Tourists sue safari park when lions get too close

The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, located northeast of Cape Town in South Africa, is being sued by eight British tourists who had a wildlife experience that was a bit more than they had bargained for. According to this story from London Times, the travelers are now seeking hundreds of thousands of British pounds in damages after suffering through a traumatic experience that left them bruised, battered, and shaken.

While visiting the park back in 2007, the group's vehicle overturned, temporarily stranding them in the park, while a pride of lions closed in around them. Several of the occupants of the vehicle suffered injuries, including broken ribs and a variety of other bumps and bruises, all the while being eyed like lunch by the big cats, which actually came within a meter and a half of the frightened travelers. One of the lions even made off with a boot belonging to one of the tourists.

Eventually, the group was rescued by another safari vehicle that passed by, and now the 8 Brits are looking for £582,000 (roughly $955,000) in compensation, citing post-traumatic stress and emotional damages. The lodge, which is largest private game reserve in South Africa, says that it will fight the charges in court.

This story reminds me why it is a good idea to have travel insurance when heading into more rugged areas.

Filed under: Africa, South Africa