Punda Maria Northern Kruger National Park
Our thoughts
I was always under the impression that North Kruger was dry and had less wildlife.
Punda Maria Campsite is about 87km from Pafuri the most Northern gate of Kruger National Park. I was surprised to see so many animals, an elephant, giraffe, buffalo, warthog a few crocodiles, and a tortoise. Pafuri is also known for its extensive birdlife.
What’s hot
Waterhole lit at night
Camping next to the fence
Beautiful hide overlooking the waterhole
Fuel station
Swimming pool
Restaurant
What’s not
Plug points need a long extension
Only a few taps and far from the campsite
Limited campsites next to the fence
PUNDA MARIA GALLERY
You cannot beat the experience of camping close to the fence and have the wildlife walk right past you while you are having your dinner. A few fence campsites have a direct view of the waterhole. The hide overlooking the waterhole is lit at night. It is a great place to have sundowners and watch for chance wildlife encounters. If you stay in the summer months the pool is a welcome bush luxury.
Frequently asked questions
Where is this campsite located?
Punda Maria is in the far northern part of Kruger National Park, near the Pafuri region, approximately 8 km from the Punda Maria Gate.
How are the ablutions at the campsite?
Communal ablution blocks for campers with hot water.
Are there braai/kitchen facilities?
Shared kitchens (scullery) with hotplates and washing-up facilities, and braai facilities at the campsites.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed1
Is there water connection at the camping site?
Yes, water points on or near the camping sites.
Is there a swimming pool?
There is a swimming pool listed for Punda Maria.
Is the campsite fenced?
Park & Camp is fenced … travel and staying within the Park is considered safe.”
Is there electricity at campsite?
Not all campsites have power point (220V) so you need a long extention cord if you do want power.
Is there a shop?
Yes, there’s a shop / curio store on site and there is also a petrol / filling station in camp.
Is there other accommodation available besides camping?
Besides camping there are Bungalows, Safari tents and Family Cottages available
Is there a restaurant ?
There is a restaurant + a cafeteria.
Is there wifi available at the campsite?
No Wi-Fi at Punda Maria Rest Camp.
How do I book?
Punda Maria Campsite Review
This camp provides easy access to this pristine and remote corner of Kruger, as well as landmarks like Crook’s Corner where South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique meet along the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers.
While the camp itself is large, many of the sites feel secluded and private. The area around Punda Maria camp offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Herds of elephants are known to pass by the campsites in the evenings on their way to the magical lit waterhole located nearby.
We were lucky enough to see a chase with 3 wild dogs after an impala during our stay. At one side of the camp is a long row of campsites situated directly adjacent to the fence line overlooking the watering hole. These premium sites offer front-row views of the wildlife visiting the waterhole just beyond the fence.
The waterhole is a great spot for game viewing day and night. Visitors can observe animals coming for a drink from the comfort of a wooden hide. We were thrilled to witness elephants, impalas, and other wildlife visiting throughout our stay.
Punda Maria offers basic amenities to make your camping stay comfortable. There are electrical plug points scattered throughout the campgrounds so you can charge devices and run appliances. However, taps for topping up tanks were few and far between.
We had to fill up our trailer’s water tank at the fuel station in the camp.If you’re visiting in summer, take advantage of the modern swimming pool for a refreshing dip. It’s an unexpected luxury in the bush.
The ablution blocks provide toilets, sinks, and hot showers. They are cleaned regularly and well maintained. There’s also a washing area for doing laundry by hand. Supplies are available at the camp shop and restaurant. Stock up on essentials like food, ice, and firewood here if needed.
Punda Maria offers a unique campsite experience in northern Kruger National Park. Its remote location provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, yet the modern amenities like electricity, swimming pool, and shop add creature comforts not found at all camps. The camp makes a great base to explore Pafuri and the convergence of South Africa’s borders with Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
The star highlight is the magical waterhole visible from some campsites, attracting plentiful game like elephants and wild dogs. Birders will also delight in sightings from the wooden hide. With clean facilities and accessibility for most vehicles, Punda Maria satisfies with a balance of wilderness and convenience.
Campers looking for a comfortable stay in a game-rich area of Kruger will greatly enjoy their time at Punda Maria.
