Kruger couple fight off aggressive monkeys at Nkuhlu picnic site

Talitha and Francois Steenkamp from Wilderness in the Western Cape were attacked by two monkeys at the Nkuhlu Picnic Site in Kruger National Park
The monkeys growled, bared their teeth and lunged at Talitha before she fought them off with her handbag while her husband kicked them away
SANParks confirmed awareness of the incident and issued safety advice for visitors to the popular picnic spot

Couple fights off aggressive monkeys at Kruger picnic site — Talitha shared her and her husband's encounter with the monkey. Image: Francois Steenkamp/Facebook and Anton Herrington/Getty Images
Source: UGC

A Western Cape couple's holiday in the Kruger National Park took a frightening turn when two monkeys launched an unprovoked attack at one of the park's most popular rest stops.

Talitha Steenkamp (64) and her husband Francois (65), from Wilderness near George, were visiting the Nkuhlu Picnic Site in the southern section of the park on 8 October 2026 when the incident unfolded. The pair had been staying at Ngwenya Lodge just outside Malelane Gate and were making daily trips into the park throughout the week.

The site held sentimental value for the couple, who had previously spent their 40th wedding anniversary at the nearby Nkuhlu Tented Camp.

The monkey attack at Nkuhlu

Talitha had stepped away to use the toilet when she emerged to find two monkeys directly behind her. She was carrying only her handbag and had no food on her. She said:

"The monkeys were vicious; they were growling and showing me their teeth. I was scared."

One of the animals lunged for her calf muscle, and she struck it with her handbag before a second monkey moved in. She continued using the bag to defend herself until the animals began to retreat. When Francois appeared, the monkeys turned their aggression towards him, and he managed to kick them off.

Talitha reported the encounter to a ranger on site, who told her the issue was known and that a solution was being sought. She has since called for the animals to be tested for rabies, describing the behaviour as deeply abnormal.

SANParks issues safety warning

According to reports by the Citizen, SANParks confirmed it was aware of the incident and said visitor safety remained its top priority. The organisation explained that primates at picnic sites can become bold over time, particularly in areas where human activity overlaps with their natural habitat.

Its management approach includes trapping problematic animals in humane cages and relocating them deeper into the bush. Field monitors are deployed periodically to manage wildlife proximity at picnic areas.

On the rabies question, SANParks said there was no current evidence of widespread infection among primate populations in the park, but cautioned that aggressive behaviour alone could not rule out infection in an individual animal. Anyone bitten or scratched was strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention and notify park officials.

Visitors were reminded not to feed wildlife, to store food in secure containers and to keep tents closed at all times.

View the Facebook post here.

What South Africans are saying

Reactions on the page were divided between sympathy and scepticism:

Tatjana Rapp said:

"Probably showed aggression towards the poor animal"

Antoinette Jurgens wrote:

"This is not normal Vervet monkey behavior. Monkeys do not just 'attack' people. If food was not the reason, these individuals might have some learnt behavior, but it is not how monkeys would normally behave. I know as I have worked and studied Vervet monkey behaviour for 20+ years."

Lynn Outram commented:

"Because tourists feeding them"

George Whittle added:

"(People) visiting the Kruger Park feed them and the hyenas."

Iloma Marais joked:

"Even the monkeys are gatvol!" [fed up]

Gina Meiring shared:

"At Tshokwane there was a guy with a sling shot (kettie) and that kept them away when we were there."

Ros Rose noted:

"Happened to us 40 years ago... still happening!"[catapult]

Kruger couple fight off aggressive monkeys at Nkuhlu picnic site

The monkey attack at Nkuhlu

SANParks issues safety warning

What South Africans are saying

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