The annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees which is held in the Eastern Cape's Sundays River Valley celebrated its 18th anniversary with increased numbers and perfect weather.
Attendance over the three days of the festival was 15 per cent up in 2018, with around 45 000 visitors, according to festival director Jenni Honsbein.
Meanwhile, a clan of five hyenas from the Addo Elephant National Park sold for a surprise R26 000 each at the Kirkwood Wildlife Festival auction, which was held on Friday.
The auction turned over R5 million, compared to R4,6 million in 2018.
Auction convener Johan Swart says they have proved that there is interest in the quality game and were happy with the prices.
He says there was great interest from buyers at the auction and on the telephone for buffalo with Kruger National park genes, which were offered for the first time.
A top price of R300 000 was paid for an adult female with a 38-inch horn span and her male calf.
An adult male with a horn size of 45 ½ inches sold for R230 000.
