Deviant Leisure Practices Threaten Sustainability of Kruger National Park

Strategic Insights -

Investigations have revealed the alarming rates of tourists engaging in deviant leisure practices (DLPs) within the Kruger National Park, a protected sanctuary in South Africa. The study, conducted by researchers from Tshwane University of Technology, sought to understand the extent of DLPs among visitors and the underlying reasons for these behaviors. The findings suggest that tourists are participating in DLPs, compromising the delicate balance of the park's ecosystem and threatening the long-term sustainability of its sensitive resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study utilized a quantitative survey design, involving 237 respondents, to assess the participation of visitors in DLPs within the Kruger National Park.
  • The most common DLPs reported were getting close to animals to take pictures and driving off-road to observe animals at close range.
  • The primary motivations for engaging in these behaviors were the desire to create memorable experiences and being in a "holiday mode."
  • The least violated codes of conduct within the park were picking up archaeological objects to keep as souvenirs and bringing prohibited items into the park without declaring.
  • The study is significant as it is the first to investigate DLPs using a self-reported instrument.
  • Park managers and conservation efforts may benefit from developing strategies to mitigate the impact of these behaviors and protect the park's ecosystem.

Statistics:

  • 237 respondents participated in the quantitative survey.
  • 53.5% of respondents reported getting close to animals to take pictures, while 42.3% admitted to driving off-road to observe animals.
  • 32.5% of respondents cited the need to create memorable experiences as their primary motivation for engaging in DLPs.
  • 75% of respondents reported being in a "holiday mode" as a reason for participating in these behaviors.

Sources:

  • "Visitor Participation in Deviant Leisure Practices in a South African National Park." Tourism and Hospitality, 2025,6(2):53. doi: 10.3390/tourhosp6020053.
  • "Research on Tourism and Hospitality Discussed by Researchers at Tshwane University of Technology (Visitor Participation in Deviant Leisure Practices in a South African National Park)." Life Science Weekly. July 8, 2025; p 5155.