Sudden closure of Lower Sabie tented camp leaves visitors fuming
2017-02-03 14:27 - Louzel Lombard Steyn
Cape Town - The Kruger National Park on Friday, 3 February, sent out a notice to all Lower Sabie tented camp guests, announcing the sudden closure of the camp from 13 February this year, until the end of the 2017 financial year.
"Further to the ongoing challenges that Lower Sabie rest camp in experiencing regarding the poor status of the tents, Management of the Kruger National Park have decided to close these tents for upgrade," the notice reads.
'Confused and angry'
The sudden announcement has left visitors - who have booked on the popular Lower Sabie camp site months in advance - confused and angry.
The initial letter to guests stated that SANParks will be "flexible to engage guests should they still wish to stay in some of the tents that are not in such a bad state".
Members of the official SANParks - Kruger National Park Facebook group slammed SANParks saying the message is confusing, as it still gives guests an option to stay in the tents despite the renovations.
Kruger lovers were also concerned about the option to stay on in the dilapidated tents, saying it might be unsafe to stay in tents that are under construction.
'International tourists who have paid for flights inconvenineced
"This is totally unacceptable," group member and international visitor Caroline Pobereskin commented.
"Whilst it might be a big inconvenience for South Africans, what about international tourists who have paid maybe thousands of Pounds for non-refundable flights, car hire, etc.? What are they supposed to do if there's no alternative accommodation available?"
Following this, William Mabasa, acting head of communications for SANParks, apologised for the confusing notice saying that it "might not have be clear enough in conveying the intended message".
"Lower Sabie will be renovated from 13 February 2017 and all clients who are booked at those tents shall be given alternative accommodation in the camp," Mabasa stated. "Should there be no chalets available at Lower Sabie for the booked periods, clients can be accommodated at other camps within the Park," he says.
An option to refund is also possible.
Affected? Here's why to do
If you have booked in the Lower Sabie tents anywhere from 13 February, SANParks has asked for guests get in touch via email, in order to give preference on where the booking needs to be relocated.
Alternatively, guests can call management at Lower Sabie on 013 735 6056, and speak to the hospitality manager Ramontsho Ramofolo.
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Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596