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About: History 3/4 About | History | SANP | Tourism Welcome to the history section. Then in the 1920's came it became clear that game reserves had tourist potential. Stevenson-Hamilton set out to exploit this new source of income. When he learned that the South African Railways had a nine day tour of the lowveld he immediately arranged an overnight stop at Sabie Bridge to be part of the itinerary. To modern man it will be no great surprise that it became the number one highlight of any such tour. As public knowledge grew so did funds. On the 31st of May 1972 the Sabie and Shingwedzi reserves together with 70 privately owned farms were consolidated into the Kruger National Park. One of the great game parks of Africa. Important also was the Act of Parliament by which the park was established. That it should always be preserved in its natural state not only for posterity but also for the enjoyment of any visitor. Thus is came that Stevenson-Hamilton and his team of people had even more challenges. Next to the classical conservation work and catching of poachers they were now actively engaged in accommodation. At start visitors had to camp out in the open and use the few dirt roads that were available. But by the end of 1936 there was approximately fourteen hundred kilometres of road available and hundreds rondavels had been constructed to make sure the average twenty six thousand visitors enjoyed their stay. In 1946 when Stevenson-Hamilton retired who was undeniable "father of the Kruger National Park" reflected on the forty four years that had passed since his arrival. "I had at least brought up Cinderella and launched her on her career. I loved her best when she was a pathetic and dust-covered little wench, derided and abused. Always I felt that, giver her chance, and her attractions recognised, unlimited possibilities lay before her. Now that she had become a Great Lady it was fitting she should be provided with custodians better suited to provide her new requirements." After the second world war there were new wardens who came to administer the natural wealth of the Kruger National Park. Research and horse came to replace horse and rifle. New tools were needed to counter economic and environmental changes in the lowveld. In 1950 a research station was opened in Skukuza which heralded a new era. Nine years later a eighteen hundred kilometres fence protected the animals from the Kruger National Park from the outside world and countered further agricultural damage caused by herd animals. Previous page < 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 > Next page
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