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Response to the incident of an injured tourist in Drupkelders (Knysna forest)
Drupkelders is in the Knysna forest, also part of the Garden Route National Park, managed by South African National Parks (SANParks). Yesterday a local tour operator purchased permits for visitors to access Drupkelders. He then took them to the Homtini River for kloofing. No permit was issued by SANParks for this activity and none is encouraged by the Park.
At 15:30 yesterday afternoon, rangers were alerted to an incident of an injured guest. They then contacted the police who roped in the NSRI. Because the injured man was 2km up the river system, he could only be reached at 21:00. SANParks wishes to warn the public against kloofing in Drupkelders and surrounds.
Drupkelders is a 3,6km hiking trail. The area”s mysterious rock pools from the Homtini River are one of several gems in the Knysna forest. The discolouration of its water is caused by tannins and humic acids from leaves from the forest floor.
For more information, please contact Nandi Mgwadlamba on 078 702 9663.