South Africa and The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park

by Edward Kirwan
South Africa has become, in recent years an increasingly popular tourist destination. For many tourists the size and diversity is so huge that the whole is difficult to grasp. The National Game Parks have long been a favourite tourist destination. The formation of the The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park takes this to a new era. This is an ambitious, achievable and sustainable project between the governments of Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

South Africa enjoys tourism:

 Tourism is one of South Africa's fastest-growing industries  South Africa was rated the best holiday destination in Africa in 2005  South Africa caters for high-income travellers looking for "something unique"  The country's Shamwari Game Reserve was voted the World's best Safari and Game Reserve 2006

The breathtaking beauty and exciting activities that South Africa offers you, the international visitor, are as boundless as the majestic skies.

The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP) will link:

 Limpopo National Park in Mozambique  Kruger National Park in South Africa  Gonarezhou National Park, Manjinji Pan Sanctuary and Malipati Safari Area in Zimbabwe  Additionally two areas between Kruger and Gonarezhou, namely the Sengwe communal land in Zimbabwe and the Makuleke region in South Africa.  GLTP will initially cover some 40,000sq. km. rising to 100,000 sq.km.

The famous Kruger National Park currently attracts 1.3 million visitors a year. It now has growing numbers of travellers heading to it via Phalaborwa Gate in Limpopo province, and driving across the park to Girriyondo Gate, a fairly recently opened border post into Mozambique's Limpopo National Park.

It is an 8 hour journey along rough roads to get to the coast in Mozambique, but the scenery is astounding and the journey certainly worth the effort. To travel through 'the world's greatest animal kingdom' is the thrill of a lifetime.

The Transfrontier Concept and Objectives:  The first proposal was in 1938, by ecologist Gomes de Sousa  Designed for the protection of eco-systems across international borders  To encourage collaboration and co-operation between Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe  To develop trans-border eco-tourism bringing social and economic development to the region  To remove artificial barriers that impedes the natural movement of animals.

This enormous undertaking in re-establishing the ecosystem of the area and demands the attention of the wider world as a lesson in peaceful co-operation. Visiting the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park will not only be memorable but will aid the local inhabitants to develop this mighty undertaking.

Kruger National Park, among others, has a well established tourist infrastructure. They are participants of this huge undertaking. By visiting The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park you will not only have the time of your life, you will be aiding a great eco-sensitive and peaceful cause. You will help you build a stepping-stone in the new African history.

South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe are to be congratulated for their vision.
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