Punda Maria

Historically rich in context, Punda Maria camp has been known in its time as an ivory smuggler destination, an area for the illegal trade of labour and much governmental agitation eventually resulting in direct intervention at one time.

Guests flock here to bask in the historical significance of this busy section of the park. Located in the Sandveld region of the Kruger National Park, the camp itself is considered a prime viewing area for the Nyala antelope, and boasts unparalleled bird watching.

Accommodation is comprised of fifty-tent campsites available with or without electricity points, electric hotplates and washing up facilities. Two-bed furnished canvas tents on stilts are equipped with showers, fridges, and braai (barbecue) facilities. Additionally, two and three-bed bungalows are made an option for guests looking for solid walls, with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and communal braai (barbecue) facilities. Furthermore, six bed family bungalows are also available, with three en-suite bedrooms each, patio areas, limited channel DSTV television sets in the living rooms, and an outdoor braai (barbecue) facility.

Adventure activities are offered in the form of guided bush walks and game drives, conducted and accompanied by skilled, professional guides. Guests are requested to note that children younger than the age of six are not allowed to accompany them on game drives, and children younger than twelve will be restricted from game walks. Pre-booked activities such as the Nyalaland Wilderness Trail, are available subject to arrangement with the park up to eleven months in advance. The Thulamela Archaeological Trail and Paradise Flycatcher camp walk are additional adventure excursion options, as well as the weather dependent Northern Plains 4 x 4 Adventure Trail.

Featured facilities at the camp include a restaurant, shops, laundromat, cutlery and plate hampers, limited DSTV televisions, and a swimming pool.

To spot in the area are kudu, buffalo, wild dog, elephant and lion populations, vervet monkeys, hippos and crocodiles, as well as nyala, impala, and occasional bushbuck in some of the outlying areas.