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An extremely sad story which makes life difficult for Sanparks whichever way they look at it!

I have had the privilege of doing a number of really wild walks at Mana Pools in Zimbabwe over the years, unaccompanied by rangers. We came across hundres of buffalo, elephant, black rhino, hippo, and of course a few lions too, plus following a pack of 7 wild dogs for about 2 km in the bush on foot while they were hunting!
I knew it was a very big risk, but loved the excitement, and CLOSE feel of nature there -- even the campsite was unfenced, and a lone buffalo slept behind our tent on the `lawn' every night...



This type of response is normal, and maybe it would have been mine of a loved one of mine had died at MZNP, but it will be a sad day if there is NO wild place in South Africa where tourists can do it on their own, knowing what the risks are, and not asking to have an animal put down if it did something `bad' in the process..


Just thinking...

God bless, and condolences to all concerned!

Friedrich von Hörsten

We would like to assure all our visitors that, while conservation is our core mandate, the safety of our visitors is also of the utmost importance to SANParks.

Following the full investigation of the incident which took place, it has been decided to fence the rest camp area of Mountain Zebra National Park. This electrified fencing will enclose the rest camp chalets, camp site, reception area, swimming pool and the 1km Imbila and 3km Black Eagle hiking trails. There will be low level fencing in front of the cottages so that it does not obscure the view.

The fencing will be done as soon as logisitcally possible.

We understand that many visitors feel that the hiking trails are an important feature of the Park and the only way to truly experience the bush. By fencing in these short trails, we will be able to provide the option of walking unguided while still ensuring visitor safety.

The 10km and 3-day hiking trails are still under discussion. The most likely option will be to make them fully guided trails and possibly re-route some of the sections of the trails. Until we have decided upon their future and put the appropriate measures in place, the hiking trails will remain closed.

Visitors can still book the hiking trail cottages on their won (i.e. without doing the hiking trail) and access them by vehicle (high clearance vehicle needed) if they want a secluded overnight getaway in the Park.

Thanks for the update Megan!!!

Thank you Megan.

MZNP is a beautiful park and it is sad that such a tragedy happened. We stayed at Doornkloef which is quite amazing and walked theBlack Eagle trail.

Quite an expensive exercise for the Frontier Park region to fence the campsite.