Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Museum
Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Museum
Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Museum (Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, Phalaborwa, Limpopo) — The knowledge resource center is located at Skukuza, the largest rest camp in the Kruger National Park. It consists of a library and a museum and holds many fascinating artefacts, books and valuable documents depicting the life and times of James Stevenson-Hamilton who was the first Warden of the Sabie Game Reserve, now the Kruger National Park.
The rest camp was named Skukuza as it was the nickname given to Stevenson-Hamilton by the Shangaan people. It was his job to stop poaching and to create a safe haven for wild animals that were being ruthlessly hunted. His nickname means “he who sweeps clean” or “he who turns everything upside down”. It has a more negative connotation as Stevenson-Hamilton was responsible for the relocation programme that move the native people out of the area when it was proclaimed a national park.
One of the most popular attractions at the museum is the knife that belonged to Harry Wolhuter, a ranger who killed a lion that had him firmly in his jaws and was dragging him through the bush.
There is also a small “Heroes’ Acre” outside the museum where the loyal pets who served their masters and played a role in protecting the park are remembered. Some died of old age and some in the line of duty. Admission (into Kruger Park complex): R372 (foreign adult), R186 (adults from SADC countries), R93 (adults from South Africa); R186 (foreign child), R93 (child from SADC countries), R47 (child from South Africa).