South African National Parks (SanParks) is warning visitors to the Kruger National Park against deliberately bypassing road closures, saying the practice puts tourists and staff at risk and places additional strain on limited park resources.
Kruger National Park/Deborah Varrie/Unsplash
While the safety of visitors remains the top priority during emergencies, SanParks says tourists who knowingly open closed roads and later require assistance could face fines under relevant regulations and may be held liable for costs linked to search-and-rescue operations, according to Bizcommunity.
Driving on closed roads also contravenes the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act 57 of 2003. SanParks warns that reopening roads illegally can encourage other visitors to follow, creating further safety risks.
Closed roads put pressure on park resources
SanParks says illegal access to closed roads has operational and financial consequences for the park.
Search-and-rescue responses can require additional fuel, ranger vehicles, road repairs and, in some cases, air support. These resources are diverted from conservation and other essential park operations.
Visitors who drive on roads that have been closed because of wet weather can also cause further damage to already compromised infrastructure. This can increase maintenance costs and potentially delay the reopening of roads.
In a typical case where tourists are reported missing and their whereabouts are unknown, SanParks says at least four ranger vehicles and eight rangers may be deployed to search for them. The response can become a significant operational burden, particularly when the situation could have been avoided.
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Stranded visitors may be reported missing
The consequences can extend beyond the stranded visitors themselves.
Guests who fail to arrive at their booked camps can raise concerns among camp staff and family members, particularly when they cannot make contact. Limited cellphone coverage in parts of Kruger can make it difficult for visitors to call for help when they become stranded.
Once a person is reported missing, the Mission Area Joint Operation Centre (MAJOC) initiates a search. This can include checking information from the park’s camera detection system and alerting relevant ranger sections.
Depending on the circumstances, SanParks may also deploy an aircraft to assist in locating visitors.
SanParks urges visitors to follow closures
SanParks is urging visitors to obey road closures and “no entry” signs throughout Kruger National Park.
The organisation says following these restrictions helps protect tourists, staff and other visitors while reducing unnecessary pressure on the park’s operational and conservation resources.
Visitors are advised to plan their routes according to current road conditions and to avoid attempting to access roads that have been officially closed.
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