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An opinionated rant...

Ok so I'm visiting the Kruger, which I havn't done in a few years, but Im quite shocked and appalled by the state of things... First off, its dead quiet... Very few visitors in comparison to what it used to be. The service at the rest camp shops and Restaurants leave much to be desired, its insanely expensive and from what I understand, around 570 Rhino's were killed in the Kruger due to insufficient safety...

Then today when I wanted to leave the park with firewood I had bought at a rest camp, they refused to let me take it out, unless I presented a valid slip... An understandable precaution, but still...
The Kruger is a huge asset to this country and in my opinion its deteriorating quite badly... And it may be the reason for the park being as empty... ☹
    psyx wrote: Then today when I wanted to leave the park with firewood I had bought at a rest camp, they refused to let me take it out, unless I presented a valid slip... An understandable precaution, but still...
    But still what? It's a rule.

    I was there a week ago and there were a heck of a lot of people.

    KNP, like many other SANParks, has challenges. The administration are actually doing a heck of a lot to right the wrongs (if I can put it that way) that have occurred there.

    As for poaching, it is happening all over. Other countries with rhino population are experiencing the same. I have what many believe to be some pretty radical opinions on the matter. Another story.

    As for the cost of the KNP, hop on the website of some parks in neighboring states and check what you see. You are going to pay more in the shops and things because it takes quite some effort to get the stuff there. Also, think about what you pay for a loaf of bread or a litre of milk at a convenience store or a service station store.

    To my mind it's a value for money destination. Not as I rememeber things from when I was young but the world aint gonna stop for me hey.
      Bokvet wrote:
      psyx wrote: Then today when I wanted to leave the park with firewood I had bought at a rest camp, they refused to let me take it out, unless I presented a valid slip... An understandable precaution, but still...
      But still what? It's a rule.

      I was there a week ago and there were a heck of a lot of people.

      KNP, like many other SANParks, has challenges. The administration are actually doing a heck of a lot to right the wrongs (if I can put it that way) that have occurred there.

      As for poaching, it is happening all over. Other countries with rhino population are experiencing the same. I have what many believe to be some pretty radical opinions on the matter. Another story.

      As for the cost of the KNP, hop on the website of some parks in neighboring states and check what you see. You are going to pay more in the shops and things because it takes quite some effort to get the stuff there. Also, think about what you pay for a loaf of bread or a litre of milk at a convenience store or a service station store.

      To my mind it's a value for money destination. Not as I rememeber things from when I was young but the world aint gonna stop for me hey.
      I guess you're right... Perhaps I'm being cynical. Its just way different from what it used to be. Wouldn't mind getting involved in honorary ranger work to help out...
        SANParks are running an international competition at the moment to get teams to design drones/ UAVs to help patrol the borders of Kruger to deal with poachers. Some interesting stuff going on. Can't speak to the quality of the camps but the last time I was there(day visit through Orpen Gate) the roads and waterholes looked good
          peterleroux wrote: SANParks are running an international competition at the moment to get teams to design drones/ UAVs to help patrol the borders of Kruger to deal with poachers. Some interesting stuff going on. Can't speak to the quality of the camps but the last time I was there(day visit through Orpen Gate) the roads and waterholes looked good
          Considering the floods of recent years, the roads dont look bad! There is a pretty nice new bridge/ dam wall near lower sabie...
            A lot of room for improvement but there are some folks that are trying hard I think.

            Actually I have a bit of a gripe as far as law enforcement is concerned there. Some people drive around there like there's issues or something. Hectic.
              11 days later
              We spent 3 weeks there in Nov last year, 2013, and went in in the North at Pafuri, and exited at Crocodile bridge in the South. The camps in the North were newer, and the service really good, fewer animals. The South was the opposite but a lot more animals. We had a whale of a time. Very much in evidence were heavily armed anti poaching units and occasionally helicopters.
              Very many overseas visitors (Dutch, German and French) who loved the place and were always very excited, and about 20% South African, who were, well, very South African.
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