Mismanagement Concerns at Kruger National Park

Kruger Park is being seriously mismanaged. While some camps are still enjoyable, our experience at Lower Sabie was dismal. Windows that don't close (because a air conditioner was shoved into it), the foul smell of bat-pee from dirty, old roofs that need re-thatching. Our fellow travellers got locked out of their room at 8pm as the door closed and locked automatically. They dialled the emergency number, but no one bothered to answer. They stood outside for hours waiting for assistance. The washing machines were not working properly. On the day we arrived, the cleaning staff were not there (apparently, because the pool cleaner has been in contact with someone who has Covid), so we had to make our own beds. There were dirty towels in my room, and no sheets even available for me to put on the beds. I had to go hunting to someone to help. My daughter's sheets were dumped outside her hut, on a chair, and left there. At least she had sheets.

We also stayed at Tamboti bush camp, where Sanparks has still not dealt with the serious ****** and honey badger issues that hold guests hostage. Also, the screens and doors need repairs, as they are broken and full of holes. Knowing the serious bug population in the camp, this is a serious, but easily remedied, problem.

We loved the Letaba camp, despite the broken door and blood down the side of the tent inside.

We wanted to see the Bushman paintings near Crocodile Bridge, but were told we can't, because the last Ranger there retired, and will not be replaced. So sad, and disappointing.

I get the feeling that the Sanparks officials in the camps just look at us in a disconnected way when we raise these issues. Is KP short of funds? It needs ongoing, serious maintenance and repairs. We are not just whinging for the sake of it: we love the KP, and are distressed to see it falling apart!

I am not expecting to hear from them, but am posting this anyway. We live in hope!