SANParks.org Forums

Time and again we are confronted on this forum about "rule breakers" in Sanparks - those folk who, through selfishness or just pure ignorance, go about breaking some or other well established "Park" rule(s), thereby potentially endangering themselves and/or spoiling viewing pleasure and general atmosphere for many others.

Over time, quite a few threads have come up with some great suggestions on how to create better awareness amongst all (incl. experienced "Sanparkers" and those new to the parks, overseas visitors etc.) of the rules and general information that help to make everyone´s visit to Sanparks´more enjoyable. e.g. creating new brochures with simple diagrams etc etc. I hope some of these initiatives will "come off" and be turned into reality...even though some of them could be relatively cost intensive.

Having travelled in parts of Kruger again in 2009 following a long absence, I was very positive at the number of "information signs" that were around - all of which aim at creating AWARENESS of the rules or other useful information that will add to everyone´s viewing pleasure and general enjoyment of the parks.....these "vital signs" could be anything from speed limit signs on roads, to info signs on bridges, near hides, in camps, at gates, at swimming pools, in restaurants etc etc. etc.

I therefore thought it might be a good idea to create this thread where we all share some favourite shots showing some of these signs. The objective being to raise and keep awareness only - keeping them top of mind so to speak - at least for those folks visiting the forum! And perhaps, just perhaps, it will help a little to combat out of line behaviour...alot of which I am convinced is just caused by ignorance...

The intention here is NOT to show pics akin to those in the gallery of shame....this is not about pointing fingers and attaching blame....its about AWARENESS only.

So I will start with two examples of "vital signs" I captured last year in Kruger....both very different, but both very useful in contributing to my and others´ overall enjoyment of the Park! Please feel free to add your similar pics if you think this is a good idea....Same signs in different places, camps, interesting places in the Parks are quite ok!!!

Mods...if this is too similar to other threads feel free to merge it or "can it"

Info sign at Nyawutsi Hide - S50




Beware of falling sausages! Letaba Camp main parking area

I like the falling sausages sign! Especially as Croc Bridge has deliberately planted sausage trees in the camp site......

You got me thinking! Maybe we can design a poster to be displayed in reception areas, shops, ablution blocks, etc.

Something like this - but with pictures, and explanations in smaller print under the rules (Rumuruti where are you?)

Speed limits do not feed animals silence rule

at sightings.... on one way bridges

REMEMBER THE RULES!
check in times gate closing times


protruding stay in vehicle no littering


sorry - tried to post a word doc with word art and it did not work! But I think you get the idea!

Come on artistic folk!

awesome idea EJ

shavatie.. for starting this thread

Good idea EJ.

Have mailed your request to him directly.

Oh dear! Just seen my post (did not check it after posting )

Supposed to be 'remember the rules' in the middle, and then boxes around that with the main rule in big letters and then pictures and smaller text giving an explanation. It should be reasonable cost to produce, and have good impact, and be easily understood. Maybe even a simple cartoon diagram (similar to the ones on some leaflets now) in each box for those who do not understand English.

Hi EJ, sorry took Franci to the park. After a weeks of rain he really needed to run and play in the grass!!

I had already thought about the poster a while back but said nothing because of the Sanparks rules on use of their name, logo and so on.
There is no problem at all in preparing, printing, laminating. Only thing is seeing if we need to have Sanparks name/logo on it and IF they agree to have something like that put up.
In any case I'll start working on something on post a sample soon.
Andy

Thanks Mike!!

Thanks EJ and good idea! Thanks also Michel and Rumuruti...perhaps something can get going here!

EJ, your idea made me think of a print ad from a leading car manufacturer in SA (M...A!). They had a one pager which was a collage of actual pics showing all the main environmental initiatives they were supporting/sponsoring (perhaps its still actual??).

This could be a similar thing perhaps except the pics would be vital/info signs from Kruger with some short messages as you suggested.......

Herewith another example of vital/info sign!

Fence at Punda

This is just the sort of thing that our Virtual HR region was set up for! We can come up with something good and feasible and the VHR/mods can help to steer it through the official channels. (It also helps that the manager I work with is responsible for a lot of the leaflets anyway - I have been helping to revamp some of them already!).

Ok EJ, can you prepare a simple word doc with all the info you want to insert.
For the warnings I was thinking of actually using photographs, an arm out of the car window with a big red X across it!, to make things more than clear for everyone.
No language, apart from English but very clear signs of what is NOT allowed in the park.

Yep. This thread is already rockin'

This is an awesome idea and I support it fully, but just please let it work this time.
We have had such excellent ideas over the years but they seem to all come to nought in the end.
Sorry guys, I really am not trying to be negative.

Lets hope SANParks can approve something like this and we can get it going.

Already did a simple outline but could not post it! Perhaps I can send it to you via ordinary email? Pm me.....

The wording can be taken straight from the rules leaflet I prepared earlier! Will look that out too. Can also try to scan one of the leaflets with lots of rule signs too - good to use SANparks own diagrams.

This is taking off nicely - and Elsa it has a good chance. It pulls together some of the other ideas we have had in the past, and is far more workable than the video loop or leaflets to hand to everyone. Lots of posters around will be seen by everyone, and if done well and eye-catching enough will be read by most too!

Two signs at Letaba ablutions, second one was tampered with I think. (Not by me though)