An additional R700 million (€34m) has been allocated to South African National Parks (SANParks) for infrastructure investment over the next three years.

“This allocation by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment is intended to improve the visitor experience at various national parks under SANParks’ management,” said SANParks CEO, Hapiloe Sello.

SANParks is currently managing an infrastructure portfolio of approximately R16bn (€780m). Most of the current infrastructure had been developed in the 1970s, making it urgent for re-capitalisation, said Sello.

“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 under way, the parks authority has called 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.

The impacted facilities include tourist units, main buildings in rest camps, and roads in various national parks across seven provinces.

The multimillion-rand injection will be used to implement the following high-impact projects:

• 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 backpackers’ 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 camp site ablution - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
• Construction of park management office, new R27 entrance gate, upgrade of the Duinepos Chalets - West Coast National Park.