South African National Parks has been flooded with inquiries regarding accommodation in the northern section of the Kruger National Park in December, when a total solar eclipse will focus worldwide attention on the area.

A Sanparks statement issued in Pretoria states emphatically that all camps north of Satara have been fully booked for the first half of December. The actual eclipse will occur on Wednesday December 4, just after 08:00.

Huge contingency plans are underway to try to meet the requests of tourists wishing to witness the event from vantage points inside the park. The Shingwedzi area of the park has been identified as the prime observation location.

The park management, anxious to avoid traffic and other congestion problems, has set up a special task team to handle the project. Temporary accommodation and bus transport from outside the park are two options under consideration.

Interested members of the public can access future announcements in connection with the SA National Parks plans at the website www.parks-sa.co.za.