Numbi Road now one of safest to KNP

MBOMBELA - The infamous Numbi Road leading to Numbi Gate in the Kruger National Park (KNP), has recently been deemed one of the safest, since private security companies are keeping criminal elements at bay.

With the protest on the R536 disrupting provincial tourism and endangering tourists to the KNP for a week, the Numbi Road, however, was safe, and tourists lauded the initiative driven by the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT).

According to a German tourist, they used to be concerned about their safety on the Numbi Road as they had heard about hijackings and robberies there, but on their latest trip, they felt safe with the presence of Hi-Tech Security vehicles on the road. “I felt safe riding on the road without checking who was following, and promise that I will return,” he said.

Tour guides say that since the introduction of the additional private security patrols and the installation of street cameras, more tourists are using the road.

Deon Grobler, a freelance tour guide, said the visibility of security guards have been a huge benefit by making travelling on the Numbi Road safer, and even more private vehicles are noted on the road. “The initiative is yielding good results, as we can now travel to that road without any fear, and that is good for tourism business. I hope it will remain like that forever,” he said.

The community also welcomed the patrols as they too benefit from the robberies on the main road declining.

The COO of the KLCBT, Linda Grimbeek, said they are grateful that people, both locals and tourists, now feel safe travelling on the Numbi Road.