Kruger National Park

Media Release: Remember the Rules when you Visit the KNP

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Date: 4th April 2007

Kruger National Park (KNP) Rangers, Protection Services officers, Traffic Officers and other law enforcement officials will show no mercy to anyone caught disobeying the rules and regulations of the park during the 2007 Easter holiday period.

Kruger National Park (KNP) Rangers, Protection Services officers, Traffic Officers and other law enforcement officials will show no mercy to anyone caught disobeying the rules and regulations of the park during the 2007 Easter holiday period.

“Our statistics show that our law enforcers issued almost 600 fines during the 2006/07 festive season so we would certainly appreciate it if our guests would choose to abide by our rules,” said the KNP’s HOD of Public Relations and Communication, Mr William Mabasa.

Of the fines issued during the Festive season, by far the majority were speeding, with 419 fines issued in this regard. Late travelling resulted in 75 fines issued.

“We believe these fines are as a result of the fact that guests don’t plan their journeys properly so we would ask each and every guest to plan their routes according to the distances and gate closing times,” Mr Mabasa added.

Alighting and protruding from motor vehicles was also an offence often committed with 80 fines issued in this regard during the 2006/2007 festive season.

“It must be understood by our visitors that alighting and protruding from your vehicle actually degrades the experience of other visitors as the animals will often run away when they see a human shape. It is also dangerous to alight from your motor vehicle as predators can and will attack humans if they feel threatened,” explained Mr Mabasa.

Other fines issued included “inconsiderate or dangerous driving” (five fines issued), “bringing a domestic animal into the park” (one fine issued), “driving off road” (two fines issued) and “driving without a licence” (one fine issued).

If right-minded members of the public happen to see anyone disobeying the rules and regulations of the KNP, which are displayed on the entrance permit document and on brown boards at the camp and entrance gates, they are welcome to report their observations to the KNP Emergency Call Centre on 013 735 4325.

KNP day visitors are also reminded to book their day visits at the entrance gate of their choice to avoid being turned away.

“Our entrance gates have gate quotas and when these gate quotas are reached, people are turned away unless they have either got an accommodation booking or have booked their day visit,” concluded Mr Mabasa.

Day visits can be booked during office hours by contacting SANParks Central Reservations on 012 428 9111.

Issued by:
Raymond Travers, Media Relations Practitioner, Kruger National Park. Contact: Tel: 013 735 4116, cell: 082 908 2677 or email: raymondt@sanparks.org

Enquiries:
William Mabasa, HOD: Public Relations and Communications, Kruger National Park. Contact: Tel: 013 735 4363, cell: 082 807 3919 or email: williamm@sanparks.org