Route Rationale
For some time, the South African Department of Environmental Affairs
and Tourism has expressed concern about the lack of benefit by the
communities living beside SA’s national parks. Open Africa, with its
expertise in community-based tourism development, was approached to
assist with the formulation of a strategy to enable communities to
share in the wealth created by the parks adjacent to them.
Historically, impoverished communities (many forcibly removed from
their traditional homes without compensation) have been bypassed by the
increasing flows of tourism traffic to the national parks. The
challenge for all players is to establish a link between the local
communities and the established tourism trade, so as to draw these
communities into the mainstream of tourism and enable them to improve
their general wellbeing.
Demonstrating insight and
entrepreneurship, communities around Pilansberg decided to partner with
Open Africa through the Letsatsing Platinum Tourism Route to, firstly,
develop the tourism potential of their region in a continuous network
of Afrikatourism attractions and, secondly, leverage existing tourism
business from Gauteng to Sun City and the Pilanesberg National Park, to
boost under-developed areas such as Soulspoort, Ledig, Mabeskraal and
Mogwase.
This makes for a happy combination of existing
well-developed and sophisticated establishments with opportunities for
tourists to visit untapped areas and learn about the local people,
their history, culture and customs. Most importantly, the intention is
that visitors must be able to have fun and enjoy themselves in the
company of the locals.
The Anglo-Boer War’s influence on the North West province
On October 12, 1899, Boer forces under the command of General De la
Rey attacked the British garrison and railway siding at Kraaipan,
south-west of today’s Mafikeng in what is now North West province,
thereby signalling the start of the Anglo-Boer War. The Boers then
encircled the town and began a blockade that lasted until May 17, 1900
and became known around the globe as the Siege of Mafikeng.
It
is no exaggeration to say that the war directly or indirectly affected
the life of every person in South Africa, but none more so than the
Batswana and Bakgatla peoples, who suffered the trauma of displacement
as a result of the conflict. These people still reside in the
Pilanesberg area today.
Interesting experiences on the route
Mogwase Township
This township offers many
tourism experiences – all memorable and unique. Visit one of the many
convivial shebeens (taverns) to enjoy a drink and mingle with the
locals. Some of these welcoming establishments provide braai (barbecue)
facilities, so visitors can prepare their own meals while imbibing the
Batswana culture and customs. For adventurous palates, some shebeens
serve umqomboti, traditional African beer, by arrangement.
Township Accommodation
Spending
a night in the township is an unforgettable experience that you will
want to return to and recommend to your friends. There are very good
stay-overs in Mogwase township – certainly well within the standards of
the more established lodges – offering professional yet friendly
service at a fraction of the price. Another compelling advantage of
township accommodation is the opportunity to meet people in their homes
and thereby experience how they really live.
Soulspoort and Mabeskraal
These
villages have strong arts and crafts traditions, and visitors often
have the opportunity of watching the crafters and artists expertly
fashion beautiful wares from clay, wood or other traditional materials.
An added advantage is that items can be bought directly from their
creators.
Ledig
Be sure to visit The Fantasy
Garden in Ledig, on the way to Sun City. This is a garden based on a
variety of themes and unique creations.
Ostrich Farm Show
In
the performing arts arena, it is possible to view presentations by a
variety of cultural dance groups by prior arrangement. In more
energetic vein, the Ostrich Farm Show should be one of the highlights
of any visit.
Sun City
Seat of an ancient
African kingdom, Sun City is another must for visitors to the area. It
offers too many attractions to mention here, though the Palace of the
Lost City, the Entertainment Centre (with glossy casino and phalanxes
of slot machines), two internationally renowned golf courses and the
adrenalin-charged Valley of Waves are some of the highlights.
Pilanesberg National Park
A visit to the region would be incomplete without the Pilanesberg.
Useful information
- North West Province is a malaria-free area
- Kwa-Maritane, Bakubung and Thshukudu Bush Lodges are all located close to the entrance gates to the Pilanesberg National Park.
- There are daily flights to Pilanesberg International Airport, one of the main gateways to the Route
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Tourism Routes