WATCH: Kruger National Park flags driver after vehicle off-roads near lions
Authorities flagged a visitor's vehicle at park exit gates after eyewitnesses reported a driver ignoring warnings and parking metres from wildlife.
A visitor to the Kruger National Park (KNP) faces a hefty fine for allegedly ignoring park rules and driving about 100m into the veld to photograph a sleeping lioness.
“After being notified, the vehicle was flagged by KNP authorities, meaning it will not be permitted to exit the reserve until protection services address the matter,” said SANParks spokesperson Rey Thakhuli.
Off-road driver ignores warnings
“We were shouting at her that she was not allowed to drive into the veld, but she flatly ignored our warnings and drove on,” said Marloth Park resident Ivana Hepburn.
The incident happened on Thursday, July 30, at about 13:00 on the S82 loop on the H4-2 between Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge.
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A silver Hyundai Staria with a KwaZulu-Natal registration number joined about six cars parked on the S82 watching two lions lying under a tree about 100m from the road.
“Despite us shouting that she was breaking the rules, she kept on driving, stopping close to the lions.”
One of the lions fled into the bush, but a lioness remained lying there, Hepburn said.
The Hyundai was parked next to the lion for at least an hour.
Hepburn posted details of the incident on a KNP Facebook page, but the post was immediately removed. Reinate Christiaansen also said on Facebook that she was present at the site.
Ethics over photos
“The rules in Kruger exist to protect both wildlife and their habitat,” said Hepburn, who is studying to become a field guide.
“We are privileged to visit these wild spaces, and no photo is ever worth damaging the very place we came to experience. To visit the park is a privilege that should never be taken for granted.”
