Commercial and Business Vehicles in KNP

[dozo]

My wife and I have just spent 80 odd days in the KNP and had a great time. However the only major downside was the Commercial and Business vehicles as well as Staff vehicles entering and leaving the Park at peak hours. These "Visitors " have little interest or respect for the Park, animals and tourists as Business/deliveries are their prime objectives, and understandably so. The KNP Staff have become immune to the hazards or just do not care (apologies to those who do care)

I am sure this problem is not new and has been debated many times before. My aim here is not to hammer the KNP but rather to see if we can find mutually beneficial solutions to the problem.

My suggestion is that Commercial vehicles and Business people ONLY be allowed into the KNP 30 mins after GATE OPENNING TIMES and must be out ONE HOUR before GATE CLOSING TIMES. The affected parties might complain that it is not cost effective etc for them. My answer is " In business, find a solution, otherwise some else will".

Lets support the KNP with any initiative they try and implement because it will just make a wonderful experience a whole lot better

How do you feel?
Mbechu

ps. I do not think Speedtraps help too much with the above as these persons are regular and know where the traps are, or once they have seen a Cop they put foot knowing that it is higlhy unlikely there will not be more down the road!!

[Richprins]

Vey good points, and I especially like the time limits on commercial vehicles!

After 80 days you qualify as "commercial" yourself, you know, Mbechu! -O

[Flutterby]

You make some valid points and good suggestions!!

Hope you are going to share your trip with us!

[Bushcraft]

Good points and suggestions

80 days I wish

[dozo]

Hi All
Thanks for the comments. Ja, I guess I do qualfy as one after soooooooo long. Seriously though, it is lousy when first thing in the morning a truck comes roaring past you when you are trying to spot the elusive whatever at sunrise. We entered and exited mostly through Phalaborwa Gate (the staff are great there) so commercial vehicles are going to Letaba and Mopani. The Traffic Cops are usually within 2-8km from the gate and the trucks know that.
Thanks again and will share pics soon
Mbechu

[Flutterby]

[Lisbeth]

Excellent idea to limit the entrance/exit hours of commercial vehicles

[Sprocky]

dozo, I so have to agree with what you say. This is the main reason I only enter the park about an hour or so after the gate rush, resulting in missing a lot of good light and sightings.

[dozo]

Thanks Sprocky. Yes there are quite a few side issues relating to this topic. Lets see if the KNP are willing to help somehow . Can you perhaps see if they will join the discussion in the spirit of co-operation. I think we should ask them to deal with just the commercial vehicles first and leave the staff vehicles out of itat this stage.
Mbechu

[JustN@ture]

Good valid points dozo and good ideas to limiting the times they enter and exit