South African National Parks (SANParks) today welcomed visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) for the start of the October school holidays and urged all visitors to observe the Rules of the Park to ensure they have a safe and pleasant experience during their stay. It is also important to continue to obey the current COVID 19 protocols of wearing of masks in public, observing social distancing and sanitising our hands as screening will continue to be done at entrance gates.
The Park is expecting an increased number of visitors during the October school holidays as families seek out a break in nature. The park has made plans for increased visibility of both traffic officials and visitor management personnel to monitor speeding, after-hours travelling and general behaviour on the roads. In the past, there have been many incidents of speeding, road kills, reckless driving and obstruction of roads at sightings which has led to many complaints.
Management is urging visitors to cooperate with officials who will be on duty and to report unbecoming behaviour to the gate officials or call the emergency call centre number on the entry permits.
The Acting Managing Executive of the KNP, Dr Danny Govender expressed delight that most camps are already recording high occupancy rates of above 70% for both camping and accommodation. She made an appeal to those visiting to help in keeping the Park clean by disposing of their litter at designated areas and adhering to the rules and regulations on the gate permit.
“We are ready to host the many expected visitors to the Park and have made arrangements to monitor the traffic to ensure the safety of both our visitors and wildlife. Experience has shown that many people disregard the speed limit in the mornings and towards gate closing time as they rush towards the rest camp or the exit gates. Please plan your trip carefully, allowing sufficient time to enjoy the bush, relax and get to your destination safely” said Govender.
Visitors are urged to be courteous and cooperative at sightings to avoid inconveniencing other road users. Govender also wished all those who will be visiting a pleasant stay and to return home rejuvenated.
Gate quotas will be implemented for day visitors and all are urged to do their bookings in advance online. Gate operating hours will be from 05:30 to 18:00 and online bookings can be made at https://www.sanparks.org/bookings/
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