It’s hard to believe that the Kruger National Park, a staple on many South African travel itineraries, is just seven years shy of its 100th birthday. Opened in 1927 to tourists, the first year saw only 3 vehicles enter the gate. With such a lengthy history and an increase in popularity (1.9 million people visited in 2019), there are so many stories to tell about this beloved park.
Some of the stories emerging are about memorabilia that may stir up nostalgia for visitors. For instance, did you know that the Kruger once had its own range of fabrics?
Cathy Acheson spoke to Getaway about her collection of this particular piece of memorabilia. ‘The funniest thing was that my aunt bought that material for my mom who wasn’t keen on the Kruger.
‘My late husband, Graham and I were blessed to spend many days in all the camping spots in Kruger for 8 years. I had inherited the table cloth from my mom and always used it on the table outside our caravan. Kruger was our happiest place. I miss it terribly.’
Impala lily print. Image: Cathy Acheson
The old Kruger logo. Image credit: Cathy Acheson
Hornbills and more! Image: Cathy Acheson
The Kruger National Park board game
In the 1960s, visitors were able to purchase a Kruger National Park board game. Estelle van Rensburg, who still owns one from 1967, spoke to Getaway and said: ‘The game reminds one of the mystique of the Kruger park as well as the rich history and how it forms an integral part of our heritage.’
Lion Special Pilsner
In the 1980s, the Lion Special Pilsner range was created and the beer cans are now collector’s items. The sale of these beers went toward purchasing extra land for Addo Elephant National Park as a place to save the region’s last 12 elephants after extensive hunting had all but wiped them out. There were 14 beer cans in total from the collection. Even-numbered cans were printed in English and odd-numbered cans were in Afrikaans.
Kruger beer. Image credit: BidorBuy
Image credit: BidorBuy
