New tourism routes for Phalaborwa

2007-10-26

KRUGER TO BEACH

Background Information

One of the boldest and most exciting cross-border initiatives currently unfolding in Southern Africa is the development of transfrontier parks and transfrontier conservation areas. At the forefront is the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a total area of 35 000km², which brings together some of the best and most established wildlife areas on the subcontinent. The opening of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and a new border post at Giriyondo in the Kruger National Park, stimulated the idea to develop another Rixile Route. Rixile has been used as a brand for three exiting tourism routes in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The latest of these, the Bush to Beach Route, links South Africa to Mozambique through a unique experience in the newly proclaimed transfrontier conservation area. The route starts at Phalaborwa, and leads through the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, to the towns of Massingir, Chókwe and Xai-Xai, before heading north to the tourism centres of Inhambane and Vilankulo.

A new concept in tourism, the bush to beach experience provides travellers with the opportunity to have the best of both worlds. You can spend a few days in one of Southern Africa's most renowned game parks, before reaching the pristine beaches of Mozambique, which offer activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, angling and whale-watching.

Information from the Open Africa website: www.africandream.org.

CANYON TO KRUGER

Background Information

The Kruger to Canyons Route brings the imagination of every explorer to life. Stretching through the semi-arid savannah land of the bushveld, to the depths of the canyons and their highest viewpoints, via the rolling grasslands of Mpumalanga's Lowveld sprinkled with waterfalls on the way; the Kruger to Canyons Route truly showcases Africa's diversity in landscape. Here pioneers have left their footprints in the form of names, stories and towns. The position of the area brought about many defining activities in and around settlements, like trade-centres and the rush for gold, bringing together different groups of people and resulting in an interchange between cultures.
The Kruger to Canyons (K2C) Route is situated in the North-Eastern corner of South Africa, nestled in the Limpopo Province, but extending its branches into Mpumalanga Province. It stretches from Phalaborwa in the north, through Hoedspruit and connects with Graskop via several roads. The K2C covers a large area and as the name implies, offers a journey from the Kruger National Park, past the Olifants River and its canyon to the magnificence of the Blyde River Canyon, the world's third deepest canyon. Between these main features many natural and cultural treasures are to be found, as well as a range of indoor and outdoor activities. To present accessible clusters of these treasures, making it easier for visitors to explore and plan, the larger route is broken up into smaller sub-routes or themes. Each sub-route has a town or an area attached to it and these are all within comfortable driving distance from each other.

The sub-routes consist of Phalaborwa at the northern point, which is part of the Rixile brand of routes; Hoedspruit and surrounds – which is located in the centre of the Kruger to Canyons Route and therefore aptly referred to as the 'Heart of the Kruger to Canyons;' Graskop (which is part of Mpumalanga's existing Panorama Route). Here the R532 stretches past the viewpoints of the Canyon, and Greater Panorama Route whilst the R40 forms the other leg that stretches past nature reserves and vibrant villages and towns to Bushbuckridge, offering a cultural theme to the Kruger to Canyons, called the Vuyani Kaya Route.

The K2C's richness in diversity of landscape extends to its diversity in activities. The Kruger National Park speaks for itself, offering amazing game viewing and outdoor experiences. The richness in wildlife does not end in the Kruger National Park however, but can also be explored in different settings like private reserves and game lodges. The experience continues with outdoor trails and varied adventure activities, like rock climbing, white water rafting and even hot air ballooning. The whole area is also endowed with rich birdlife.

Accommodation ranges from luxurious lodges and safari camps to beautiful bed and breakfasts and even backpackers accommodation, thus catering for every pocket.

The region's diversity is also captured in the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve, highlighting the different bio-regions that stretch through the area.

The Blyde Canyon, also known as 'Motlatse', is the third deepest canyon in the world, with the Grand Canyon in the western US and Namibia's Fish Eagle Canyon as first and second, respectively. But its significance is in its breathtaking sights and astounding panoramic viewpoints, reaching 600m to 800m above the riverbed. The canyon is more then 20km in length.

Blyde Canyon stretches through the Drakensberg Mountain Range, which forms part of the seven main mountain systems in Africa. Its height and location provides for beautiful botanical vistas and afromontane forests (Afromontane is a term used to describe the plant and animal species common to the mountains of Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula). Walking trails laid out under the forest canopy enable close-up views of the terrain.

At the bottom of the Canyon there is a scarce and threatened Lowveld Riparian forest, only 100 hectares in extent. The River dams at the mouth of the canyon, forming the Blyde Dam at Swadini. The Blyde Dam provides for activities such as boat trips, viewing Tufa Waterfalls, as well as canoeing, rock-climbing or abseiling. Hiking is another popular activity.

Apart from its overwhelming presence, the Blyde River Canyon has many individual interest points. These can be explored through the many scenic drives on offer. The roads are clearly marked with signboards and offer viewpoints around every corner. Click here to read more about a scenic drive visitors can follow from Graskop to Hoedspruit or vice versa.

The Canyon also tells stories of the history of man, which can be traced back to from 150 000 to 30 000 years ago. Archaeological finds.

The main clans of the Bantu tribal groupings known today as Tsonga, Sotho and Venda lived in the Central Lowveld region since the first millennium. The lingua franca of the present day in this region is generally Sotho a lesser extent in the easterly and southerly regions. European influence in the area came about due to the search for a trade route to Delegoa Bay (Maputo) and the gold rush.

Also note that this route also falls within the Kruger to Canyons Birding Route region and therefore birding is also big in this region.

Points of Interest

Arts and Crafts are sold at each viewpoint on the Blyde River Canyon Scenic Route, and supporting them also supports the crafters' families. Buying crafts provides wonderful souvenirs to show family and friends at home.

Information from the Open Africa website: www.africandream.org.

BIRDING ROUTE

The majority of birders actively plan birding trips to areas where they can either see a large amount of birds in a short time or mega rarities that would not easily be seen elsewhere. The Kruger to Canyons Birding Route offers both of these highlights to visiting birders. The route starts at the top of the Blyde River Canyon from where it meanders along the course of the Canyon before plunging down through the Abel Erasmus pass and into the Lowveld. The drop in altitude from 1730 to 250 masl gives rise to three very different terrestrial biomes namely montane grasslands, afro-montane forest and savanna within which various different vegetation types are nested.

Contained in this area is the world famous Kruger National Park, 10 provincial nature reserves and the world's largest collection of privately owned nature reserves. This diverse range of habitats provides home for a total of 76 bird families and a staggering 510 species of which 8 are endemic to the region. In addition, the fantastic road infrastructure, as well as well established tourism industry offering accommodation in unparalleled surroundings, provides birders with an excellent platform from which to explore the area.

The route starts at the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon at God's Window from where it meanders through a montane grassland dominated landscape around the edge of the Canyon. Grassland species which can be easily located here include Wing-Snapping, Wailing and Levaillant's Cisticola, Broad-Tailed Warbler, Croaking Cisticola and Drakensberg Prinia whilst Cape Rock Thrush, Buff-Streaked, Familiar and Mocking-Cliff Chats inhabit the rocky outcrops near the edge of the canyon. Specials include the endangered Blue Swallow as well as Grass Owl. A number of lookout points on the edge of the Canyon provide ideal sites to watch for raptors.

The route skirts along the edge of the Canyon and descends through the scenic and breathtaking Abel Erasmus Pass, home to the only known breeding site of the rare Taita Falcon in South Africa. The pass is a raptor viewing heaven.

The route descends into the lowveld and savanna biome and reaches the town of Hoedspruit where a number of different options are presented in the form of birding opportunities. The diverse habitat types of the savanna biome hosts a number of different species. Nocturnal birds are well represented with Fiery-Necked, Mozambique, Freckled and Pennant-Winged Nightjars being present as well as an amazing array of owls including Barn, African Scops, Pearl-Spotted Owl, White-Faced Owl, Barred Owl, Spotted-Eagle Owl, Verreaux's Giant Eagle Owl and the elusive and much sought after Pel's Fishing Owl. The lowveld is a raptor watchers dream destination with approximately 90% of South Africa's raptors being concentrated in this region including Bateleur and Martial, Steppe, Tawny and Lesser-Spotted Eagles. Other species characteristic of the area include Southern Ground-Hornbill, Kori Bustards, Black-Bellied and Red-Crested Korhaan, Carmine Bee-Eaters, Lilac-Breasted Rollers, Golden-Tailed and Bennett's Woodpeckers, Arrow-Marked Babblers as well as Grey-Headed Bush Shrike.

One can travel on to the town of Phalaborwa, which as well as offering a diverse range of bushveld birding opportunities, has a number of wetlands uncharacteristic of the area.

Phalaborwa is also a gateway to the central section of the world renowned Kruger National Park which has been rated as one of the top birding destinations in Southern Africa with a species list exceeding 500 species. The rest camps of Letaba, Olifants and Satara with their fantastic mixture of bushveld and riparian habitat birding anchor the Kruger to Canyons Birding Route.

The Kruger to Canyons Birding Route offers an amazing and diverse number of species within three different biomes supported by well maintained infrastructure and world class accommodation options catering specifically for birders. In terms of birders wanting to see as many species as possible in as short a time as possible or local birders wanting to tick off specials, the Kruger to Canyons Birding Route will provide you with an unforgettable experience.

Information from: www.limpopobirding.com

CULTURE TO KRUGER

Background Information

Situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the route meanders it way between the small town of Giyani and the only town with a gate into the Kruger National Park, Phalaborwa. The Limpopo Province is rich in cultural history and there is much to do in this land of myths and legends. The game viewing is fantastic and possibly the best in the country, hence they it is one of the most renowned Eco-tourism destinations in Southern Africa. The province has impressive mountain scenery, which beckons hikers, climbers and bikers, while mystic cultural destinations intrigue both local and international tourists.

The province is also referred to as the Great North. It is what the needle of the compass turns to for direction. Maps are ruled by it, and with it goes the symbolism and imagery of greatness and authority. It is for this reason that Limpopo could not be more aptly named.

These are ancient lands, attested by the Makapans Caves near Mokopane. Here can be found some of the oldest and most comprehensive remains (and evidence) of prehistoric human habitation can be found. Further along the time scale you find the unique history of the Stone Age San. Their culture exists today largely as spirits in the form of immaculate rock artwork, archaeological relics and in the tradition of storytelling. For example those about the Baobab, also referred to as the "upside-down tree", which according to local legend was uprooted and cast back to the earth by angry gods. The baobabs are a distinctive feature of the province, embracing history, culture and nature.

A compass swing to the east takes the visitor to the wildlife heritage of the Valley of the Olifants in the Lowveld. The Kruger National Park shoulders the province and houses a multitude of fauna and flora. Here are also the mountains, rivers and forests of the Letaba district, an unhurried, fertile area with its own distinctive characteristics.

South, takes you to the Nylsvley Wetland and the mountains of the Waterberg. Here, the heat can be quenched and the muscles soothed by the mineral baths of the area's wealth of hot spring resorts.

Polokwane is the geographic and economic centre of the province, and provides the administrative workforce for a province of industry and determination. To the north of the province are the neighbouring Southern African countries of Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique and the Limpopo River, which also offers a number of activities for the tourist.

A few days in the Limpopo will swiftly explain why compass needles seem to be determined to direct you towards it. Limpopo is divided into four tourism regions, each representing a range of varied and interesting cultures, growing industries and an expanding tourism industry. Each region is unique, and each worth a visit.

Information from the Open Africa website: www.africandream.org.

Praise for the launch of the Rixile Routes

Mr. Collins Chabane, MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism:

“The launch of this project is part of our commitment made during the budget speech. The project will also uphold relationships between Limpopo, Mozambique and Gaza. We believe we even have the potential to stretch up to Malawi and we are pushing on that project. With this potential we have quiet a number of key challenges. One of them is for us and the tourism operators to provide quality service to the clients who will come through this route. Another challenge is the upgrading of our facilities and putting up facilities on the Mozambiquen side along the route and also along the beach... We think we have what it takes to provide a better environment for tourists to enjoy themselves.”

Ozaria Grachane, Director of Tourism of Gaza Province:

“It is an honor for me to be here on behalf of the Mozambican Government and Gaza Province...It shows us that by working together as Africans, we can eradicate the poverty...the Bush to Beach Route will bring benefit, not only to the provinces but to the businessmen as well...It will enable the community to get involved in the tourism market. Finally, I would like to thank you all for putting in the effort to transform the agreement to a memorable dream come true today.”

Mr. Ben van Eeden, Kruger Park Regional Manager:

“Well done to the organizers on this point because you are literally re-opening an ancient trade route which existed long before all of us here. It is indeed a truism that the tourist industry must start to see things from an area-perspective rather than an individual product perspective. We as the Kruger National Park would definitely support the initiatives that promote regional tourism as few regional tourism products or routes are put together in this area without the participation of our national park. Our experience definitely shows us that tour groups in particular have set routes that they follow and the Rixile Bush to Beach Route would do well to identify those groups in its marketing campaigns for this exciting tourism initiative.”

More From Mr. Ben van Eeden, Kruger Park Regional Manager:

“I was also pleased to find out that the Rixile Bush to Beach Route initiative has also got strong community focus. Community relations is a key focus area for SanParks and many of our initiatives will make use of extensive consultation as well as involvement by the communities living outside the park.The Kruger National Park will continue to involve the communities and develop this area of the park so that the tourists attracted to this area by initiatives like the Rixile Bush to Beach Route can really enjoy the KNP as part of their total South African experience. We fully support this initiative and we shall always be available to assist in whichever way we can.”

Marc Demmer, Director of Palabora Foundation:

“We saw this as an opportunity to promote tourism to the town and through to Mozambique. In my vote of thanks, I would like say particular thanks to our municipality who recently received a PMR reward for the best and fastest growing tourism municipality in the province...I am sure that this route will stimulate tourism to the area particularly in the two communities along the route. The Birding Route is another very exciting development that is taking place...we now have a bird life office in South Africa...it brings in a tremendous amount of money for tourism. One of the exciting areas that the bird life will be doing is they’ll be training community tour guides. Thank you very much on behalf of the Palabora Foundation.”

Francois from Open Africa:

“We look forward to keeping on with the process to keep on developing this route. I would like to thank the sponsors of the project, without whom none of this would’ve been possible. Firstly, the European Union who funded us through the Marginalised Community Fund and the Limpopo Department of Local Government and Housing, the Palabora Foundation through the Rio Tinto Mine and the First Rand Foundation. I’d also like to thank all the route participants, everyone who helped us develop this route.”

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