Number of annual visitors to the Kruger National Park[1][2]
Year
Total visitors
1950
71 279
1954
91 106
1955
101 058
1956
105 183
1957
117 187
1958
116 849
1959
135 740
July - A Zambesi shark, Carcharhinus leucas, was caught at the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers.[3]
November 19 - Ranger Nyokane Shilobane shot dead by poachers near Malelane.[4]
1953
November – The construction of Orpen rest camp starts. After completion in 1954, it replaced the old Rabelais rest camp and entrance gate.[5]
1957
December 10 - Major James Stevenson-Hamilton, warden of the Sabi Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park (1902 - 1946), dies at the age of 90 in White River.
1958
September 22 - Ranger Johannes Maluleke murdered with an axe near Punda Maria. The three poachers responsible were arrested and convicted of murder.[4]
1959
April - Mahlangeni ranger post, situated at the confluence of the Groot Letaba and Klein Letaba Rivers, opens.[5]
September 28 – An outbreak of anthrax rapidly spreads throughout the area north of the Letaba River. 101 carcasses, mainly kudu, are found and burnt before the epidemic ends in November 1959.[6]