SANParks has been allocated an additional R700m for infrastructure investment over the next three years.

Most of the budget will be spent on upgrading the Kruger National Park’s (KNP) infrastructure to accommodate more visitors.

According to SANPark’s CEO, Hapiloe Sello, the funding by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) is intended to improve the tourist experience in various national parks under SANParks’ management.

“SANParks is currently managing an infrastructure portfolio of approximately R16b. Most of the current infrastructure was developed in the 1970s, making it urgent for re-capitalisation. This is because tourism accommodation units are critical in generating much-needed revenue to support operations.”

Sello added that SANParks generates approximately 80% of its operating budget from its ecotourism business side, making it heavily reliant on thriving and sustainable tourism operations to reach holistic and sustainable goals.

With various infrastructure upgrades under way, an appeal for patience from visitors in the affected national parks has been made. Some may be impacted by delays or lack of access while identified facilities are undergoing a facelift.

These will include tourist accommodation, roads and main buildings in rest camps in various national parks across seven provinces.

The KNP will use the money to implement various high-impact projects such as the Shangoni Entrance Gate development in the north, where construction of a river crossing and the upgrading of the existing gravel road will continue.

The Phalaborwa Activity Hub will be further developed to accommodate tourists at a backpackers’ lodge, and a main activity hub and a swimming pool area will be established.

The Skukuza Rest Camp will see 70% of its accommodation units upgraded, while the main buildings in Shingwedzi and Satara rest camps will also be upgraded, as will the luxury tents at Punda Maria. A revamp of the Sweni Trails Camp will also see the money allocated to the KNP put to good use.

Furthermore, construction of 120 new staff accommodation units and the improvement of a further 158 units in various camps in the KNP is also planned.

Finally, the upgrade of tourism facilities, interpretive centre, roads and fences and the construction of six new staff houses in Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site will also see the cash injection bringing many future tourism benefits.