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Have found a place in Kempton Park, but I don't have a passport.

Trying to find more Randburg /Roodepoort area.

Just a word of advice with camping at Punda, they have these humps (for want of better word) that run along camping area and direct water away. Be sure to set up at higher point of humps as I have witnessed people getting flooded with a cloudburst, certain parts along fence were also affected.

Late into the fray, as we were there in April, but some feedback on Punda.

PM really is a charming little camp, with the bungalows grouped together on terraces.
In the old days, each 'block' housed four two-bed huts, and everyone used the communal bathrooms, with only a basin in the rooms.

From what I can make out, the blocks have been redesigned to offer two-bed and three-bed bungalows, all with a super kitchenette and bathroom, and modern air conditioning.

My dad has old cine movies of Punda, taken when he was a nipper in the early fifties, complete with DKW two-stroke motor vehicle.
Although significantly changed since then, it is possible to place the buildings back then, to now.

As mentioned elsewhere, the camp ground has ridges criss-crossing it, which would allow water to collect in the hollows... beware!

Unlike most other camps, i.e. with loads of space around the bungalows, the terraces don't provide much freedom for kids to let off steam, so try not to book a long stay there if you have little ones.

What we found annoying, was the lack of braai places at the bungalows, on account of the lack of space on the terraces, and one either has to head down to the day visitors' area, or crack out the gas.

After dark, the staff come around and light the paraffin lamps, and it is almost Christmassy in effect, to stand down on the road, looking up at the accommodation!

There is an active troop of vervets in camp, so be careful about leaving perishables outdoors, or leaving the door open.
Provided you don't feed or encourage them, it is quite amusing to watch them traverse the area through the trees, or along the railings!

From Punda, a day trip to Pafuri and Crook's Corner is a doddle.
Best to book two nights at Punda, instead of having to rush to the far north, and then south again to Shing.

We didn't see a lot of game, but the birding was wonderful, with some species that just don't occur south of the Tropic.
The Golden Orb spiders are also amazing.

For any Kruger nutter, a stay in Punda has to be on your bucket list.

We just loved the communal braai areas and made such good friends while chatting around the fires swopping stories, so glad this type of accommodation still exists in the park.

Joshilewis,

There is a short walking trail (Paradise Flycatcher Nauture Trail) in the camp, but I am not sure of morning walks outside the camp. Getaway guide to Kruger mentioned that there is no guided bush walks, although it can be arranged in advance

We also enjoyed the bird hide at the water hole next to the camp site.

Best drives close to the camp are Mahonie loop and Klopperfontein. If want to travel further Pafuri area is a must see place to visit.

One negative aspect of Punda Maria is the fact that its a "public road" for people to travel to Pafuri Border Gate and between the R524 and R525. A few times we found people traveling in the opposite direction from Punda Maria about 10 minutes before gate closure in the direction of Pafuri.

What is punda maria like in winter? Is it still worth going there without all the birds and so on...?

Punda Maria was the first camp I went to when I was 10 years old.
When I went it was in the winter so wasn't much of a birder then but at every waterhole there was there were elephant and buffalo and lion.
So in terms of animals, winter is great because bush is thin and animals are by the water but I don't think the birds are that great.

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Hi, we shall be camping for two nights in Punda Maria in July.
Any tips on drives to do, activities etc will be much appreciated.
Thanks!

Has anyone Been to Punda Maria in the last few weeks?
I read a report a while back about the poor condition of the camp and was wondering if it has been fixed up or if there are still problems there.If there are problems what are they.

Loved camping at Punda but have not been there for quite some time booked to go in a few weeks time.

Thanks

Anthony

We camped in Punda in May this year - clean, tidy, friendly and helpful staff.
The bottom ablution block near the waterhole was in the process of being renovated and should have been finished by the end of May.
As far as we are aware - there are plans to upgrade and renovate the top block as well.
New machines have been put into the laundry and generally upgrading and maintenance of facilities appears to be continually ongoing.
This is probably our favourite camp and we're sure that you will enjoy camping there - try to get a site near the fence/hide/waterhole if you can!
It's magic!

Crested Val I hope you will enjoy it, it is something to look forward to.
I think four nights are much better than only two nights at Shingwedzi and Punda Maria.
They are also our favourite camps in Kruger, in that order.

Kwela we have stayed at Punda many times in the bungalows and we have never had any household or other problems worth mentioning at that camp.
Best wishes for a pleasant visit

Unfortunately this is no longer done, the modern world has caught up!
but at least with energy saving light globes!

Large

Here is a photo of our camping stand at Punda in June 2012 - fantastic, close to the fence !

Len

Hello,
It is a very nice and relaxing place.
This was the waterhole in august:

Those paraffin lamps added to the old world atmosphere of Punda Maria I think, but I guess it is true what Elsa said:



I am glad they have kept the lamps though and just changed the "fuel":

Hi there

We're staying in a BG2 hut in December and I just want to find out if there are "braaiers" at these units? From the pictures it doesn't look like.