The new bird hide at Punda Maria Rest Camp has yet to be officially opened, but visitors to the park can enjoy the passing parade of birds and mammals if they take the time to sit and watch from inside. The bird hide is on the boundary fence of the rest camp in the campsite area.
The bird hide was made possible by the West Rand Honorary Rangers, who sourced funding from Sasol. It took three months to construct and cost about R60,000. Emerging contractors together with labour from the neighbouring communities were responsible for the erection of the hide.
Other camps with bird hides include Bateleur, Sirheni, Talamati, Tamboti as well as private hides at Letaba and Shingwedzi for the guest house occupants. Kruger has eleven other bird hides that are not located in camp sites.
These are Nthandanyathi, Gardenia, Lake Panic, Sweni, Ratel Pan, Sable Dam, Matambeni, Shipandani, Pioneer Dam, Nyawutsi and Kanniedood. Overnight accommodation can be booked at Shipandani and at Sable Dam. As well as the usual bird life, several of the bird hides are renowned for their leopard sightings.
