Public can now have their say on proposed lodge in Skukuza
SANParks has certain development standards that it needs to uphold, therefore this design will blend in with the environment, remain below the treetop canopy and use materials, such as thatch, which are typical of the bush style used in the KNP
SKUKUZA – Yesterday SANParks announced that the public-participation process for the Skukuza Safari Lodge would commence on Wednesday.
SANParks invites all citizens to take part in this procedure in the interest of transparency.
Mr Glenn Phillips, managing executive: tourism development and marketing, said the safari lodge was expected to be a three-star facility with 128 rooms. The lodge will be located within the existing Skukuza Rest Camp next to the conference centre, with the intention of extending itself to the conference delegates.
“It will cater for the conference market but will also be available for public usage. The site proposed is a disturbed area and will replace existing staff houses, maintenance workshops and a nursery which have been earmarked for relocation outside the camp. The lodge is also positioned at the rear of the camp for minimal impact on the existing bungalows,” said Phillips.
The design is focused on a lodge-type environment as opposed to a normal hotel. It is limited to two levels and will maintain the Kruger National Park’s (KNP) typical architectural theme.
“SANParks has certain development standards that it needs to uphold, therefore this design will blend in with the environment, remain below the treetop canopy and use materials, such as thatch, which are typical of the bush style used in the KNP.”
The lodge is expected to open in 2017. SANParks encourages all interested and affected parties to participate in the public consultation process. “Citizens are asked to be on the lookout for adverts in the local newspapers for more information on the process,” he concluded.
