South African National Parks (SANParks) says major road and infrastructure refurbishment at the Kruger National Park has progressed significantly towards completion by June 2025.

Infrastructure refurbishment, including tourism facilities, began in July 2022. According to SANParks, this has created over 1 000 new jobs and continues to offer opportunities for local SMMEs, supporting rural economic development and fostering good relations with neighbouring communities.

Completed and operational refurbished facilities include:

• Letaba Shop
• Lower Sabie Petrol Station
• Sweni Trails Camp
• Tourism units at various camps (Skukuza Wild Fig Guest House, the viewing deck at Skukuza Rest Camp, the restaurant viewing deck at Olifants Camp and the Shingwedzi Restaurant roof)

Facilities still being refurbished this year include:

• Phalaborwa Wildlife Activity Hub Phase 1B (40% complete)
• Staff accommodation at the Skukuza (20 units nearly complete), Lower Sabie, Satara, Malelane, Crocodile Bridge and Olifants rest camps and Phabeni K9 unit
• Shangoni Gate Development Phase 1 (65% complete)
• Thatch roof repairs at Shingwedzi and Mopani rest camps

Two graders purchased for road maintenance have already improved many gravel roads while SANParks is finalising contracts for additional earthmoving equipment to enhance routine maintenance of all gravel roads across the park. Road repairs are prioritised in terms of visitor use – heavily used roads are top priority.

Professional engineering consultants have been appointed for structural designs of bridges damaged by floods.