PUNDA MARIA – The executive director of the Kruger National Park, Dr Bandile Mkhize, officially launched the upgrading of Punda Maria camp and Punda Maria Entrance Gate in the far north of the park last Thursday.

According to the head of communication in the park, Mr William Mabasa, Punda Maria Camp has received seven luxury tents and a swimming pool, valued at around R2,5 million, and Punda Maria gate has received a new building, reception area and ablution blocks, valued at R1,9 million.

“Both projects are part of the Kruger National Park’s R40-million infrastructure upgrade as part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier park initiatives. Funding for this infrastructure upgrade, which also includes the upgrading of Pafuri Gate, the upgrading or rebuilding of the road network in the northern and far northern regions of the Kruger National Park and the Giriyondo Border post project, has come via the South African Government’s Department of Environmental affairs and Tourism (DEAT),” he said.

“Costing R2,1 million, the seven new luxury tents fit in with the Kruger National Park’s tourism strategy of providing diversified tourism products for its tourists. The tents, which are the first of their kind in the far northern region, also coincide with the park’s ideal of getting tourists back to a more natural bush experience,” Mabasa added.

“One of these luxury tents has been designed according to universal handicapped tourist principles so that everyone can have the opportunity of enjoying a Kruger National Park experience,” said Mabasa.

“Built to the same theme as the swimming pool at the Skukuza day visitors’ area, the new swimming pool is the latest in style and comfort and truly adds value to Punda Maria camp, which often experiences daytime temperatures of over 45 degrees centigrade. It was constructed at a cost of R430 000,” he added.

He further said that the new Punda Maria entrance gate had been designed and built with the expected increase of traffic as a result of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park in mind. Costing R1,9 million, the new gate complex was built with technology in mind and there is a dedicated lane for Wildcard holders. Apart from the gate itself, there are other buildings, including a reception area and an ablution block.

“The complex has also been moved from its present position to a site at the actual boundary of the Kruger National Park,” he added.