Skukuza Hotel Progress (Kruger National Park)

[Richprins]

Thanks, H.!

[Flutterby]

Fred!

[Toko]

SKUKUZA SAFARI LODGE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OPENS

Date: 29th September 2014

South African National Parks (SANParks) today announced that the Public Participation process for the Skukuza Safari Lodge which is expected to open on 1 October 2014. 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.

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks) Corporate Communications
Tel: 012 426 5170

Enquiries:
Reynold “Rey” Thakhuli
SANParks Acting Head of Communications
Tel: 012 426 5203 cell: 073 373 4999
Email: rey.thakhuli@sanparks.org

[H. erectus]

Finally this clears the air, the difference between a hotel
or lodge,...!!!???, still remains despicable,..

The footprint is of concern as was mentioned some time
ago, the staff village etc. to be moved outside the park!!!

Meaning we are shifting beds and relocating be they staff
or visitors!!!??,....Theoretically the footprint should remain
the same, no need for impact assessment procedures.

A sly move at luring hotel style accomodation,..on offer,
already 2 floors high,..

[Richprins]

BC and pooky must go and try and find existing staff houses, maintenance workshops and a nursery somewhere in the rear of Skukuza...never knew about those?

These will be moved outside the Camp, H., not the Park!

[H. erectus]

Ok,... so what are you saying RP, whispering down the
grapevine, in between the vignon( the lines of happiness).

These will be moved outside the Camp

These were never part of any camp, only attachments thereto, in
support of a footprint!!!

By argument sake let's call on a independant EIP,..Did Sanparks make
provision here or are they just bullyproof, attitude???

Taking into account the recent "commercialisation strategy" Sanparks
upholds??? Are we playing a simple game of chess here while relocating
the chequered squares as it may suite???

[Bushcraft]

BC and pooky must go and try and find existing staff houses, maintenance workshops and a nursery somewhere in the rear of Skukuza...never knew about those?

I have seen them on every visit to Skukuza RP

[Bushcraft]

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”.

Light pollution isn't mentioned here

Refresh my memory someone please. Do these hotel occupants also self drive

[Richprins]

BC and pooky must go and try and find existing staff houses, maintenance workshops and a nursery somewhere in the rear of Skukuza...never knew about those?

I have seen them on every visit to Skukuza RP

Thanks, BC!

The confusion may be that there are workshops, staff quarters and a nursery just outside Skukuza restcamp too!

[H. erectus]

The confusion may be that there are workshops, staff quarters and a nursery just outside Skukuza restcamp too!

My belief, these are not taken into account regarding a EIA process yet
these make room for a bigger footprint for ulterior motive.