Two Tourists Found Dead In Northern Kruger National Park; Police Investigate Murder And Vehicle Hijacking

The bodies of two tourists were discovered on Friday, 22 May 2026, near a river in the Pafuri section, also known as the Nxanatseni North Region, of the Kruger National Park. The discovery was made by other visitors who were engaged in game viewing activities and who then alerted park rangers.

South African National Parks confirmed that a search operation was launched on Thursday evening, 21 May 2026, after staff at the camp noticed the two tourists had not returned. The search continued into Friday morning. The bodies were located by the other tourists near the river area. Rangers who responded to the scene found that the vehicle the tourists had been travelling in was missing.

According to police statements, the victims were a 71-year-old man and a woman. Their bodies were found floating near Cross Corner, at the intersection of the Levubu and Limpopo rivers. Preliminary investigations indicated that both had suffered multiple stab wounds to the upper body.

The pair had arrived at one of the camps in the Kruger National Park earlier in the week. They were last seen on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at the Pafuri picnic site. Reports indicate they had arrived at the remote Pafuri camp on 17 May.

Limpopo police have opened cases of murder and hijacking. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, mobilised a team of experienced investigators. Police are working closely with South African National Parks authorities, and a manhunt is underway for those responsible. The missing vehicle, described in reports as a green Ford Ranger bakkie, is believed to have been driven across the border into Mozambique.

South African National Parks management expressed shock and sadness over the incident. Officials noted that the next of kin had been informed. South African National Parks is providing assistance with transport to Limpopo, accommodation, and repatriation costs. The matter was referred to the South African Police Service for further investigation.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment described the incident as the first of its kind in the history of the Kruger National Park. He declined to provide further details on the cause of death at that stage, citing respect for the family and the need for the investigation to proceed without hindrance.

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain ongoing.

This event has prompted discussions within South African National Parks about security measures in more isolated areas of the park. The next of kin have received direct engagement and support from both South African National Parks executives and police representatives.

All information in this article is based on official statements issued by South African National Parks, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and Limpopo South African Police Service.