Punda Maria Rest Camp

Flora and Fauna

Mammals

Game can prove sparse but kudu, nyala, buffalo and Sharpe’s grysbok thrive in this habitat.

Wild dog, elephant and lion are also frequently recorded. The Mahonie Loop is also the best venue in the Kruger National Park to see the diminutive suni antelope. A trip to Pafuri will produce plenty of nyala and impala, and possibly some bushbuck.

Vervet monkey and baboon will be seen in abundance and plenty of hippo and Nile crocodile in the riverbed itself. Early arrivers heading down Nyala Drive may well be lucky enough to see bush pig.

Vegetation

The camp is situated in sandveld. The sandy soil means the area is well drained and several natural springs occur. The plant communities are very complex. No single tree species dominates, but several species are restricted to this ecozone. Visitors should search for white syringa, mixed bushwillow, silver cluster-leaf, baobab, pod mahogany, sickle bush and weeping wattle. Grazing is sparse to moderate sweet grass.

(For more birding information and park bird checklist, go to Information for Birders)