Punda Maria

Punda Maria is a rest camp in the northernmost section of Kruger National Park, surrounded by sandveld terrain and natural springs. The facility offers several accommodation types including self-catering bungalows, safari tents, and camping sites with basic amenities such as a shop and swimming pool.

Captain J.J. Coetser established this location in 1919, naming it based on a misunderstanding of a Swahili word for zebra. The original name has remained part of the park's record since that time.

The camp sits within a landscape shaped by communities near the Mozambique border and offers visitors insight into regional conservation practices. Its location bridges tourism and local environmental stewardship, making it a meeting point between outsiders and those who protect these lands.

The camp is easily accessible and well equipped for different visitor groups, from campers to those seeking comfort. Its location in the park's northern region makes it a good base for exploring regional wildlife and landscape features.

The surrounding sandveld region contains baobab trees, tamboti, and bushwillow that enable specialized wildlife adaptations. This botanical composition differs markedly from other park areas and creates a distinct habitat.