Punda Maria is the northern-most full rest camp in Kruger National Park.  It is close to the Punda Maria Gate and is situated at the base of the rocky Dimbo Hill that offers excellent birding and rare antelope species such as nyala and grysbok. We have enjoyed a number of excellent big cat and wild dog sightings close to the camp in recent years.

Another major attraction is access to the far north of the park - an area called the _Pafuri_ region.  The forests and alluvial floodplains along the Luvuvhu River are stunningly beautiful and are the only truly area of Kruger that can be called tropical.  This makes for a very different safari experience and drives will encounter rare antelope and a myriad of bird species, many of which cannot be seen further south.  

The nearby Klopperfontein Dam is also a local hotspot for game viewing, including a large resident pride of lions.  

Punda Maria is one of the smaller rest camps and hosts only a modest number of bungalows and safari tents but a large camping ground.  The restaurant is small and can get busy / full, so making a reservation in the morning is advised.  There is also a shop that is relatively well stocked. 

A short walking trail around the back of the accommodation is worth taking as resident bushbuck and rare birds can be encountered up-close.  A hide overlooks a waterhole where elephants are regular visitors and there is a swimming pool should you need to cool off during the day.  At night, the waterhole is floodlit and a must-do activity while staying in the camp.  The camp also has a lovely swimming pool for cooling off on a hot day between drives.