The introduction of mobile applications designed to share information on interesting sightings in national parks, particularly in the Kruger National Park has become a major cause for concern for South African National Parks (SANParks).

The rise in the use of these applications has resulted in an increased rate of lawlessness in the park including speeding, congestion at sightings as well as road kills caused by guests rushing to and congregating around these sightings.

This according to SANParks, Managing Executive: Tourism Development & Marketing, Hapiloe Sello, who said SANParks has been inundated with scores of costumer complaints emanating from the use of these mobile applications.

According to Sello since the arrival of these apps, authorities have received a considerable increase in reports of speeding cases, road kills as well as road rage incidents at sightings.

“As an organization we appreciate the fact that technology has evolved and that quests are taking advantage of it, however this is compromising the values of good game viewing in national parks.”

She said SANParks hold a leading position globally in the conservation of bio-diversity and the management of eco-tourism: it would therefore be regrettable for SANParks to turn a blind eye on trends that reverse the gains made in these fields.”

“Most quests appreciate the leisurely drive through the parks and the potential reward of a good sighting as a key element of the visitor experience. This is an experience that SANParks commits to protecting and therefore the usage of these mobile applications is in direct contradiction to the ethos of responsible tourism espoused by SANParks.”

“We at SANParks discourage the use of these mobile applications as they tend to induce an unhealthy sense of eagerness for visitors to break the rules, we are exploring legal mechanisms to curtail the use of sightings apps,” concludes Sello.