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Was camping in Punda Maria inlate December. I think it was the day before new year when we were hit by a massive rain storm. We decided as it started to drizzle that we would go for a drive - test our luck. By the time we had reached the far entrance to the Mahonie Loop we couldn't see 10 meters in front of us, no exaggeration. A white sheet of rain blocked our view. By the time we had arrived back it was another half an hour later and we had to wait inside our tent before emerging at the end of the storm to find a near flood in the camp. All I can say is thank you for the ridges in the camping area!!

Oh boy I remember that storm!

We were out on the Mahonie loop and turned around, and we were driving a bakkie! We drove back along a causeway between 2 lakes, were 10 minutes earlier had been fields.

I haven't got photos but the main road from reception past the cottages was not a road - it was a river. I was so glad I wasn't camping.

I have booked a family cottage at Punda Maria next week. Does any one know weather the have an oven in them??

Secondly what is the best way to get there from Jhb?

Welcome to the forum Lawrence.

Like Andy said. Don't drive from Jo'burg to punda in one go. Can be done, but stop over in that nice one-horse-town and do the slow drive thing to Punda the next day.

I'm sure some other mite will come along shortly to answer your question about the oven.

There is no oven in the Punda Maria kitchen - but it is a very nice looking kitchen!

I can't help you with the drive though!
Just to the left of this photo is the 2 plate stove.

We visited Kruger during the first week and a half of May and stayed in Safari Tent number 3 in Punda Maria It was really an amazing experience – we were visited by an African Civet at night, amongst others, and it was the first that we saw this beautiful animal so close. We had a wonderful time in Kruger and also stayed in Shingwedzi, Letaba, Satara and Pretoriuskop. I was delighted to see hardly any note-worthy litter throughput the Park! When we booked-in at Letaba on 7 May there were distressed visitors in the Reception area that had been on a leisurely game drive and apparently another visitor slammed into their car from the back and badly damaged their car. Luckily there were other very caring visitors who were comforting them and offering assistance. Maybe it was due to speeding, don’t know. All in all I think Kruger is still great!

Sad to hear of the bad experience ...

I stayed in Punda this past weekend. We stayed in the old huts. It was clean and everything looked spankingly new. The towels was clean and in good condition, and we even had our beds made, even though we did it ourselves the morning. These units are very small, being my only negative remark. But the weather was great (summer) and we had two wonderful outdoor evenings.

Met the camp personnel, including the top guys. The management is passionate and committed to manage their part of the park (includes Pafuri pic nick site, Pafuri gate, Punda gate, Punda camp and Babalala), even though they have limited staff and resources. Their willingness and positive attitude impressed. One receptionist was a bit of an exception.

The shop has only the basics, but you can survive with what they have. I can understand that, being a small and not so busy camp, they would not have a large selection and would at times run out of stock. Expensive ... yes ... but again, given the circumstance quite understandable.

As for what the visit is really about ... nature. How can I put it in words ... perhaps one of the best parts in the entire KNP! The plants, trees, clear night skies, silence ... amazing! Saw quite enough animals, even given a very short time we had available. Lion, buffalo, elephant, sharps grysbok, nyala ..... A visit to Pafuri is always a highlight.

Had a peak in to one of the permanent tents and I was Great views and great facilities! Next time ....

Hi there Kite.

The tents are in a general good condition. A little varnish needed some places, but one can really not complain. The tents are one of my favourites with number 4 being the best(in my opinion). Punda Camp is the oldest camp, and might look a bit run down, but the staff are friendly and the surroundings are just excellent. Small little restaurant, but good service and food! Remember to fill up at the petrol station!

Mahonie loop... I saw "my" first parrot, Brownheaded Parrot, a huge herd of Buffaloes, Roan, and a little bit more north Meve's Starling, several Bee-eater and Kingfischer. At the night drive African Wild cat, Genet, Civet...
for me the best camp in Kruger... and the best tents

Forgot about Mahonie!

Ellies
Buffalo
Brown Headed Parrot
Leopard & Cub
Lion
Sharp's Greysbuck
Hyena
Too much to mention!

And watch out for the Caracal seen in Feb this year on the Mahonie Loop!

We have been lucky most of the times spotting Roan between Punda & Shingwedzi. A Success rate of about 70%

The pool repair was completed while we were staying at Punda and used over the long weekend at the end of Sept.

I will be in Punda in just over 2 week's time

Are there communal fridge/freezer facilities available?

Camped there a few times Josh and not aware of a communal freezer. Have heard of the shop keeping stuff frozen for people, but Depending on period not sure if they would have space available.

Am trying to source some dry ice for my Dec trip to solve the problem.