Stevenson-Hamilton Plaque

The Stevenson-Hamilton plaque sits at the foot of Shirimantanga, a lone granite koppie south of Skukuza. James Stevenson-Hamilton was the park’s first warden, and over 44 years he turned the Sabi reserve into Kruger National Park. His ashes and those of his wife were scattered over these boulders by their daughter, Anne Doyle, on 10 April 1979. It is a quiet, short detour for anyone interested in how the park came to be.

What to expect

A plaque fixed to a large rock honours the couple’s role in building the park. Behind it the koppie rises in a heap of granite boulders, some about the size of a house. It is one of the few spots in Kruger where you are allowed out of your vehicle, which is part of the appeal after hours of driving.

Practical details

• Shirimantanga is south of Skukuza by the Renosterkoppies hills, which are on the main road from Skukuza towards Malelane. Sources differ on whether it counts as part of those hills or as a separate koppie about 2 km to their north, so check the park map at Skukuza.
• Skukuza is the nearest rest camp.

Good to know

Get out with care. The cracks and gaps between the boulders make good cover for animals, so look around before leaving the car and keep children close. The name Shirimantanga is Tsonga, usually translated as early gardener, and probably referred to someone who once lived nearby. Renosterkoppies, the hills next to it, is Afrikaans for rhino hills.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: krugerpark.co.za, Know Your Park, Frame to Frame.