regional co-operation
27 September 2007
Presidents Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Festus Mogae of Botswana and
Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia will officially open the Mata Mata Tourist
Access Facility (Port of entry) between South Africa and Namibia on 12 October
2007, within the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (TFP). This access facility will
enable tourists to travel between the three countries via shorter routes and
with easier access. It will also see the region benefiting from the 2010 Fifa
World Cup by showcasing its unique eco-tourism products and thus foster
regional socio-economic development.
Kgalagadi TFP, southern Africa's first transfrontier park, incorporates the
Gemsbok National Park in Botswana and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in
South Africa. It is a popular tourist destination because of its 4 x 4
wilderness trails.
On 16 October 2007, the ministers of environment and tourism and home
affairs will open the Sendelingsdrift Tourist Access Facility and launch the
pontoon that tourists will use to cross the Orange River, which forms the
international border between South Africa and Namibia within the
Ai/Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
The opening of Mata Mata and Sendelingsdrift Tourist Access Facilities are
keys to the strategy for desert tourism which explores the natural linkage
between Kgalagadi and Ai/Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier parks, South Africa's
Augrabies Falls National Park and the soon to be declared Sperregebiet National
Park in Namibia.
Media wishing to attend the events can confirm with:
Lizzy Suping
Tel: 012 310 3310
Cell: 083 758 0553
For more information please contact:
Mava Scott
Acting Chief Director Communications
Tel: 012 310 3379
Cell: 082 411 9821
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
27 September 2007
