Jobs gone, investments wasted: Africa's deserted safaris leave mounting toll

Tourists are seen at a Safari watching a herd of buffaloes at a game reserve adjacent to the world-renowned Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, April 11, 2019. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko

MABARHULE, South Africa (Reuters) - When Khimbini Hlongwane spent most of his small safari tour company’s savings on the deposit for a new minibus in February, it seemed like a safe bet.

His revenues had doubled in the previous year. And bookings by American, British, and Brazilian tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of elephants, giraffes and lions at South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park were up.