A woman was injured on the Kruger National Park's popular Olifants River back pack trail when the group of hikers walked into an elephant breeding herd on Monday August 20, 2007.
According to Raymond Travers, spokesperson for Kruger, the Port Elizabeth-based tourist was charged by a young elephant bull, which appeared to come to the aid of a juvenile in distress. The guide killed the elephant and then called for the Sanparks helicopter via the satellite phone.
The helicopter was being used in the annual elephant and buffalo census in the Punda Maria area. The incident occurred at about 15h00 and about 45 minutes later, the couple was taken to the Phalaborwa offices at the Phalaborwa entrance gate from where they were taken to the doctor in Phalaborwa for tests and treatment.
The woman suffered minor injuries to the face, including a fractured cheekbone. The couple has returned to their home while the rest of the group ended their walk on Tuesday and were taken to Olifants Camp “where they were debriefed,” according to Raymond.
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