One of the biggest joys for safari-goers during the pandemic was when the Kruger National park reopened to visitors. Anyone interested to know what the Park is all about simply has to glance over their social media page or group to know that Kruger fans are close knit, united in their love for wildlife and exceptionally defensive of their beloved Park.
The Kruger National Park is a family favourite and many return for the special memories.
Challenges of various natures have taken the online world by storm and the latest craze has got safari-goers sharing their humorous camping experiences in Kruger on a Facebook group. The result is a fun-loving community sharing hilarious memories that have got group members in stitches.
Called the ‘Val Stephens challenge’, the stories range from couples sneaking in wine on day visits and making out in bakkies while trying to remember to watch out for animals, to car tyres being changed by visitors unaware of a large pride of lions only 200 metres away from them.
Val Stephens, a group moderator started the challenge after she read a funny story shared by a fellow member. ‘That post has brightened my day, and this group, and I was just wondering if any of you have any funny/strange/eventful tales to tell when on a visit to Kruger. You could add it here, or you could start your own post. It can be just text, or text and visual.
‘Let’s see whether we can bring some enjoyment and laughter, as well as some interesting stories to this lovely group…Ok it’s over to you, and please take up the challenge if you can, we are waiting for your tale!’ Stephens wrote.
The response has been overwhelming, with many praising Stephens for the initiative and delighting in the opportunity to share experiences with strangers as if with old friends around a campfire.
‘Thanks to each and every one of you for your wonderful tales. Some are funny some are bizarre and a few are sad, but they all make up life’s rich tapestry,’ Stephens wrote on Facebook.
‘Please keep them coming!! They have raised my spirits over the last few days, and judging by the many DMs [direct messages] that I have received, they have done the same for many of you,’ she concluded.
Image credit: Unsplash
