At the moment, SANParks manages an infrastructure portfolio of approximately R 16bn. Most of the current infrastructure was developed in the 1970s, making it urgent for re-capitalisation. This is because tourism accommodation units are critical to generate much-needed revenue to support operations.
SanParks generates approximately 80% of its operating budget from its ecotourism business. This means the fulfilment of its holistic conservation mandate is heavily reliant on thriving and sustainable tourism operations.
With various infrastructure upgrades underway an appeal is made for patience from visitors to affected national parks who might be impacted by delays or lack of access as some facilities are undergoing a facelift. Facilities that will be impacted include tourist units, main buildings in rest camps and roads, in various national parks across the seven provinces.
• Tokai Precinct bulk services infrastructure upgrade in Table Mountain National Park to unlock various Public Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities.
• Rhodes Memorial bulk services and roads in Table Mountain National Park to unlock the restaurant Public Private Partnership (PPP).
• Tar road maintenance at Cape Point section, Table Mountain National Park.
• Shangoni Entrance Gate development in the north of Kruger National Park will continue with the construction of river crossings and upgrading of the gravel road.
• Phalaborwa Activity Hub in Kruger National Park will be further developed to accommodate tourists at a backpacker’s lodge, main activity \hub, and swimming pool area.
• Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park will have a huge intervention with 70% (147) of the units due for upgrade.
• Upgrade of main buildings in Shingwedzi and Satara Rest Camps – Kruger National Park
• Upgrade and renovations of 40% (66) Bungalows in Satara Rest Camp – Kruger National Park
• Upgrading of Bungalows in Olifants Rest Camp – Kruger National Park
• Punda Maria luxury tents upgrade – Kruger National Park
• Sweni Trails Camp revamp – Kruger National Park
• Construction of 120 new staff accommodation units, and the upgrade of a further 158 units – Kruger National Park
• Upgrade of tourism facilities, interpretive centre, roads, and fences and the construction of 6 new staff houses in Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site.
• Upgrade of Nyathi Rest Camp in Addo Elephant National Park and tourism roads to support the 8 new units in the Main Camp and ten new Lendlovu Lodge units.
• Upgrade of the Namibian border fence, road, and replacement of Twee Rivieren campsite ablution - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
• Construction of park management office, new R27 entrance gate, upgrade of the Duinepos Chalets - West Coast National Park.
