Protect our Kruger

Kruger National Park has always held a special place in my heart. As a South African, I believe it forms an integral part of our heritage, and (hopefully) our future. My husband and I were under no illusion that the park would be quiet this last December, but we completely underestimated the extreme influx of day visitors.

With most camps being at least an hour away from main entry gates, drivers were travelling at speeds way over the limit in order to maximise their fun time, leaving us to witness some truly awful sights along the road: dead tortoises, squirrels, birds and antelope being pushed off the roads, the list goes on. Credit to the park in that we did come across two separate speed traps over our 10-day stay – but this was just not nearly enough.

In efforts of desperation, we were flashing, and waving down irresponsible drivers in last-ditch attempts to slow them down but to no avail. Sadly this does not exclude SANPark vehicles and others alike. Speed control inside the park is a major problem and one that should be dealt with swiftly and severely.

Coinciding with the influx of visitors come the devastating side effects of litter, and various landmarks and heritage sites being used as public ablutions. We witnessed no efforts being made by SANParks to curb or control this in any way.

These concerns have been raised to the KNP Ethics line, which has acknowledged my feedback. I can only hope it will be followed by action.

Create awareness and make your concerns known.

Our wildlife deserves better.

Helen Ferreira Durban