Mobile Tented Safari Facilities in the Kruger National Park

[Klipspringer]

https://www.sanparks.org/docs/groups_te ... oposal.pdf

4.2.4.1 SANParks has identified three potential sites Mobile Tented Safari
Facilities in the Kruger National Park, near to Tshokwane, Satara andfor the
Olifants, which are zoned as either primitive, low intensity leisure or high
intensity leisure use zones. Two sites will be made available to the
preferred Bidder, pending the outcome of the environmental authorisation
process

Tshokwane Site

GPS Coordinates: -24.71918, 31.81707
A very scenic site, located on the dry river bed of the Nwaswitsontso, amoungst large trees. There is plenty of flat open area, where grass and selective brush clearing can be done to accommodate the tents. This is a game rich area, and likely to be very popular for game-viewing activities

The site is appriximately 1.51km from Satara-Tshokwane tourist road (H1-3). An exclusive access road would need to be constructed from the tourist road to the site. The road will need to comply with the KNP Roads Manual; at minimum, this access road should comply with a Class C road (an “all weather two track road”), which is a 3m wide gravelled or stabilised road.
- Located in the primitive zone.
- Capacity: 80 total beds (including staff). A maximum of 60 tourist beds allowed.

A new borehole should be drilled to provide water for the facility.

In the site, there are plenty of flat open areas, where selective brush clearing could be done to accommodate the tents.

[Klipspringer]

Satara Site

GPS Coordinates: -24.30262, 31.79361
A very scenic site amoungst big trees and lush vegetation, located on a dry stream. There is plenty of flat open area, where selective brush clearing could be done to accommodate the tents.

The site is approximately 500m from gravel tourist road (S90). An exclusive access road would need to be constructed from the tourist road to the site. The road will need to comply with the KNP Roads Manual; at minimum, this access road should comply with a Class C road (an “all weather two track road”), which is a 3m wide gravelled or stabilised road. Depending on where the access road is routed, the existing non-all weather two track road may need to be upgraded with additional gravel to an all-weather two track road.
- Located in the low intensity leisure zone.
- Capacity: 80 total beds (including staff). A maximum of 60 tourist beds allowed.

A new borehole should be drilled to provide water for the facility.

The Satara area is renowned for being a game rich area, and likely to be very popular for game-viewing activities. Guided activities will need to be coordinated with Satara Rest Camp and Mathikithi guided activities to ensure activities do not conflict with each other. Furthermore, the South African National Defense Force, which has a camp north of the site, would also need to be consulted on any activities outside of normal gate hours. To limit any potential conflict between game drives after hours, only the following roads can be used (these are subject to change based on SANParks’ requirements):
o S90 to the S89;
o S89 west of junction with S90 to the Main Tar Road H1-4;
o Main Tar road H1-4 to S90;
o S41 to the Mananga F/B and Mananga F/B back to S90; and
o S127 between Main Tar road H1-4 and Timbavati picnic site.
- Exclusive walking areas will be designated in allocated areas, so as to avoid conflict with other SANParks day walk activities.
- The site is close to tourist roads, allowing for various options for game drives. The Mananga Trail and the power line road may not be used by the Operator.
- The site is situated close to Satara Rest Camp (+/- 14km) and within 1.5 hours’ drive of Orpen Gate (+/- 61km).
- In the site, there are plenty of flat open areas, where selective brush clearing could be done to accommodate the tents.

[Klipspringer]

Olifants Site

GPS Coordinates: -24.04566, 31.67776

A picturesque site overlooking the Olifants River. Within a short walking distance of the site are unique features, such as rocks overlooking the Timbavati and Olifants confluence. The area along the Olifants River, is rich in game, and during winter will provide many game viewing opportunities from the facility.
- Site is approximately 900m from the tourist road (H1-4). There is an old road along the base of the hill, which could be upgraded to provide access to the site. Before upgrading the road, it would have to be assessed to confirm that it is the best positioning for the access road. The road will need to comply with the KNP Roads Manual; at minimum, this access road should comply with a Class C road (an “all weather two track road”), which is a 3m wide gravelled or stabilised road.
- Located in the high intensity leisure zone.
- Capacity: 60 total beds (including staff). Based on the environmental impact of the facility, this may be increased to 80 total beds (including staff – maximum 60 guest beds) during the duration of the contract (subject to approval by SANParks); however, this is not guaranteed.

A temporary buried sand abstraction point (Fin drain) from the Olifants River, with a small purification plant can be installed, alternatively, a new borehole should be drilled to provide water for the facility.

Being on the river bed, there are plenty of flat open areas, where selective brush clearing could be done to accommodate the tents and provide views of the river.

[Flutterby]

Thanks Philip and Klipspringer.

[Klipspringer]

6.4.6 Staff Housing
The Operator will provide temporary staff accommodation and facilities for purposes of catering, cleaning and management of the facilities and overall operation of the Mobile Tented Safari Facilities.
Given the accessibility of the selected sites in the Kruger National Park, it is recommended that staff are accommodated onsite of the Mobile Tented Safari Facilities.

[Lisbeth]

I can just imagine what the site will look like when the camp has been removed They will have to cut bushes and smaller trees (no big trees I hope ), holes to be filled in all over the place etc.

Is there something called "brush clearing" or is it a typo?

Even roads have to be made.

"Located in the primitive zone".

[Richprins]

What is clear is that EIA and BAR processes have been comfortably thrown aside regarding any new developments, at Ministerial level, as well as public participation. That is the real cynical unconstitutional tragedy.

[Lisbeth]

I do not like it one bit.

Will this pop-up camp be repeated year after year, if it is an economic success? I have found no answer to this.

[Richprins]

Of course!

[Lisbeth]

Then it would be interesting to know if they are obliged to do it in the same place or ruin another piece of bush the next year.