INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY !XAUS LODGE EXPANSION PROJECT LOCATION !Xaus Lodge is located in the South African sector of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP) and access is via the Auob River road that connects Tweerivieren with Mata Mata. The lodge is situated 30km into the desert, reached after driving over 91 sand dunes from the turn-off at Rooibrak waterhole, 60 km northwest of Tweerivieren. GPS co-ordinates for a Google search are: S26°09.005’ E20°15.392’. PROJECT BACKGROUND !Xaus Lodge opened in July 2007. With only 24 beds, !Xaus Lodge has generated more than R7.5-million in income for the Gordonia area. Owned by the ‡Khomani San and Mier communities and hailed by tourism authorities as a flagship destination, the economic value of !Xaus Lodge lies in the ethical business principles that generate a steady and growing income for the community owners and the area. Winner of the 2010 Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism (Best Practice Economic Impact). DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT The intention is to add two new wilderness camps and to refurbish and expand the lodge. TARGETED SECTORS Ecotourism PROJECT FINANCE Public-private-partnership (PPP) INVESTMENT VALUE 0 000 PROMOTER Transfrontier Parks Destinations (TFPD) is a consortium of like-minded associates who are business-oriented social entrepreneurs. Working in Southern Africa’s Transfrontier Peace Parks and adjacent areas, TFPD aims to develop a viable and sustainable tourism industry that balances the needs of the local community with those of nature. The commitment is to the creation of a sustainable business model that becomes an asset for the local communities. Website: Transfrontier Parks Destinations: www.tfpd.co.za
19 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY SUSPENSION BRIDGE AT AUGRABIES FALLS A bridge over the dramatic gorges and waterways of the Augrabies Falls National Park is proposed. PROJECT LOCATION Augrabies Falls National Park, Kai !Garib Local Municipality PROJECT BACKGROUND SANParks policy of balancing commercialisation with its vital conservation function has evolved over the years. A SANParks document links the need to investigate partnerships with the private sector with the demands of democratic South Africa. The theme of “Connecting to Society” is something that SANParks has recently elevated and PPPs can be a method that allows for better connections to society. One of the articulated goals of SANParks is to achieve tourism that maximises the benefits to local communities, minimises negative social or environmental impacts and helps local people conserve fragile cultures, habitats and species. TARGETED SECTORS • Tourism • Ecotourism • Conservation • Local economic development FACILITIES The park already offers a variety of accommodation options (camp sites, chalets and family cottages) and it is a very popular destination for anyone venturing along the Orange River. Spectacular sunsets are very much part of the visitor experience and an array of lights is switched on at 8pm. Night drives can be arranged. The Quiver Tree Shop and Restaurant serves the needs of visitors and campers and there are three swimming pools. Several hikes are available and mountain bikes can be used in the park. HOT FAUNA The typically hot weather means that many animals shelter during the day, making game-viewing a night-time activity at Augrabies. Giraffes and antelope in the park like to move about after dark as do several hunters such as the African wild cat, bat-eared fox, free-tailed bat, aardwolf and the small spotted genet. Leopards are present, but a sighting by day or night is rare. Some animals have adapted to survive extreme high and low temperatures. The yellow mongoose, the slender mongoose and the rock dassie are among the smaller animals that make use of every bit of shade available as well as burrows and rock crevices. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT A suspension bridge will create an even more dramatic experience for visitors if they are able to cross from one side of the ravine to the other via a suspension bridge. FUNDING MODEL South African National Parks (SANParks) runs the park and is interested in working with private investors to create such a facility. A public-private-partnership (PPP) is envisaged.
