In his quest to ensure that state owned nature reserves take their rightful place in the tourism sector, the MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Mr Pitsi Moloto has begun a campaign of creating awareness on what is on offer in terms of tourism destinations available in Limpopo in the form of state owned nature reserves.
MEC Pitsi Moloto officially launched the “Experiencing Tourism through Wildlife” awareness campaign in the company of the media at the newly refurbished Nwanedi Nature Reserve in December to coincide with the holiday season. Nwanedi Nature Reserve is a reflection of what all the other nature reserves in the province have on offer.
Nwanedi Nature Reserve, which is situated in the Vhembe district offers a camping site and is home to the Eclipse Safari Lodge. At the reserve, which boasts a fair number of white rhinos who have made the 9 300 hectare reserve their home, one can also visit the spectacular Tshihovhohovho Falls, the Nwanedi and Lupepe dams and enjoy the sight of one of the biggest trees in the world, the proud and majestic baobab tree. One can also take part in various activities such as game viewing, hiking, 4x4 trails, birding, fishing, mountain biking and canoeing.
According to MEC Moloto, even though Limpopo province is landlocked, it has managed to live up to its vision of positioning itself to be the preferred eco tourism destination with an abundance of wildlife in its various state owned nature reserves.
MEC Pitsi Moloto at the launch also explained that there were plans to turn 26 000 hectares of land to amalgamate Nwanedi Nature Reserve, Greater Kuduland Safari and Tshipise Forever resorts into one big park that would become a vehicle to empower previously disadvantaged individuals whilst at the same time creating more than 3 000 job opportunities for the rural communities.
MEC Moloto said the challenge has been land claims processes where the department was working closely with the relevant successful beneficiaries and stakeholders such as the Regional Land Claims Commission to overcome the challenge.
“We may not have the sea, however, this province boasts an abundance of wildlife like no other; therefore we are aware that there are many people in this country and particularly this province who are losing out on an opportunity to experience wildlife even though it is available a stone's throw away from their homes,” he said.
The new amalgamated park will be able to compete with the distinguished Kruger National Park through the big five and the different flora and fauna available and is expected to attract more tourists. Inclusive game hunting and adventure activities will be some of the activities on offer at the park.
Encouraging learners and educators to visit wildlife nature reserves will be the next step of the campaign. The campaign was in partnership with various national and provincial media houses that MEC Moloto was hoping would play a valuable role in exposing the wealth of leisure that Limpopo’s ten selected nature reserves have to offer.
The 10 nature reserves that have been have been identified by MEC Moloto are:
Lekgalameetse
Nwanedi
Nylsvlei
Makuya
D’Nyala
Schuinsdraai
Doorndraai
Blouberg
Musina and Masebe
In total, the province has 49 nature reserves that boast great interaction with nature, the big five, different birds, flora and fauna at affordable prices. Tour guides and rangers are always ready to welcome and assist everyone in having an experience of a lifetime. Game driving, tubing, abseiling and quad biking are some of the activities on offer at these reserves.
How to get to Nwanedi: Take the R525 from Tshipise towards the Pafuri Gate. After approximately 25 kilometres, turn right towards the Nwanedi Nature Reserve. Enter the gate and proceed for another 12 kilometres to the information centre.
Issued by: Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Limpopo Provincial Government
15 February 2010
Source: Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.ledet.gov.za/)
