Hi Folks,
The debate was on in the printed version of SA4x4 and I think we forgot one crucial aspect of this issue.
Apart from aesthetics points of view, the article triggers one more important concern:
The behaviour and reputation of SA visitors to Botswana parks!
It is a fact that SA' visitors, specially in groups, have a bad reputation when it comes to etiquette when visiting the parks.
At current there is a heated debate in Botswana's parliament about control and ban of certain visitor categories for all the wrong reasons.
What is being portrayed is bad behaviour, off road driving and creation of new tracks, camping outside the demarcated areas, the list can go on.
When we now see the picture in question, a truck parked right in the water crossing and people with camp chairs in the water drinking beer, then this fuels the issue for stricter control and certain restrictions being imposed to all visitors.
My conclusion is, whether you are enjoying the nature, the wildlife or the "tranquility" of the parks, respect the rules and stick to them.
We don't want the authorities to "police" the nature reserves to keep them attractive to visitors.
If you can't do that, then maybe the rugby fields or the beach braai would be the better option.
Having said that, I am not against advertising some great products (Ostrich wing shade), but it's not necessarily the best point to do so in such a manner that could upset visitors to the same locations or underlining the hooliganism already tarnishing the reputation of visitors from the South.

If you want to read more on the debate go: http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/sho ... hp?t=51762

What I found especially odd was the vehicle parked in the Khwai River with an awning stretched out.....Just out of place and possibly illegal in a river that is not a recreational course but a wildlife area with hippos and crocodiles.....

That' exactly my point, and that's why we have the issue on the table with the minister.
It fuels the debate for stricter control and policing and we all suffer from new restrictions.

When does common sense kick-in?
We are after all in a wilderness area.