Popular tourism cruises suspended in KZN

KWAZULU Natal's popular boat cruises through the Hluhluwe Game Reserve have been suspended until further notice due to unusually low water levels. The cruises, which launch from Maphumulo in the northern part of the reserve, give tourists unique close-up views of wildlife ranging from antelope to elephant as they come to drink. Tourists who book on the 40-seater boat also get to see crocodile and hippo in their natural environment, as well as hundreds of wetland or water birds. The boat is quieter than vehicles, and is able to get far closer to animals than traditional methods of game viewing. Hluhluwe honorary ranger and local tour operator Jeremy Williamson said this week that all cruises had been suspended until further notice due to a drop in water levels and the danger that the boat might become grounded mid-cruise. Anyone interested in the cruise, should check with the Hluhluwe Game Reserve central bookings office on (035) 562-0255 before finalising plans. (African Eye News Service)