did Kruger ever have watch towers?

winnydpu · Unread post by **winnydpu** » Thu Sep 26, 2019 11:11 pm

I was watching an 1950's travel video with a section on Kruger. In it they have a scene depicting people climbing a watch tower to view game. Was this ever done in Kruger, and if so where?

Here is the link to the video, at the start of the Kruger segment: https://youtu.be/UGJFbTpVCUs?t=1806

Meandering Mouse · Fri Sep 27, 2019 3:37 am

What a gem of a video, winnydpu.

It s a real blast from the past.

It does show that Kruger has always had a problem with traffic jams when lions appear. :wink:

There seems to be a slight break in continuity, probably artistic license, between the viewing platform and the lions. I wondering if the platform isn't possibly the first Nkumbe lookout point. :hmz:

It would be wonderful if other mites could give an opinion.

Excellent, thank you for posting. :gflower:

Grantmissy · Unread post by **Grantmissy** » Fri Sep 27, 2019 8:07 am

Winnydpu I do not have answers to your questions but thank you for sharing this interesting historical information and video. It would be very great if a forum member who has historical knowledge of the Kruger National Park could enlighten us.

Unread post by **Elsa** » Fri Sep 27, 2019 11:20 am

I have asked Joep Stevens when he has a moment to have a look at this and comment.
He is a real fundi on Kruger history.

Cantona · Unread post by **Cantona** » Fri Sep 27, 2019 12:58 pm

What a fantastic video clip :thumbs_up:

I wonder if they realised back then how stunning the Lion/Pangolin footage is, that would win you a few prizes even today! :mrgreen:

And then of course the customary tourist breaking the rules and vehicle doing a U-turn when an elephant comes down the road. Some things never change :lol:

hilda · Unread post by **hilda** » Sat Sep 28, 2019 11:58 am

What an interesting and fantastic video! Thank you for sharing winnydpu! :clap:

inyanga 1 · Unread post by **inyanga 1** » Sun Sep 29, 2019 12:48 pm

Another travel blast from the past..
A promotional film about game parks in South Africa from SATOURS, mostly focused on KNP. I see the road to it hasn't improved since the 50's

https://youtu.be/IYBcbXCaWvk

More animals than the other one, but no lookout platforms mentioned.. Sounds like the same voice-over actor tho..

Meandering Mouse · Mon Sep 30, 2019 7:21 am

What an excellent video, inyanga.

Yup, human behavior around lions has not changed. :wink:

Perhaps we have learnt to be a bit more cautious around hippos and *** though.

Thanks for posting. :thumbs_up:

Grantmissy · Unread post by **Grantmissy** » Mon Sep 30, 2019 8:45 am

Thank you Inyanga1

Thank you Elsa for asking Joep Stevens to comment, he is indeed a fundi regarding the historical Kruger National Park.

hilda · Unread post by **hilda** » Mon Sep 30, 2019 12:14 pm

Great video, thank you for sharing inyanga 1! :dance:

Dream Weaver · Unread post by **Dream Weaver** » Mon Aug 31, 2020 4:27 pm

I have not heard of the KNP having watch towers. However, before Addo had tourist roads and camps they had a viewing platform on the park’s perimeter fence.

It would be interesting to know if there were indeed watchtowers in the KNP.

Unread post by **Elsa** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 10:48 am

Joep is looking into this and as soon as he has any further information, will share it here. :thumbs_up:

has posted the video on FB to see if anyone has any knowledge.

Link to FB post.

SANParks.org Forums

did Kruger ever have watch towers?

did Kruger ever have watch towers?

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers?

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers?

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers?

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers?

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers?

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers?

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers?

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers?

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers?

Re: did Kruger ever have watch towers?