Kruger National Park

Media Release: KNP Rangers Get New Motorbikes

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Date: 14th February 2007

The patrolling of the two million hectare Kruger National Park (KNP) became a bit easier today when the KNP’s Executive Director, Dr Bandile Mkhize accepted five brand new motorbikes from a generous Gauteng-based sponsor.

The patrolling of the two million hectare Kruger National Park (KNP) became a bit easier today when the KNP’s Executive Director, Dr Bandile Mkhize accepted five brand new motorbikes from a generous Gauteng-based sponsor.

“These motorbikes will considerably enhance the effectiveness of the KNP ranger corps by providing them with tools to patrol ever larger areas,” said Dr Mkhize.

The company, Alberton-based Off Road Caravan Safaris, will not only donate the initial five machines, but will also give two machines every year for the next four years. The motorbikes will be a mixture of 230cc, 250cc and a 650cc machines.

Legendary KNP ranger Mr Louis Olivier said that these motorbikes considerably enhance the ability of rangers to patrol the huge areas under their responsibility.

“Using game paths and management or patrol roads, KNP rangers can access remote areas with these bikes, which might not have been accessible by other means,” Mr Olivier said.

The KNP has been using motorbikes as patrol tools-of-the-trade since the mid-1970s. Other patrols are conducted on foot, with bicycles, vehicles and, most recently, an ultralight “Bantam” aircraft which was introduced last year as part of continued efforts to strengthen the anti-poaching patrol methods in the park.

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Caption: KNP Executive Director Dr Bandile Mkhize receives five motorcycles from Mr Julian Pistorius from Off Road Caravan Safaris.