South African National Parks has announced that the Kruger National Park will partially open some of its camps for accommodation from August 14.

KNP management advises that there will be strict enforcement of the regulations that are stipulated in the protocols around the easing of travel and leisure accommodation restrictions.

Satara and Pretoriuskop Rest Camps in Mpumalanga will reopen on August 17 and Punda Maria, Shingwedzi and Letaba camps will reopen on August 20.

The following rest camps and accommodation facilities will open on Friday, August 14.

Limpopo Province

  • Pafuri Border Camp
  • Sirheni Bushveld Camp
  • Bateleur Bushveld Camp
  • Mopani Rest Camp, Shipandani Overnight Hide
  • Tsendze Rustic Camp
  • Boulders Bush Lodge
  • Shimuwini Bushveld Camp
  • Sable Overnight Hide
  • Olifants Rest Camp.

Mpumalanga

  • Balule Camp
  • Roodewal Bush Lodge
  • Tamboti Tent Camp
  • Talamati Bushveld Camp
  • Skukuza Rest Camp
  • Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
  • Malelane Camp
  • Biyamiti Bushveld Camp
  • Lower Sabie Rest Camp
  • Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp.

Within the KNP, the Olifants River is recognised as the boundary between Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Managing Executive of the KNP, Gareth Coleman, said the park was ready to welcome back overnight guests but this would be done in phases. “As the regulations of COVID-19 continuously change it is imperative that we as KNP also adjust to make sure that those who will be visiting enjoy their experience, regardless of the pandemic,” he said.

“The issue of PPE, training and the recording of personal details of visitors will be strictly adhered to. We are pleading with our clients to work with the gate and camp staff members on the observation of health protocols around the virus for safety.”

The guidelines to adhere to during an intra-provincial overnight stay in the KNP are as follows:

  • Maintain social distancing (by at least two metres) at all times.
  • Limitations on vehicle capacity and number of occupants will be firmly enforced on entry at gates. Occupants may not exceed more than 70% of capacity.
  • Guests visiting the park must wear masks in the public areas; the driver of the vehicle must also ensure all passengers travelling with them adhere to this.

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