IN an effort to stimulate international tourism growth to the northern part of the Kruger National Park (KNP), the 100-unit Mopane Camp and restaurant facilities will be upgraded to suit the more luxurious needs of international visitors.
John MCarter, senior manager: operations at KNP says the newly upgraded camp, to be opened by July/August, will be marketed in conjunction with SA Airlink by offering special fly-in packages to the Kruger Park Gateway Airport at Phalaborwa.
"The upgrade is in keeping with SA Airlink's recent acquisition of the airport from the mining company, Foskor. The airport was purchased with the aim to develop the Northern Province and the town of Phalaborwa as a major tourism destination," explains MCarter.
Phalaborwa Gate - one of the main gates to the KNP - is located less than five minutes from the airport.
He says the northern part of the KNP is currently very under-utilised, mainly due to misconceptions that the area has less animals.
"There is actually a high number of animals and sightings are very good. The birdlife, too, is abundant due to the density of the foliage."
Mopane Camp currently has 45 six-bed units and 55 twin-bed units.
(Adele Mackenzie)
