18/10/2022
I write this with the heaviest of hearts after ten glorious years of enjoying the delights of Kruger for outstanding photo opportunities.
We were booked for our usual 4 week trip in November but after the continuing deterioration of security outside of the park we have decided to cancel and stay away until some sort of basic security is offered by the security services.
As serious pro photographers we carry equipment worth tens of thousands of pounds and have felt increasingly insecure as the years have gone by. Last year we had a run in with a pickaxe handle wielding stranger mid day at a public garage. Thankfully other vehicles arrived and he moved off.
Already nervous after finding out about other unfortunate incidents the recent murder of a German tourist is the final straw, so despite losing a small fortune we have cancelled. Kruger has been an inspiration to us and it's a pity that these incidents have soured our experience and we feel the risk, (whilst small) is always there and we are acting on instinct to secure our equipment and indeed ourselves. All we ask is that reples to this message are considerate.
We respect anyone who is travelling and wish them a wonderful and safe trip and we hope replies respect our decision.
We hope to come back when the security services get a grip and the South African government realise the financial value of their visitors and make this most beautiful country safe to visit. Heartbroken!
Written by Ken Hadfield Arps Dpagb
- UK photographer
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kruger.national.park.the.best.place.on.earth/permalink/5862320887134255/
Department of Tourism Democratic Alliance John Steenhuisen South African Government Actionsa
