RETURN Africa is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic deaths of Ernst and Dina Marais of Mossel Bay in the northern Kruger National Park. We extend our sincere condolences to their family, friends, and all those affected by this terrible event.
The incident occurred at the Crooks’ Corner lookout site, south of the Luvuvhu River, within the Kruger National Park and outside the Makuleke Contractual National Park concession in which RETURN Africa operates. The public self-drive access point south of the Luvuvhu River, where the incident occurred, is distinct from the north-bank viewpoint accessible exclusively within the Makuleke Contractual National Park to guided guests.
According to information released by the authorities, the incident appears to have involved perpetrators who crossed the international land border south of Crooks’ Corner and subsequently fled the area with the victims’ vehicle.
We are aware that some media reports and social media posts have associated the incident with RETURN Africa’s operations. One publication has also used an unauthorised photograph of RETURN Africa’s Pafuri Camp to illustrate its reporting. We wish to clarify that the incident did not occur at our camps, nor did it involve RETURN Africa guests or activities.
RETURN Africa has operated tourism and conservation activities in the Pafuri region for many years in close partnership with the Makuleke community and SANParks. The safety of our guests, staff, and partners remains our highest priority.
RETURN Africa guests are always accompanied by trained and experienced guides and rangers, and activities take place within structured operational protocols and managed wilderness environments. This differs fundamentally from self-drive tourism in remote public-access areas.
Based on information currently available from the authorities, the incident appears to have been a criminal act targeting an elderly self-drive couple at an isolated border lookout site south of the Luvuvhu River.
RETURN Africa remains in close communication with SANParks and the relevant authorities and supports all efforts to investigate the incident thoroughly and strengthen security measures where required.
Millions of visitors have travelled safely through the Kruger National Park over many decades, including the far north of the park and the Pafuri region. While this tragedy has understandably caused distress and concern, it remains an isolated and unprecedented incident in the history of the region and does not reflect the normal experience of visitors to the greater Kruger National Park.
The Pafuri region remains one of Africa’s most remarkable wilderness destinations, known internationally for its biodiversity, cultural significance, and exceptional guided wilderness experiences.
RETURN Africa’s Pafuri Camp reopens on 1 June 2026. We look forward to welcoming guests back to this extraordinary wilderness and remain fully committed to delivering the safe, guided experiences for which the region is recognised.
Our thoughts remain with the Marais family at this profoundly difficult time.
