Speeding in Kruger

[flying cheetah]

In my opinion the worst road concerning speeding is the tar road from Malelane to Skukuza which is very sad as it's also an area with lots of game. I also saw several road kills there

[combretum]

Hi Bert - yes there are occasions where your visit is undisturbed by speedsters. I was up Mopani/Shingwedzi over the 18-21st March. Some roadworks going on with tipper trucks moving earth but driving at a constant 50-55km/hr. Each time you slow/stop for a sighting they would drop a gear and cruise past whatever you were looking at.
Then there were the taxis - 3 inconvoy passed me well in excess of speed limit; they stopped briefly at Babalala and soon after they flew past me again - and thru a herd of Zebra on the road. Found them in Shingwedzi camp a little later - reported it to the ranger who would follow up - but who knows? - he had his hands full with other stuff!
I spend a lot of time at Skukuza and without doubt the road from Kruger gate to Skukuza is the worst -most likely due to many people needing to get in and out from work; and the main route for delivery trucks. This situation is what does not get highlighted in the EIA's with regards to building hotels in the park - the extra staff traffic; the (extra) staff frustrations with slow-moving tourists; and their 'rights' to receive family and visitors - it just all adds to the situation!

[Mr.T]

We were in the Lower sabie area during the period 14 to 19 March this year and were shocked at the amount of speeding. Sad to say as many private vehicles (Mostly luxury) as others.
On the 18th on the road between Skukuza and LS we came across a road kill. Young Impala. From the marks left on the road when the Impalas skull hit the tar and where the carcass was it was obvious that the vehicles speed was high. The only vehicle at the scene was a parks board bakkie and the driver was on his cell reporting the incident. Then a little further on we came across skid marks that I would guess must have been 30 metre long. (Have photo)
On the 19th on our way out on the Skukuza / Numbi road we were past by 5 White Hyundai H1 tour vehicles. All displayed a large red R on the back of the vehicle. When the 4th vehicle over took me I accelerated up to 70km/h and it continued to pull away from me. All five were travelling in access of 70km/h I photographer the last three Registration numbers ZFB 499 GP, ZFH 768 GP and finally ZFB(D) 479 GP. This last vehicle was the first one I photographed so not too clear. When we arrived at Numbi some of them were still there and I asked one of the drivers if he was aware of the 50 speed limit his answer "Ï'm tired of talking, they don't listen" and he walked away. Some of them were wearing red Tshirts and/or red caps with the name RUGDENS or RUDGENS on them (not sure of the spelling) The tourists seemed to be American and one was heard to complain about the speeding and the fact that they could all end up being banned from the park. I was not prepared to make a scene in front of foreign tourists so left it at that.
I have been trying to find somehow to report these people and have just found the email address for Bhkin Nsibande so will be sending him the photos and details for action as they should be able to trace the tour operator who needs to be brought in line.
The parks need to make contact details where we can report this type of mis-behaviour more readily available. Cell numbers and emails.

[jacquiandphil]

Just returned from this years fantastic visit. As with the last few years the worst speeding was on S60 joining main road from Punda gate to H1-8 often vehicles piled high with beds boxes chairs etc.

[Grantmissy]

It would be great if this poll could actually render positive results and that the Kruger management will do something about speeding - to the benefit of the Kruger animals.

[Ursula Happe]

I think the main problem is the example set by official vehicles, and what I often suspect is family of Parks staff.

There is no reason for them to drive faster than the rest of us, except in very rare emergencies.

Tourists will never stick to the rules whilst constantly being overtaken by staff vehicles, lorries etc.

Richard

That is true, I wonder why officials and staff drive so fast

[hilda]

Although we were not in Kruger recently, we saw several speeding vehicles during our visit in September 2012!

[anne-marie]

welcome to the forum Ursula Happe

It's also my question

[boertjie]

Yes speeding is a problem .

I just came back from a visit in Kruger. The staff buss from Orpen to Satara on that poor dirt road ... It looks like a rally as the bus moves down the road. I asked around if the staff speed limit was now 80 as it was very clear they were not doing 60. Had a tipper truck catch us and pass on the Paleborwa road. I am sure the speeding is causing animals to move away from the road.

[jooswilken]

One gets the impression that with the "wild africa app" people speed from one siting to te next. What about speed humps on all the roads? What about more park vechiles with inspectors on the roads?

[anne-marie]

you are right, it's a race from one animal to another...
I already thought of "sleeping policeman"... but nobody want them...

[jimboFRED]

Hi I believe that that the sightings apps are causing a lot of the speeding in KNP.Visitors are receiving sighting information on their phones and racing to the location using their GPS device. We had major speeding problems during the CB radio era.Shut down the sightings apps
jimboFRED

[anne-marie]

those informations are really a desaster for the animals/road
why... but why people didn't appreciate all the sightings... even the small ones, you have so many treasures in your parks
and it's so rewarding to find something by ourselves