South African National Parks (SANParks) has invited companies to bid for the building and management of spa facilities in the Kruger National Park. It is also looking for bidders who can provide star-gazing services to its visitors.
In tender documents, gazetted on Friday, SANParks says it will provide a dedicated area (approximately 100 m2) per camp which will have a water and electricity point where the operator can erect the spa. The companies can add a splash pool, sauna or hot tub if they like. The spa can be a building – or alternatively a motorhome or tent structure. The company must also provide spa treatments in chalets.
The successful bidders will have to build accommodation for their workers.
There are four different “bid packages” for different camps. For example, one bid package will cover Berg en Dal, and Pretoriuskop, while another bid package will be for Satara, Orpen, Tamboti and Talamati. The third bid packages will cover Letaba, Olifants, Balule, Tsendze, Mopani and Shimuwini, while the fourth is for Punda Maria, Pafuri Border, Shingwedzi, Bateleur and Sirheni
SANParks is also inviting companies to bid to provide astronomy services.
SANParks confirmed to SAT that the companies would have to present talks at night, but need to provide all equipment required for this – including large telescopes. They will also be required to go into partnership with a black women-owned open safari vehicle operator to transport the clients to the star-watching site.
According to the bid documents, at least one telescope per 10 people will be needed. There are three bid packages for the northern, central and southern camps in the park.
