The Park was not visitor friendly in the early days. The rangers worked tirelessly to create a road network and overnight facilities for visitors. In 1927, the Park recorded a total of three vehicles all year, earning total revenue of R15.00.
By 1936 the road network had increased to 1450 km and the Park was visited by 6000 vehicles carrying 26 000 people.
The tireless work and vision by James Stevenson Hamilton and the early pioneering rangers have created a wildlife paradise. Enjoyed by over 1 500 000 people each year.
In James Stevensons Biography, he wrote:
‘I had at least brought up Cindererella and launched her on her career. I loved her best when she was pathetic and dust-covered little wrench, derided and abused. Always l felt that, give her a chance, and her attractions reconised, unlimited possibilities lay before her. Now that she had become a Great Lady it was fitting she should be provided with custodians better suited to provide her new requirements”.
-Col James Stevenson Hamilton, A South African Eden