More than R32-million will be spent on improvements to the Kruger National Park over the next few months, a spokesperson for the park said on Friday.
”The developments and upgrades will include camps, day-visitor areas, reception buildings, entrance gates and facilities for scientific research at various locations throughout the two-million-hectare national park,” spokesperson Raymond Travers said in a statement.
The money will come from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
River-view accommodation units will be upgraded and the Keartlands guest house will be rebuilt at the Lower Sabie main camp, while the sewage works at the camp will also be upgraded.
The Orpen camp and entrance gate will be developed to the tune of R4,5-million. Existing accommodation units will be upgraded and a new day visitors’ area will be created. A new swimming pool and reception building are also on the cards.
At Satara main camp, development and construction worth R10,4-million is planned.
A day visitors’ site and swimming pool will be added, while the caravan park and some of the accommodation units will be upgraded.
The Frankel guest house, which was destroyed by a fire, is also to be rebuilt.
The sewage works and oxidation plant will also be upgraded.
Letaba main camp will get a facelift of about R4,5-million.
Construction of a new day visitors’ site and swimming pool has already started, Travers said.
”The camp itself will also receive a new swimming pool.”
Phalaborwa entrance gate will be upgraded and an office complex and research facility added. These upgrades will cost R5,8-million.
Shingwedzi main camp’s tourist accommodation will see upgrades worth R1,6-million, and Punda Maria camp will receive accommodation upgrades worth about R500 000.
Some of the work has already started and most of it will be completed in the next year, Travers said. — Sapa