Kruger’s Desperate Need for Security

by Fortunate M. Phaka & Darian Hall

More than seven years into the current poaching crisis and well over 3000 poached rhinos later Kruger National Park should be one of the most well protected reserves in South Africa. Being one of the most popular self-drive safari destinations in Africa should make Kruger a well-patrolled reserve to ensure that visitors adhere to the rules. The sad truth is that Kruger is a far cry from the fortress it should be. This became apparent after spending 4 days and driving over 30 hours in the reserve’s southern section. Kruger’s security component is too understaffed and underfunded to effectively police the reserve. Before we even considered the anti-poaching aspect of the reserve’s security we noticed a lack in visible policing. Since the park allows self-drive safaris we expected a strong element of visible policing to prevent visitors from transgressing the reserve’s regulations. Throughout our visit we witnessed more transgressions than we saw patrol vehicles. During the four days spent in the reserve we only came across three official vehicles and these were not on patrol as they were transporting anti-poaching rangers between shifts. As encouraging as it is to see anti-poaching teams active during the day it is equally discouraging to witness how we as tourists are left to transgress as we please. Effective policing of relatively minor offences such as speeding in the reserve or being out of the car would surely send a message to those contemplating major transgressions that Kruger National Park is not to be trifled with.Continue reading “Kruger’s Desperate Need for Security”