French Tourist Injured in Elephant Attack at Madikwe Game Reserve

A French tourist was seriously injured on Sunday after being attacked by a female elephant at Impodimo Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve, North West.

According to the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), the incident occurred when a group of tourists followed a herd of elephants to take photographs despite warnings from a tour guide. The tourists reportedly moved within 10 metres of the animals, prompting one of the female elephants – which had calves with her – to charge.

The man, who slipped and fell while trying to run for safety, was trampled, sustaining a broken right-side rib, a dislocated right knee, and a fractured right leg. Several guides intervened, firing warning shots to scare off the elephant and rescuing the injured tourist. Reserve emergency personnel stabilised him before he was airlifted to a Johannesburg hospital, where he is reported to be in a stable condition.

North West MEC for DEDECT, Bitsa Lenkopane, expressed regret over the incident and wished the injured man a speedy recovery. She commended the quick action of the guides, which likely saved the tourist’s life, but warned visitors to strictly follow safety protocols in parks and reserves.

“Tourism safety and the well-being of visitors is of paramount importance. We plead with all guests to follow the instructions of reserve personnel to avoid incidents like this,” Lenkopane said.

The MEC also reminded the public that September is Tourism Month and encouraged both domestic and international visitors to explore the province’s parks and reserves, starting with the Park Mahala Week at the beginning of the month.