Wildlife Activity Hubs in Kruger (Phalaborwa)

[Richprins]

Ja, there will be some pronouncement in June or something, apparently....

[Puff Addy]

From the pdf. I take no responsibility for the awful English!

SANParks
National Tour Guide Symposium
-
The Adventure tourism possibilities in Protected areas
-
18 February 2016

THEME:
“BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL AND SUSTAINABLE TOURIST GUIDING SECTOR”

How can SANParks help

Stay in touch with the market

Offer great products

Focus on sustainability

Capitalise on the Adventure tourism possibilities

Activity Hubs
–
developing business in and around National Parks
•
Activities in National Parks traditionally been limited
•
Introduction of contemporary activities are seen as an exception more than the rule
•
Parks do offer relaxation, connecting to nature and mostly self-drives
•
However, there is a definite need to cater to the guests who are looking at optimising the visit to a National
Park
•
Objective of the Wild Activity Hubs (WAH’s):
-
Located close to communities which will allow these communities to benefit
-
Activity centres accessible to tourists
-
Increases spent in National Parks and contributes to improved visitor
experience

Objectives of the Wild Activity Hub
•
Increase activities
-
> optimize stay in National Parks
•
Increased stay
-
> increased revenue
•
Activity hub model
-
> allows for creation of many
small businesses benefitting from established
operation
•
Great model for beneficiation and involvement of
local communities
-
> traditional and cultural activities
to be introduced
•
All done in environmental friendly way
Adventure Tourism, valued at $263 billion is one of the fastest growing categories of tourism that attracts high
value customers, supports local economies, and encourages sustainable practices (Global Report of Adventure
Tourism, 2014)

Way forward
•
SANParks received funding for the Planning Phase of:

Phalaborwa Activity Hub

Shangoni gate (Phase 1 New gate for high clearance vehicles with new camp
site and picnic sites on Shingwedzi river)
-
Funding for Phase 2 with extended gate and tarred access with associated activities at hub to follow
•
Involvement of local communities integral in making this initiative a
success

[Richprins]

Thanks, Puffie!

Will dissect it later!

[Richprins]

But no excuse! "Commercialisation" is one reason...end of story!

Accommodation may be built in the "buffer zone" outside the Park!

While a new tented camp is mooted in the WAH, the skinny is that the big accommodation will be 60 bed private in our "beloved" Letaba Ranch, with access to Kruger via Phalaborwa and Giyani/Shangoni.

[Richprins]

One must read this thread from the beginning!

[Puff Addy]

Under Activity Hub in the pdf (which I couldn't copy - all errors are theirs):

Beer brewery
Information
Knives -courses
Belt /Leather courses
Local craft
Wine bar
Cheese Maker
Butchery
Ice-cream
Community visits
Amarula Factory
Shebeen visits

Restaurants (Local cuisine)
- Open air braai etc.

Hunting Shop (Safari and outdoor )
- Archery

Bookings
- Game drive

[Puff Addy]

Note images of hot-air balloons, microlight aircraft and zip-lining - can't leave out zip-lining!

[Flutterby]

Looks and sounds like another Sun City!!

[PennyinSA]

How safe would any hapless orphaned rhino be in such close proximity to what sounds like Disneyworld? That's of course if there are any rhino left to be orphaned by then! As for the activities and reptile zoo that just blows my mind. The naysayers must be having a terribly hard time with their hearts and minds saying NOOOO whilst their fingers get busy on their keyboards defending more lies and deceit! Eish!

[Puff Addy]

You are such a killjoy, Penny!

Where is your plan to solve all of South Africa's ills? Without it I can't take your opinions seriously!