The proposed 240-bed Malelane
Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park has received the nod of approval from
the South African government.
Although the construction
of the lodge was approved last year, despite opposition from four appellants — environmentalists and competitors who operate lodges in the area. They formally spoke out against plans for the lodge, saying it would
lead to light and sound pollution as well as traffic congestion issues. However,
their concerns were rejected, and the plans have now been approved. Construction is expected to commence in November.
South African National Parks has welcomed the approval of the lodge, which will be operated by Carlson Rezidor. Kruger’s managing
executive, Glenn Phillips, said the
approval comes after a comprehensive and detailed independent environmental
scrutiny. “We are happy with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report,
and we are satisfied with the process which was followed from the beginning of
the study to the end thereof.
“All applicable environmental scrutiny has
been applied independently and all EIAs are reflecting the ecological
feasibility of the development. Its impact will definitely be far less than the
sprawling towns of Skukuza and Satara…. In fact, it should be noted that the
total development footprint in the Kruger National Park is still less than 4%,
making it a national park with the lowest development footprint in the world.”
Phillips added that
the lodge is meant to operate at level higher than the other ordinary camps in
the park and will cater to luxury tourists. He explained there is a demand from
the emerging market for a product that provides a full service in addition to
the safari experience of the park.
“[Kruger] currently offers self-catering
facilities throughout the park, which are hugely popular but fall short in
meeting the needs of the emerging market,” he said.
The proposed
lodge will be a full-service facility that will be constructed on the periphery
of the park at the Malelane Gate Precinct. “This is in line with the peripheral
development policy, which allows for development on the periphery of the park
rather than within the park where there will be a greater ecological impact.
The geographical location of the facility will make it accessible [around the
clock] and eliminate the undesirable risk associated with late arrivals and
driving to the nearest camp.”
Phillips said
the facility is not going to be a high-rise building with the “bells and
whistles” guests expect from a city hotel. He said it will be more in line with
the hallmark South African National Parks environmental ambience that will
complement its surroundings.