30/05/2026
Before we share fear, let us first show respect.
Two people lost their lives in a heartbreaking tragedy in the far northern Pafuri section of the Kruger National Park. My heart goes out to their family, friends, and everyone affected by this terrible loss. This is not something to be used for gossip, guessing, or panic on social media.
At the same time, I feel we need to be very careful with the words we use.
Kruger National Park is enormous. It covers more than 2 million hectares — roughly two-thirds the size of Belgium. What happened in one remote northern area should not suddenly label the whole of Kruger, every gate, every road, every safari vehicle, every lodge, every guide, and every small business around the park as unsafe.
Yes, safety matters. It always does. Whether you are travelling in South Africa, America, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, you need to be aware of your surroundings, follow the rules, listen to official advice, travel responsibly, and make wise decisions.
But there is a big difference between responsible safety advice and fearmongering.
The investigation is still being handled by SAPS, with SANParks involved. Until official information is released, much of what is being said online is still speculation. And when people share rumours as if they are facts, it can cause real harm.
It harms Kruger’s reputation.
It harms the safari guides who work hard every day.
It harms the lodges, guesthouses, restaurants, drivers, cleaners, and local families who depend on tourism.
It harms small businesses around the park who had nothing to do with this tragedy.
So please, let us mourn with respect.
Let us speak with care.
Let us wait for verified information.
And let us not turn one terrible crime into a blanket judgment over the whole Kruger National Park and the communities around it.
Kruger remains one of the world’s great wildlife treasures.
Let facts lead — not fear.
