Watch: SANParks flags visitor facing fine for driving off-road to photograph Kruger lioness
An eyewitness describes how a driver ignored warnings from fellow park visitors to park next to resting wildlife on the S82 loop.
A visitor to Kruger National Park (KNP) faces a hefty fine after authorities flagged her vehicle for driving 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.
Warnings ignored on S82 loop
“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 yesterday (July 30) at about 13:00 on the S82 loop on the H4-2 between Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge.
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.
No photo worth damaging habitat
“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.”
Watch video here:
#kruger#krugernationalpark#authorities#knp#lionsighting♬ original sound – Lowveld Media
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