SANParks' commercialization strategy: new tourism projects

[Toko]

I understand the plan to develop the ecotourism in the Richtersveld and the lower Orange river and for sure this area is not threatened by some mountain bikers or tourists canoeing as long as there is no mass event such as marathons or “Africa burn”-like events. The Richtersveld is not the place to develop a lot of touristic infrastructure and crowding, it is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in South Africa.
Do we need events? Ei Ei Ei

I would be more concerned if the plans to develop river safaris would be realized in the last remaining pristine portion of the Orange river between Gamkab and Tatasberg. This is the last remaining portion where there are no impacts from roads, tracks, tourism infrastructure or mining activity.
Three products were suggested:
(1) Traditional or classic river trips, with an Adventure Hub to be developed close to Gamkab gate, with a lodge, self catering chalets, and campsites, facilities for storing, servicing and maintaining rafts, canoes and kayaks.
(2) A luxury river safari, with new lodges along the river at Tatasberg; Bo-Plaats and at Nuab,
(3) Fishing charters, providing motorised access to the river for fishing and birding. A Fishing Charter Camp should be developed at Nuab, close to that of the luxury river camp.

[Lisbeth]

Sometimes my common sense goes out of the window and this is one of those times...I am with Toko. You know where they start, but you do not know where they finish, because they want to/have to make money even if this has to be done at the cost of the last real wilderness of the country.

Toko, where have you found this information?

[Toko]

Lis, the info is from the "Lower Orange River Management Plan. Unlocking the Ecotourism of the River" (draft, 2008). I don't know what the actual stages of the development plans are.

Link Download PDF

[Lisbeth]

There does not seem to be any information after the Plan was publiced in 2008 Maybe they have not found interested investors?

[Toko]

I think, it is a difficult thing to do, Lis, as there are many parties involved: Namibia, local communities, private land owners, other nature reserves, etc.

And these were not the only activities in the plan, it is about a development of the entire Lower Orange river region between the mouth and Augrabies on the SA and the Namibian side.

[Lisbeth]

Maybe it is so complicated, that nothing will be done

[Toko]

(2) Another PPP is for an annual 5-day multi-stage mountain bike event in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park with canoeing on the Orange River. The event will utilise existing tourism facilities at |Ai-|Ais Resort, De Hoop and Sendelingsdrift with a mobile camps at Gamkab valley. The concession can as well organize MTB tours for groups throughout the year.
Link

Here is a report Richtersveld 2012 DESERT KNIGHTS MOUNTAIN BIKING TOUR

2012 DESERT KNIGHTS MOUNTAIN BIKING TOUR
30 NOVEMBER 2012

The October full moon provided the perfect send-off for a group of intrepid mountain bikers on their journey of approximately 300 km through the stark, desolate areas of the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The tour is not for the fainthearted, as it entails five days of gruelling cycling up and down canyons, along gravel roads, and, most punishing of all, the sand dunes which tested the cyclists' skills to the utmost.
The aim of the Desert Knights mountain biking event is to contribute towards the tourism development of the Transfrontier Park by showcasing the unique landscape characteristics and cultural heritage of the region. The area is renowned for housing most of the richest succulent flora of the world and the Orange River is characterised by striking endangered riparian bush. The Orange River mouth is a Ramsar site, and the 350-million-year-old erosion-rich lower Orange River gorge abounds with history, folklore and splendour.The traditional lifestyle of the Nama people is based on nomadic pastoralism, with the Richtersveld being one of the last regions where this way of life has been preserved.


© Koos van der Lende
What made the tour even more spectacular is that many kilometres were cycled in the moonlight, which lent an eerie stillness to the ride and allowed the cyclists to experience the true essence of the arid and desert mountain scenery.

The Desert Knights route offers participants an inimitable experience. From cycling through dry desert to canoeing down the Orange River. The canoeing section of the tour symbolises the true spirit of a transfrontier park as the cyclists, after being reunited with their bicycles, seamlessly crossed the border from Namibia into South Africa.

The tour took the cyclists through some spectacular canyons and mountain passes, e.g. Domrogh, Akkedis and Halfmens passes. On one of the evenings, after cycling in the Gamkab Canyon, the cyclists overnighted at the base of towering cliffs dwarfing the campers at its feet and giving a whole new meaning to the word “grandeur”.

However, it was not all aching thighs and cramping calf muscles. The cyclists were able to have a break from cycling while being transferred between De Hoop Campsite and the Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp in the Richtersveld. They visited several points of interest, which allowed them to experience elements of the mountain desert not normally accessible to cyclists because of distance and sand. This interpretative element highlighted the uniqueness of the Transfrontier Park as a conservation initiative of rare and endemic plants associated with the Succulent Karoo biome and a last remaining culture and lifestyle. It also highlighted the relationship between South African National Parks (SANParks), as the conservation manager, and the Richtersveld Community, as the owner of this contractual park, which will ensure that while income is being generated for the communities, the biodiversity of the park is being protected.

Desert Knights 2012 was a collaborative endeavour between the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Namibia Wildlife Resorts and SANParks, supported by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs, Boundless Southern Africa and Peace Parks Foundation.

Desert Knights 2012 was a good preparation for the larger event planned for 2013, when the tour will serve as a precursor to the Adventure Travel World Summit that will be hosted by Namibia during October 2013. Get your mountain bike wheels turning!

[Toko]

Larger event planned for 2013

Leave the last bits of wilderness in SA alone this is not a place for mass events (0) (0) (0)

[Dewi]

Jet skiing in Lake Panic next.

[Lisbeth]

Or tree top sliding