Moz and SA tourism to collaborate

THE MEC for economic development, environment and tourism (Ledet), Seaparo Sekoati, recently led a tourism delegation including tour operators, media and government officials to Xai Xai in the Gaza province of Mozambique.

The purpose of the tour was to bring operators together to ensure sustainability of the packages that create a demand for tourists in both Gaza and Limpopo.

Sekoati said it was imperative for the tourism sector to be taken in greater heights.

“One of the competitive advantages we have is our proximity to the SADC countries, thus making the province the gateway to the rest of the African continent. To unlock the potential we have in the province, there was a significant route on the tourism front that was developed in 2007 when the department launched Rixile Bush to Beach Route at Masorini Heritage site in the Kruger National Park,” explained Sekoati.

The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, designed by Transfrontier Park Destinations, is a unique destination that provides an exceptional experience through ideal off-road travelling opportunities for the eco-adventurers of the world. This unique route links the Northern Drakensberg Escarpment and the bush veld of Limpopo traversing through the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park to the white beaches of Mozambique.

Both the bush to beach and escarpment 4×4 routes have been identified as tourism concepts with the potential to significantly promote tourism in the area and which can benefit from the already highly popular tourist destination of the Mozambican beaches that offer diversified products.

The expedition unfolded as the delegation unwrapped the Limpopo tourism jewel, through Mafefe ivory route, that cuts through Ori Baragwanath pass, a dense, serene wildlife haven which from every shot one sees nature’s regular offerings.

The delegation moved into Lekgalametse Nature Reserve. The 18 000 hectares worth of untouched plain fields, grazed by the astonishing African Zebras, land previously occupied by a small community of farmers, controlling a vast stretch of avocado orchards. What remains of that era is a sign of a 1903 settlement, ruins, and more organised orchards ran by Ori Baragwanath and other settlers.

Acting CEO of Limpopo Tourism Agency, Seipati Tlaka, said: “we will continue to maximise our competitive advantage of the province’s proximity to the SADC countries to benefit and grow tourism in the province and Southern Africa.”