Skukuza - The Kruger National Park will ban visitors from using any alcohol in public areas as of next week.
Park spokesperson William Mabasa said day visitors especially would no longer be allowed to bring or consume alcohol in parking lots, at picnic sites, wildlife viewing areas or on roads and at entrance gates.
"We decided to introduce this policy in order to eliminate the growing unacceptable behaviour by visitors who misbehave in the park when they are intoxicated. We are just ensuring that the Liquor Act is enforced in the park," said Mabasa.
Mabasa said that during the 2010 festive season there were complaints about drunk visitors who were speeding, knocking down animals on the road, littering, playing loud music and disturbing wildlife at animal sightings.
He added that some day visitors swam nude in the parks' pools, used overnight facilities without permission from occupants and drank way too much alcohol in public.
"The restrictions will not apply to overnight visitors who will be allowed to bring in own alcohol for consumption in the privacy of their booked accommodation and the restaurants. But, like day visitors, overnight visitors will be bound by the same rules of not drinking in public," said Mabasa.
Mabasa said security personnel would be deployed at all the gates to search people for liquor and confiscate liquor from day visitors.
Meanwhile, he said park and ride facilities would be provided at all gates during busy periods like the upcoming Human Rights weekend from March 19 to 29.
"This service will provide alternative access to day visitors who still wish to enter the park once the gate day visitor quotas have been reached. An additional fee will be charged for the use of the park and ride facilities," Mabasa said.
He said day visitors would be required to make bookings over the phone through central reservations or through the website.
Wild Card holders and guests from neighbouring tourism establishments have been advised to book for their day tours in advance.
