The Unwritten Rules of Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is arguably the most popular Big 5 game reserve in South Africa. Thousands of visitors from all over the world make their way to the park every year and every so often the tempers flare.
By Benno Stander
Even though there are clear rules that dictate the dos and don’ts of the park, there are also some unwritten rules to stick by as failure to do so might earn you nasty stares at the very least…
1. Sharing is caring
So you were there first and feel like you and the lions are really connecting. But truth of the matter is there’s about 20 cars backed up behind you and they got up just as early. Strictly speaking no one can force you to move on but once you’ve got the picture consider sharing the excitement. You never know what’s waiting around the next corner and if you are car number 20 you’ll really appreciate the same gesture.
2. Don’t clog the flow
You finally get to the front and want to take a couple of photo’s but the front windscreen is in your way so you park sideways in the middle of the road, blocking all traffic. If you are lucky someone might gesture with hand signals but if you are not a Hilux will probably help you along your merry way. Remember that not everyone who drives in the park does so for leisure and there must always be a lane open for passers through.
3. Don’t be a hazard
Use your hazards when parked for reasons other than sightings. It’s not in the rule book but putting your hazards on when changing a nappy or studying the map is just a polite way of letting passers-by know that there is no reason to stop and inspect what you are doing.
4. To hoot is rude
Hooting, revving or making any other noises at a sighting is considered very rude. If an animal doesn’t want to lift its head for a better shot, let it be. Trying to get a reaction with noise is considered very rude and those around you will take offence.
5. Diesel drama
Even though many people will argue that they want to keep the engine running in case they have to make off quickly, the fact is you should never be in a position where you would need to do that. So when you stop at a sighting, or park off next to a water hole, switch off your car. Apart from scalding the ozone, you are also blowing smoke in faces of those around you which is no way to make friends.
6. The ellie gap
Elephant sightings are a little different from others in the sense that an elephant can hurt you inside your car. They can take to your little rental like a tin opener and shuffle it around like a hockey puck. For this reason always leave a gap the size of a car between you and the person in front of you when you are close to ellies. You will really be glad you did when that matriarch decides its playtime.
7. Litterbug
It goes without saying that you are not allowed to litter in the park, or anywhere else for that matter. But in Kruger people take upsized offence so don’t be too amazed if your trash gets deposited back into your vehicle.
8. Crude Campers
Kruger has many camp sites just like other resorts, only totally different. Campers in Kruger enjoy peace and quiet and very often camp in the park because they don’t appreciate the commotion associated with commercial resorts. So whether it is your music or your voice, keep it down and respect the people around you.
9. The right approach
Even though you are super excited to see why the car in front of you stopped, it is still not a good idea to rush or race to it. Always approach a possible sighting slowly and quietly. Chances are it is some little brown bird that you probably won’t even be interested in. But twitchers are people too you know and they won’t appreciate you scaring off their find.
10. Stop and hide
After two hours on your bum you will obviously be excited to finally get out, go to the loo and stretch some legs. Whether this happens at a rest camp, designated stop point or at a hide, keep the excitement at bay. Channel all that energy into an earnest smile to greet fellow park goers. Do what you have to but don’t be the subject of everyone’s annoyance.
The Golden Rule
People are very passionate about Kruger National Park and take it very seriously when someone doesn’t take the best interest of the animals and fellow park goers to heart. So quite simply put, don’t be stupid, don’t be ‘that guy’ and above all, take others into consideration with everything you do. It will make a lot more sense the next time someone moves off in front of you, allowing you to also get a great picture and a remarkable experience.
Just so you know, here are the official park rules for Kruger National Park