Blue Wildebeest
Punda Maria Camp is one of only two main rest camps north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Kruger Park, South Africa. The nearest entrance gate is at Punda Maria Gate. Johannesburg is just over 5 hours from Punda Maria Camp.
Punda Maria Camp is the northernmost camp in the Kruger Park, South Africa and the sub-tropical climate lends a unique wilderness atmosphere much loved by guests. It is situated on a ridge amongst surrounding rolling hills, 10 kilometres (6 miles) from the Punda Maria Gate. By road, Punda Maria Camp is approximately 5 and a half hours from Johannesburg.
The closest airport is the Phalaborwa Kruger Park Gateway Airport, 4 kilometres (2 miles) outside the Phalaborwa entrance gate, which is 201 kilometres (125 miles) by road from Punda Maria Camp if one travels inside the Kruger Park, South Africa. The airport serves domestic flights and is equipped with car hire facilities.
Travel Routes and Times from Johannesburg/Pretoria
Punda Maria Gate: Take the N1 to Polokwane (Pietersburg) at Makhado (Louis Trichard) link up with the R524. Follow this route for ±140 kilometres (87 miles) and that will take you to the gate. Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the trip to the gate.
Punda Maria Main Rest Camp is 8 kilometres away from the gate. Allow about 20 minutes for the drive to the camp, however, if you want to enjoy the game viewing and sightseeing possibilities, give yourself more time at Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Read more about game viewing routes around Punda Maria Rest Camp
Climate
Kruger Park in South Africa is in a summer rainfall area. Such precipitation is usually convectional and can result in heavy downpours. The summer months (October to April) are hot and often balmy. Winters are warm and mild, although visitors going on night-drives will require warm clothing.
Vegetation
The camp is situated in sandveld in Kruger Park, South Africa. 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.
Trees found in this region include: Apple Leaf, Tamboti, Baobab, Leadwood, Shrub Mopane, Mixed Bushwillow, Baobab Sickle bush, Weeping Wattle, Pod Mahogany, Magic Guarri and Mopane. Grazing is sparse to moderate sweet grass in the Kruger Park, South Africa.
Attractions
- Mahonie Loop
- Thulamila
- Thulamela Archaelogical Ruins
- Pafuri Picnic Site
- Crook's Corner
- Dzundzwini Hill
- Babalala Picnic Site
GPS Co-Ordinates
-22.691900 S 31.018130 E
