The three, all Mozambicans, were found guilty of illegally hunting rhino in the Kruger National Park in July 2010. SANParks CEO David Mabunda said the sentence was harsher than it had been in other similar cases. “This is an indication that, as a country, we are taking more stringent measures in the fight against rhino poaching,” he said. Aselmo Baloyi, Jawaki Nkuna and Ismael Baloy were also found guilty of possessing an illegal firearm (an automatic rifle), possession of a firearm (a hunting rifle) and possession of ammunition.

They were caught with two freshly chopped rhino horns, an assault rifle, a hunting rifle and an axe.

Mabunda said that last year 232 suspected poachers were arrested, including 26 who died in fights with the authorities.

Times Live, 01.02.2012

Click here!!!

Following heavy rains encountered in and around the Kruger area, this is an urgent warning. The following areas have been affected:

The entrance gates listed below have been closed until further notice:

Entrance Gates:

• Phabeni gate
• Paul Kruger gate
• Crocodile Bridge gate
• Giriyondo Border gate
• Malelane to Skukuza
• Phalaborwa gate to Mopani
• Letaba to Mopani
• Olifants to Satara
• Lower Sabie to Skukuza
• Crocodile Bridge to Lower Sabie

All gravel roads are closed.

Camps not accessible

• Skukuza
• Lower Sabie
• Crocodile Bridge
• Biyamiti
• Talamati
• Olifants
• Satara
• Balule
• Bateleur
• Shimuweni
• Sirheni
• Imbali Concession Lodge
• Tamboti
• Tshokwane picnic site

Lower Sabie and Skukuza are cut off and precautionary evacuations are being carried out on low lying areas, which include Staff accommodation, river view chalets and some camping grounds.  The situation is under control and the SANDF is also assisting where necessary.  Stranded people are being assisted.  Some guests are being evacuated to nearby accommodation facilities outside the Park.

Further updates will follow. Last updated 18:15 PM.

Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks) Communications

Location: Deutschland

Lieber Klaus, Ridwaan und Team,

vielen herzlichen DANK fuer 3 tolle Tage in Euerer Lodge mit herzlicher Gastfreundschaft, sehr nettem Personal, koestlichem Essen und Trinken sowie viel Ruhe und traumhafter Lage! Gerne werden wir uns an Euch erinnern und Abangane weiterempfehlen. Vielen Dank und viele Gruesse

Location: Utrecht, Amsterdam, Den Bosch –   The Netherlands

Dear Klaus, Ridwaan and Colleagues

Thank you very much for taking care of us so well in your extremely enjoyable place. Everything was perfect: the well designed rooms, terraces, gardens, pool, etc, situated in a bush environment with zebras, ostriches  and impalas adjacent to your premises. Not to forget your excellent cuisine & accompanying wines! Thanks again!

Location: Israel

We Love It! See you next year – Your friends. xxx

What a wonderful place. Very warm and friendly { feels like being at home}. Thank you for making our stay so great, we thoroughly enjoyed the room, food, animals etc… God bless and take care! Hope to come again.

Dear Klaus, Ridwaan and Team

A little bit of heaven with such wonderful hosts, food & accommodation. May you continue from strength to strength. Wishing you all a happy 2012. We will be back. Thank you.

This place is stunning! I absolutely loved it here. The dogs really make it feel like home. Thank you.

Our stay at Abangane was wonderful. Thank you  so much for your hospitality. Hopefully some day we will be back in SA and meet you all again .