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Photos by Google
About this place
Punda Maria lies in the far north of the Kruger National Park, eight kilometres from Punda Maria Gate, in the botanically rich sandveld region. No single tree dominates here, and visitors can search out white syringa, mixed bushwillow, silver cluster-leaf, baobab, pod mahogany and weeping wattle. The sandy, well-drained soil feeds several natural springs, and the plant communities are among the most complex in the park.
Game can be sparse, but kudu, nyala, buffalo and Sharpe's grysbok thrive here, with wild dog, elephant and lion frequently recorded. The Mahonie Loop is the best place in Kruger to find the diminutive suni antelope, while vervet monkey, baboon, hippo and Nile crocodile are common. A bird hide overlooks a waterhole on the camping fence.
The camp has a restaurant, cafeteria, shop, filling station, communal kitchens and laundromat, and offers guided walks and game drives. Its tucked-away northern setting gives Punda Maria a quiet, distinctive character unlike the busier southern camps.
Get to know where you stay
Around the camp
Punda Maria as SANParks lays it out. Choose the part of camp you would like; we ask for it when you request availability, and SANParks assigns the unit when they confirm.
Where would you like to be?
BD3BG2
FU6FU6ZST2ST2Z
Schematic, not to scale.
What the codes mean
SANParks names every unit by a code. The letters say what it is, the number says how many it sleeps, and any letters after that mark a view, an accessible unit or a perimeter position. Tap a code for that room's rates and photos.
- BD3Bungalow · hotplateSleeps 3 · from R 1,540 a night
- BG2Bungalow · communal kitchenSleeps 2 · from R 1,220 a night
- FU6Family Cottage · own kitchenSleeps 6 · from R 3,944 a night
- FU6ZFamily Cottage · accessible, own kitchenSleeps 6 · from R 3,944 a night
- ST2Safari TentSleeps 2 · from R 1,457 a night
- ST2ZSafari Tent · accessibleSleeps 2 · from R 1,457 a night
Not sure which code to ask for? Dassie has the Punda Maria key in front of it.
Keep exploring
Availability
Any room
Any available room
9 rooms, sleeps 2 to 6
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September 2026
October 2026
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A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
Choose a room type. We confirm availability with SANParks once you send your dates.
Bungalow BD3
3 guests
From R 1,540 / night
Own hotplate
Sleeps up to 3 adults. Features - 1 bedroom with 3 single beds - Air-conditioned - Fridge - Hotplate - No smoking - Sink - Utensils - WC and shower
Family Cottage FU6Z
6 guests
From R 3,944 / night
Accessible unit · Own kitchen
Sleeps up to 6 adults. Features - 1 Ensuite bedroom with a double bed - 2 Ensuite Bedrooms, each with 2 single beds - 3 bathrooms, each with wc and shower - Air-conditioned - DSTV (limited channels) - Kitchen - No smoking - Unit accessible to the mobility challenged
Russell Guest Cottage GA4
4 guests
From R 3,186 / night
Sleeps up to 4 adults. Features - 2 Bedrooms with two ¾ beds each - 2 Ensuite bathrooms (1 shower and 1 with bath) - Air-conditioned - Braai area - Ceiling Fan - DSTV (limited channels) - Fully equipped Kitchen - Historical theme + outside Lapa - Lounge & dining room - No smoking - Veranda
Camp Site CK6
6 guests
From R 319 / night
Sleeps up to 6 adults. Features - Extra vehicles are charged a fee per night - No power
Camp Site CK6P
6 guests
From R 378 / night
Power point
Sleeps up to 6 adults. Features - Extra vehicles are charged a fee per night - Power point
Bungalow BG2
2 guests
From R 1,220 / night
Communal kitchen
Sleeps up to 2 adults. Features - 1 bedroom with 2 single beds - Air-conditioned - Communal Kitchen - Fridge - No smoking - No utensils - WC and shower
Safari Tent ST2
2 guests
From R 1,457 / night
Sleeps up to 2 adults. Features - 2 single beds - Barbeque facilities - Ceiling Fan - Fridge - Fully equipped kitchenette on veranda - No smoking - WC and shower
Safari Tent ST2Z
2 guests
From R 1,457 / night
Accessible unit
Sleeps up to 2 adults. Features - 2 single beds - Barbeque facilities - Ceiling Fan - Fridge - Fully equipped kitchenette on veranda - No smoking - Unit accessible to the mobility challenged - WC and shower
Family Cottage FU6
6 guests
From R 3,944 / night
Own kitchen
Sleeps up to 6 adults. Features - 1 Ensuite bedroom with a double bed - 2 Ensuite Bedrooms, each with 2 single beds - 3 bathrooms, each with wc and shower - Air-conditioned - DSTV (limited channels) - Kitchen - No smoking
Nature
What lives at Punda Maria Rest Camp
3 animals, 38 birds and 14 trees and plants recorded here or nearby.
The 'botanical garden of Kruger': sandveld, the Luvuvhu River and the Pafuri fever tree forest make this the park's richest birding, with the Flycatcher Trail inside the camp fence.
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
About Phalaborwa
Phalaborwa is a beautiful destination in Limpopo, offering visitors access to local amenities, natural attractions, and the authentic character of South African life.
See more places in PhalaborwaLocation
±13 km from Punda Maria Gate · nearest town Thohoyandou, ±62 km
Straight-line distances. Park roads are slower, so allow more time than the numbers suggest.
Important information
Frequently asked questions
Where is Punda Maria Rest Camp located?
Punda Maria Rest Camp is in Phalaborwa. The map on this page shows the area.
How many guests can Punda Maria Rest Camp accommodate?
Each room sleeps between 2 and 6 guests. The rooms section on this page shows the limit for each one.
How do I book Punda Maria Rest Camp?
Pick dates on this Spekboom page and request availability. We confirm with SANParks, they assign the unit, then you pay on Spekboom. Nearby Spekboom stays book the same way if you want to mix nights inside the park with a stay outside.
Book your stay
fromR 319/ night
Request availability. Send your dates and we will confirm availability with SANParks.
Staying at more than one place?
Want to find out more?
Ask Dassie anything about this place or the area.