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Visitor Participation in Deviant Leisure Practices in a South African National Park

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Kuseni

    (Centre for Sustainable Tourism, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa)

  • Uwe P. Hermann

    (Centre for Sustainable Tourism, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0183, South Africa)

Abstract

Kruger National Park is one of the most well-preserved national parks in the Southern Hemisphere. However, cases of visitors participating in deviant leisure practices (DLPs) are reported in the park, threatening the sustainability of sensitive tourism resources. Adopting a deviant leisure lens, this study assesses the extent to which visitors participate in DLPs at the Kruger National Park (KNP) and the causes of those behaviours. Variables adopted from the KNP codes of conduct for visitors were used to measure the DLPs based on the visitors’ perception of the park. A quantitative survey design, with a sample size of 237 respondents, assessed respondents’ participation in DLPs. The study results reveal that visitors participate in DLPs at KNP. However, the level at which visitors participate in DLPs is inconsistent. The most common DLPs by visitors are getting close to animals to take pictures and driving off-road to see animals. The reasons for visitors participating in these behaviours are the need to create memorable experiences and being in “holiday mode”. The least violated codes of conduct in the park are picking up archaeological objects to keep them as souvenirs and bringing prohibited items into the park without declaring. This study is significant as it is the first to investigate the extent visitors participate in DLPs using a self-reported instrument. Based on the results, park managers may develop effective strategies to reduce the number of visitors getting close to animals to take pictures and driving off-road to observe animals at close range.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Kuseni & Uwe P. Hermann, 2025. "Visitor Participation in Deviant Leisure Practices in a South African National Park," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-19, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:6:y:2025:i:2:p:53-:d:1619875
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Goh, Edmund & Ritchie, Brent & Wang, Jie, 2017. "Non-compliance in national parks: An extension of the theory of planned behaviour model with pro-environmental values," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 123-127.
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    5. Berendien Anna Lubbe & Elizabeth Ann du Preez & Anneli Douglas & Felicite Fairer-Wessels, 2019. "The impact of rhino poaching on tourist experiences and future visitation to National Parks in South Africa," Current Issues in Tourism, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(1), pages 8-15, January.
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