SANParks invites all members of the public to participate in this process in the interest of transparency.
Glenn Phillips, Managing Executive: Tourism Development and Marketing, said that the Skukuza Safari Lodge is expected to be a 3 star facility with 128 rooms. The lodge will be located within the existing Skukuza Rest Camp next to the conference centre with the intention of extending itself to the conference delegates. "It will cater for the conference market but will also be available for public usage".
"The area proposed for the Lodge is a disturbed area and will replace existing staff houses, maintenance workshops and a nursery which have been earmarked for relocation outside the camp. The lodge is also positioned at the rear of Skukuza camp for minimal impact on the existing bungalows," said Phillips.
The design of the lodge is focussed on a lodge-type environment as opposed to a normal hotel. The design is limited to 2 levels and will maintain the Kruger National Parks (KNP) typical architectural theme. "SANParks has certain development standards that it needs to uphold, therefore this design will blend in with the environment, remain below the tree top canopy and use materials such as thatch which are typical of the bush style used in the KNP".
The Skukuza Safari Lodge is expected to open in 2017. SANParks encourages all interested and affected parties to participate in the public consultation process. "The public is asked to be on the lookout for adverts in the local newspapers for more information on the Public Participation Process," concluded Phillips.
