The good, the bad, the Baviaans

Vulture poisoning rocks Kruger, but new trails and travel escapes await across SA. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

9 May 2025 | View in browser

In devastating news, SANParks and the Endangered Wildlife Trust confirmed that a total of 123 vultures perished within the Kruger National Park due to mass poisoning this week. Victims of the heinous wildlife crime sadly included endangered and critically endangered vulture species, such as white-backed vultures, Cape vultures, hooded vultures and one lappet-faced vulture. As the Kruger mourns the loss of these critical inhabitants along its Western boundary, new paths form elsewhere. A number of key roads in Mpumalanga's Kruger Lowveld region are currently being upgraded following SANRAL's takeover of the key provincial route. And over in the lush wilderness of the Baviaanskloof in the Eastern Cape, whispers of a new five-day slackpacking route have grown louder... From the minds of the legendary Leopard Trail, a new hike 'unlike any other' in South Africa will be available for bookings soon. It offers the rare opportunity to explore towering slot canyons and crystal clear mountain ravines in a region that holds many untold secrets. If stepping out into the wild on foot is your thing, we've curated a great list of lesser-known walking safaris that may be of interest, especially if you believe you have conquered them all. Winter's icy bite stopping you from adventure? We'll leave you with a fantastic round-up of natural hot springs and majestic caves that offer unbeatable views and warm dips. Have a great weekend! TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter  Until next week!

84 vultures rescued from mass poisoning in Kruger; at least 123 dead At least 123 vultures have died in a mass poisoning incident in Kruger National Park, with 84 others rescued by heroes in a race against time. Read more

Mozambican nationals caught hunting illegally in Kruger nation Skukuza Police in Mpumalanga have arrested two Mozambican nationals, aged 29 and 38, for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as for trespassing within the national park. Read more

Major boost for road access in Kruger Lowveld nation A number of key roads in Mpumalanga's Kruger Lowveld region are currently being upgraded. Read more

New five-day slackpacking trail in Baviaanskloof nation Set to open in March 2026, the new trail offers hikers a five-day, six-night circular route through one of the country's most ecologically diverse landscapes. Read more

Walking safaris in South Africa's lesser-known reserves Without the barrier of a game vehicle, every sense sharpens—the earthy scent of wild sage, the snap of twigs underfoot, the echo of a lion's call in the distance… Read more

South Africa's best hot springs and caves with incredible vistas nation This guide rounds up the best of both worlds—plus what to bring and safety tips—so you can explore nature's hidden gems with confidence. Read more

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