Punda Maria Rest Camp - Kruger National Park
Punda Maria Camp is located in an area renowned for its exceptional bird watching and fascinating history. It is also known as the best area of the park for safari lodging in Kruger National Park, where visitors can see the usually reticent Nyala antelope.
Quick Facts
- Rating - 4 Stars
- Type - Rest Camp
- No. of rooms - 5 Types Rooms (different types)
- Gates open - 05:30 - 06:00 (depending on month)
- Gates close - 17:30 - 18:30 (depending on month)
Punda Maria Rest Camp - Gallery
punda maria rest camp in camp trail
punda maria rest camp pool
punda maria rest camp family cottage
punda maria rest camp safari tent
punda maria rest camp safari tent kitchen
punda maria rest camp rooms
punda maria rest camp communal kitchen
punda maria rest camp cottage
punda maria rest camp resturant
punda maria rest camp park shop
punda maria rest camp road cottages
Rates
| Room Type: | 20 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024 | 1 Nov 2024 - 12 Dec 2024 | 13 Dec 2024 - 15 Jan 2025 | 16 Jan 2025 - 19 Mar 2025 | 20 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025 |
| Campsite - Self-Catering | R433.00 per/unit | R357.00 per/unit | R458.00 per/unit | R357.00 per/unit | R458.00 per/unit |
| Bungalow 1 - Self-Catering | R1,216.00 per/unit | R1,284.00 per/unit | R1,440.00 per/unit | R1,150.00 per/unit | R1,440.00 per/unit |
| Bungalow 2 - Self-Catering | R1,691.00 per/unit | R1,596.00 per/unit | R1,786.00 per/unit | R1,451.00 per/unit | R1,786.00 per/unit |
| Safari Tent - Self-Catering | R1,586.00 per/unit | R1,507.00 per/unit | R1,674.00 per/unit | R1,373.00 per/unit | R1,674.00 per/unit |
| Room Type: | 1 Mar 2024 - 31 Oct 2024 | 1 Nov 2024 - 15 Jan 2025 | 16 Jan 2025 - 19 Mar 2025 | 20 Mar 2025 - 31 Oct 2025 | - |
| Family Cottage - Self-Catering | R3,964.00 per/unit | R4,168.00 per/unit | R3,171.00 per/unit | R4,186.00 per/unit | - |
| Russel Cottage - Self-Catering | R3,456.00 per/unit | R3,650.00 per/unit | R3,003.00 per/unit | R3,650.00 per/unit | - |
Punda Maria Rest Camp - Wildlife Gallery
kruger national park zebra
impala male shem compion
cheetah roger de la harpe
elephants playing roger delaharpe
impala gcooke 01
Guinea Fowl crested
wild dog karl kruger national park
sharpes grysbok kruger national park
nyala male roger delaharpe kruger national park
Punda Maria Rest Camp - Information
Captain JJ Coetser, the first ranger assigned to the region in 1919, gave the rest camp its name. Believing that Punda Maria was the Swahili name for Zebra, the first large animal he spotted upon arriving, he named his post incorrectly. It is actually called "punda milia" in Swahili, which means "Striped Donkey."
He decided to keep the name after being informed of the mistake in remembrance of his wife Maria, who gave birth to 12 of his children. After many years, park officials altered the name. The rest camp was thereafter referred to as Punda Milia until 1981, when it was reverted back to its previous name, "Punda Maria."
Punda Maria features a swimming pool and seven opulent safari tents. With the addition of a new structure, reception area and lavatory blocks, Punda Maria Gate now offers trouble-free lodging near Kruger National Park.
Two terraces of charming, white-washed bungalows, consisting of 18 two-bedroom units and 4 three-bedroom units, are situated farther down the hill. Every apartment has air conditioning, built-in cabinets, a fridge, a sink, and a toilet. Additional benefits of the three-bedded flats include fully functional kitchens and showers. There's also a family bungalow available. Bungalows
Eighteen two-bed flats are available. Every cottage features an en suite bathroom with a shower. Air conditioning and a shared braai (barbeque) area are extra amenities. This Kruger National Park lodging does not include with cutlery, china, or utensils. Electric hotplate stoves and a scullery are installed in the shared kitchen.
One of the four three-bed flats is another option available to visitors. Every three-bedroom bungalow has air conditioning and a shower in the en suite bathroom. A shared braai (barbeque) area and a kitchenette with a sink and hotplate are additional amenities. Families are welcome to stay in one of the two family bungalows. There are three en suite bedrooms in these bungalows. One room has a double bed, and the other two bedrooms have two single beds each.
The home has a living room with a few DSTV channels and an open concept kitchen, dining and bar space. There is one loft-style bedroom with a patio. There is a patio/braai (barbeque) area on the ground level. Tents for Safari
Seven permanent, two-bed canvas safari tents are available for use as tent accommodations. These fully equipped safari tents are raised on stilts. Shower, refrigerator, kitchen, and braai (barbeque) facilities are among the amenities.
Tent or caravan sites, up to six people per site, with electricity, shared restrooms, and cooking amenities.
Although there may not be much game, Kudu, Nyala, Buffalo, and Sharpe's Grysbok do well in this environment. Lion, elephant, and wild dog sightings are also common. The greatest place to see the tiny Suni Antelope is also at the Mahonie Loop.
When on safari in Kruger National Park, keep an eye out for bearded robins, yellow-bellied and terrestrial bulbuls, and yellow-bellied robins in the camp, especially along the Paradise Flycatcher Trail. Excellent birding is available throughout the camp. Predatory birds frequently soar overhead. There are occasional sightings of black eagles, and white-necked ravens are frequent visitors during the When on safari in Kruger National Park, keep an eye out for bearded robins, yellow-bellied and terrestrial bulbuls, and yellow-bellied robins in the camp, especially along the Paradise Flycatcher Trail. Excellent birding is available throughout the camp. Predatory birds frequently soar overhead. There are occasional sightings of black eagles, and white-necked ravens are frequent visitors during the winter. Restaurant Mangwa
Dating back to the 1930s, the Mangwa Restaurant and Shop—also known as the Zebra in Shangaan—is the oldest establishment in the Kruger National Park. From 7:00 a.m. until late, the modest restaurant can accommodate 34 people at its seven tables inside and 16 people at its four tables outside.
The fully licenced Quick Service menu, which is accessible all day, will please both the hungry and the not-so-hungry with options ranging from a light to a full breakfast. In the evenings, there's an A la Carte menu with options like game meats, chicken schnitzel, and succulent spare ribs. Your essential requirements, including curios, meat, cleaning supplies, unexpected medication, alcohol, and more, are met seven days a week by the nearby hop.
Punda Maria Rest Camp - Video Review
Punda Maria Rest Camp Reviews
Joel_Pratt
May 18, 2021
Dublin, Ireland
Awesome Experience!
Game guides are all world class. Their knowledge of the reserve adds incredible value to every visitor’s stay. All other members of the team are
...more
Awesome Experience!
Joel_Pratt
May 18, 2021
Dublin, Ireland
Game guides are all world class. Their knowledge of the reserve adds incredible value to every visitor’s stay. All other members of the team are welcoming and responsive. Food is delicious. Tents are spacious and include requisite amenities. Setting is iconic Africa. At the current price point, Honeyguide offers guests real value for money and memories that will last a lifetime.
Marie Macdonald
May 5, 2021
Hazyview - South Africa
Great Bush Experience!
This lodge is a must-visit, stunning pool area, the ground staff work hard to give customers the best service, Game drives are educational and the
...more
Great Bush Experience!
Marie Macdonald
May 5, 2021
Hazyview - South Africa
This lodge is a must-visit, stunning pool area, the ground staff work hard to give customers the best service, Game drives are educational and the best, we spotted all the big 5. Eddie and Michael are the best rangers. Food is super delicious.
Facilities
- Pretoriuskop Rest Camp has a licensed restaurant and cafeteria
- Many wilderness trails in the area
- Game walks and drives are arranged if requested
- Pretoriuskop boasts a natural rock swimming pool
- Accommodation units consist of modern furnishings and utensils
- Information at Reception
- Public Telephone
- Restaurant
- Swimming Pool
- Cafeteria and Shop
- Emergency Road Service*
- Petrol Station
- Laundromat
- DSTV Only Available in Guest Houses
- Communal Kitchens
- Communal Ablutions
- Picnic Facilities