A group of visitors to Kruger National Park recently had a terrifying experience when two zebras unexpectedly collided with their brand-new Toyota Fortuner.
The impact was so severe that the estimated damage is around R190,000.
What makes the situation even more frustrating is that the vehicle had only 3,000 kilometers on the clock!
While the SUV sustained extensive damage, the fate of the zebras remains unknown.
Cherry Armstrong, a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment in rural South Africa through her organization Celebrate Life, shared her firsthand account and photos of the aftermath with Latest Sightings.
The Accident Unfolds on a Straight Stretch of Road
The dramatic incident took place on the H4-2 road, about 7 km from Lower Sabie.
Armstrong recalled that she was driving on a straight section of the road at a modest speed of about 30 km/h.
She had noticed a large group of zebras grazing to her left when, out of nowhere, a loud crash shook her vehicle.
“They came so fast out of the grass onto the tar, we only saw them on impact,” Armstrong explained.
The sudden appearance of the zebras left no time to react, making the collision unavoidable.
Assessing the Damage and Impact
Armstrong believes the first zebra struck the front right side of the SUV, significantly damaging the bumper and fender.
The force of the impact sent the animal spinning, causing additional damage to the doors on the right-hand side.
While she assumes the zebra managed to escape into the grass, she suspects it must have suffered serious injuries.
She also speculates that a second zebra hit the back corner of her vehicle, though she cannot confirm it.
A Safari Guide Steps in to Help
Following the crash, an unidentified safari guide quickly came to Armstrong’s aid.
He had heard the impact and, upon rounding the corner, immediately blocked the road with his vehicle to ensure Armstrong’s safety.
At the time, she had stepped out of her car to pick up pieces of broken metal from the road.
The guide suggested that the zebras may have bolted due to a lion chase, a common occurrence in the wild. “I have no idea who the guide was who helped me, but a big thank you to him,” Armstrong said, expressing her gratitude.
A Costly and Unexpected Incident
The damaged Toyota Fortuner was later towed to a dealership in Malelane, where Armstrong received the costly repair estimate of R190,000.
Adding insult to injury, she pointed out that the vehicle was practically new.
Despite the financial setback, Armstrong remains grateful that the situation wasn’t worse.
“It could’ve been so much worse. A couple of seconds’ difference could have seen the zebra through the windscreen – we were very lucky.”
Safety Tips for Visitors to Kruger National Park
This unusual accident serves as a stark reminder for all visitors to adhere to speed limits and stay alert while driving in wildlife reserves.
Kruger National Park enforces normal road regulations, and speeding is often an issue—particularly when visitors rush to reach the gates before closing time. Allowing extra travel time can prevent unnecessary risks.
Visitors should also remember that animals always have the right of way.
In case of an accident, it is safest to remain inside the vehicle until help arrives, as dangerous predators may be nearby.
All traffic accidents, whether involving wildlife or other vehicles, must be reported to the Skukuza Traffic Department within 24 hours.
The emergency call center can be reached at 013 735 4325.
Exploring Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most renowned game reserves, spans 19,623 square kilometers across Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
The park stretches 360 km from north to south and 65 km from east to west, bordering Zimbabwe to the north and Mozambique to the east.
Established in 1926, it was South Africa’s first national park and remains a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.
The park has nine main entrance gates leading to various camps, including Crocodile Bridge, Malelane, Orpen, and Punda Maria.
It also offers 12 main rest camps equipped with essential facilities like electricity, first-aid centers, shops, and restaurants.
For those seeking a more secluded experience, Kruger also has smaller bushveld camps that provide remote accommodations.
This incident is a strong reminder of the unpredictability of wildlife encounters.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, always respect the park’s rules and stay alert—because in Kruger, anything can happen!
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