Tourists fined R3k ($210) for getting out of vehicle during lion sighting

A group of locals visiting the Kruger National Park have been fined R3 000 for contravening SANParks rules. SANParks confirmed to Traveller24 it was notified of the tourists’ behaviour via its Social Media platforms and "immediately dispatched a Section Ranger in the Crocodile Bridge section".
“The people were at a lion sighting. He instructed them to get into their vehicle and a fine of R3000 was later imposed,” says Kruger National Park spokesperson Ike Phaahla. The fine was issued on Thursday, 9 January.
SANParks rules clearly state visitors must remain in their vehicles unless in a designated area.  “SANParks has a zero tolerance stance against lawlessness,” says Phaahla.
“These are wild and not domesticated animals. Our rules and guidelines clearly state what to do when at sightings, and those who get out of their cars in undesignated areas are lawbreakers."