News

South African National Parks (SANParks) today confirmed that the refurbishments of tourism facilities in the iconic Kruger National Park (KNP) are in progress. The project was announced in May 2022, began in July last year and is set to run for three years from funds allocated by the Departments of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE).

Almost a year later, progress which is measurable has been achieved in several projects as listed below.

• Rebuilding of the burnt Letaba Shop is 60% complete and the shop is scheduled to be operational by July 2023.
• Lower Sabie Petrol Station is 90% complete and is scheduled to be operational by May 2023.
• Phalaborwa Wildlife Activity Hub (Phase 1) is 65% complete and is expected to be complete by the end of July 2023.
• Upgrading of staff accommodation at Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Satara and Olifants Rest Camps as well as Phabeni K9 has commenced whilst the construction and upgrading of 20 staff housing at Skukuza is nearly completed.
• Construction of the Shingwedzi Main Building Roof is at 40% complete, several challenges and delays were experienced, the project is to complete by the end of July 2023.
• Shangoni Gate Development (Phase I) which includes the Shangoni Reception facility is at 65% construction including civil works, the Picnic and Camping Site have been delayed due to an amendment in the Environmental Authorization.
• Repair and upgrading of the viewing deck at Skukuza Rest camp which was impacted by termites is completed and in use already.
• Repair and upgrading of the restaurant viewing deck at Olifants camp impacted by termites is also completed and already in use.
• Several tourism units have gone through a refurbishment and are completed at Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp, Biyamiti and Bateleur Bush Camps.
• Repairing of the leaking and damaged thatch roofs at Shingwedzi and Mopani Rest camps is in progress.
• The construction and upgrading of Punda Maria luxury tents and Sweni trails camp will commence in June 2023. Delays on these projects were caused by the designs and late appointment of the contractors.
• Management is looking at appointing contractors for resurfacing and re-gravelling of the roads.

Park management regards the maintenance of infrastructure as an important aspect of attracting and keeping visitors happy; hence guests are requested to report any faults to camp management so that they can be attended to on the spot and without further delays.

Commenting on the progress, the KNP Managing Executive, Oscar Mthimkhulu assured the public that they commit to adhere to the timelines which were set out at the beginning of the project. “Thus far we are on course to meet our deadlines, even though we were a bit diverted by the flood damages in February and early March. Most gravel roads that were damaged and temporarily closed have now re-opened although a few remain closed. The main road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie is going to be a long-term project because of the extensive damage caused. We are also happy that the refurbishment project created a total of 300 new jobs in these tough times and continues to give our neighbouring SMMEs an opportunity to transact with the Park, which augurs well for the development of our rural economy and good neighbourliness.”

“Management is appealing to the public to be patient while these much-needed refurbishments are being carried out. Although the current budget allocation falls far below what the park needs to refurbish all tourism facilities, it is a welcome development to attend to those facilities that need urgent attention. We request patience and understanding from our paying clients during the refurbishment period,” concluded Mthimkhulu.

Media enquiries:
Isaac Phaahla
Communications & Marketing, Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363, Cell: 083 673 6974 or email: [email protected]