible. Such collaboration with local communities and support for sustainable tourism practices will help visitors contribute towards the mitigation of the effects of this crisis and ensure the long-term resilience of the tourism industry in the Garden Route.

The crisis perhaps happened at the wrong time, but this determination and spirit from the local community, to which will be added the visitors, will play a major role in ensuring recovery and continued growth for one of South Africa’s leading tourism destinations.