A pride of lions that ventured onto the Ngwenya Lodge property is being driven back into the Kruger National Park (KNP) by the SANParks helicopter and veterinary team.

According to a Facebook post on SANParks’ official page, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has been notified, as they assume responsibility for wildlife that crosses the KNP boundary.

Ngwenya Lodge visitor Hayley Dahl shared on Facebook that she spotted the pride near Hippo Pools on the evening of September 10, as they made their way across the river toward the lodge. She also noted the presence of a few subadult cubs among the lions. Other social media users reported hearing the helicopter involved in the operation.

SANParks spokesperson, Ike Phaahla, commented that it is common for animals to cross the boundary river during winter when water levels are low.