Local entrepreneurs will derive benefit from five new packaged travel itineraries that have been developed in the area surrounding the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape. The itineraries were developed collectively by tourism businesses and interns along the Kalahari Red Dune Route as part of an enterprise development project, which aimed to develop entrepreneurship skills for youth and rural enterprises.
Through financial support provided by the Embassy of Finland in Pretoria, Barclays Africa and the Australian High Commission, local entrepreneurs will derive benefit from five new packaged travel itineraries that have been developed in the area surrounding the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the Northern Cape. The itineraries were developed collectively by tourism businesses and interns along the Kalahari Red Dune Route as part of an enterprise development project, which aimed to develop entrepreneurship skills for youth and rural enterprises. These itineraries will give travellers a new way to explore the beauty of the Kalahari and experience its people and culture while directly benefiting local people.
Each year up to 30,000 people visit the park, 50% of whom visit the surrounding towns, which prompted the management association of the Kalahari Red Dune Route to capitalise on the extra tourist traffic. The route was developed in 2002 by the local community, with help from Open Africa and the management of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and has been functioning for more than 10 years as a social entity to collectively market and promote the area around the world renowned park. It provides direct benefits to all members of the community and the management forum has representatives from both the Mier and ≠Khomani San communities.
One of the most innovative aspects of the project was the route management programme, which built the management capacity of the association’s members while enabling them to implement local development projects through what is known as a Challenge Fund. Once the project was identified, a business plan was developed for the routes to implement s have been identified, business plans are developed and the routes can implement through funds provided by the Challenge Fund.
The packaged itineraries include a ‘Backpacker’s Adventure’ for the more budget-conscious, ‘Culture and Cuisine Experience’, ‘Glamping’, ‘4×4 Adventure’ and a ‘Premier Experience’, for those wanting all the comforts of home and more. All of the itineraries take visitors into the heart of the area to experience the wonderful culture and heritage, famous local hospitality, and everything the beautiful Kalahari and its surrounds have to offer.
Activities included in the itineraries range from bird-watching and guided dune walks to game drives and dune boarding on the red sands of the Kalahari. Those who opt for the Premier Package will be able to spend time at the luxury 4-star !Xaus Lodge, which is owned by the communities and located in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
The itineraries will soon be bookable through the Open Africa website as well as a tourist information centre in the town of Askham, along the route.
For more information contact:
Retha Stadler
Mob: +27 82 492 3469
Email: rooiduinroete@hotmail.co.za
