Several Kruger National Park accommodation facilities were broken into and damaged by animals while standing empty during lockdown.
Skukuza and Lower Sabie were most affected. SANParks said this adds pressure to the already low occupancy due to lockdown Level 2 restrictions, as these units will have to be repaired before welcoming guests.
Monkeys, squirrels and bats were the main culprits.
‘We have logistical challenges with regard to our readiness to resume full operations in some parks. In addition to planned maintenance work, it has emerged that the bulk of units that were unoccupied during the lockdown were damaged mainly by primates, squirrels and bats. We are moving with speed to repair them,’ SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni told TimesLive.
The affected camps will operate on low capacity until October 1 and December 15 respectively, as restorations continue.
The Biyamiti, Maroela and Orpen camps remain closed.
SANParks added that other causes for delayed opening of accommodation was that staff needed to be trained in the new COVID-19 protocols to ensure the health and safety of guests.
‘We are aware trips were planned and paid for a long time ago and others are family traditions. However, due to the real challenges we face, we urge patience and tolerance from all guests,’ Mketeni said.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
