Arnoud Quanjer Wildlife Photography

Punda Maria lies in the northernmost part of the Kruger National Park, 8 km from the Punda Maria Gate. The camp is situated in the Sandveld region which is often described as the botanical garden of the Kruger National Park. Numerous plant species occur which are unique to the area. Game species most likely to be sighted include impala. zebra, buffalo, elephant, eland and sable. The area surrounding the camp, in other words the north of the Kruger Park, is renowned for its bird species. This camp is therefore very popular with bird spotters. The first ranger, posted to the area in 1919 to monitor the activities of poachers, smugglers and hunters on the infamous 'Ivory Trail', mistakenly named the camp 'Punda Maria', thinking it was the Swahili term for zebra. The actual term is in fact punda milia, but the name stuck. Accommodation includes four-bed cottages and two-bed huts. The Paradise Flycatcher Nature Trail meanders through the restcamp.

This is one of my favorite camps because it's so very quiet there. You don't see the large tourist busses here and the tourists that do come here are there because of this. This results in a very relaxed atmosphere. Another great thing about the area in which this camp is build is the area itself. If you drive from Punda Maria to Pafuri in the north the area changes from sandveld to dense forest which is really beautiful.

Things to seek in the Punda Maria area

• Nyala
• Sharpe’s Grysbok
• Wild Dog
• Zebra
• Crested Guineafowl

Punda Maria contact information

Tel: +27 (0)13 735 6873
Fax: +27 (0)13 735 6894
Mobile: +27 (0)82 802 0066