Boundless Southern Africa is an initiative designed to help promote and facilitate investment into seven key conservation areas across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
The 51 packaged investment opportunities under the Boundless Southern Africa banner were launched at a dedicated investment conference in 2008, with a total estimated value of R785 million.
Click here to view a map of all seven Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA)
These projects range from rustic to five star luxury accommodation facilities and include conference facilities, ski-resorts and even a golf estate in Royal Jozini, though the bulk of the products are in the mid-range category of accommodation.
Following the exhibition at the end of last year, a number of potential investors came forward to express interest in the various projects, with three of the investment opportunities having since secured funding.
Given that three of the projects have already secured funding, even in the midst of such a difficult economic climate, Boundless Southern Africa is confident of finding partners for the remaining projects.
Click here for more information about the Boundless Southern Africa
Below are details of the three projects that have already secured funding:
Witsieshoek Mountain Resort – South Africa (Maloti-Drakensberg TFCA)
Witsieshoek Mountain Resort lies approximately 25km south east of Phuthaditjhaba, and is situated on the escarpment overlooking the Drakensberg Amphitheatre from the border of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho.
It is believed to be the highest resort in Southern Africa and is within the Ukhahlamba- Drakensberg World Heritage Site and Maloti Drakensberg TFCA. Accessibility to the lodge is by tarred road through road through Phuthaditjhaba via R712 and R720 or via hiking trails from Royal Natal National Park or from the high berg. The resort is owned and operated by the Batlokwa Tribe.
Investment: The resort presented the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) opportunity i.e. the owner was looking for an investor that would upgrade the facility to 3-4 star standards and operate it. The agreement has been reached between the project owner and the Cape Town based investor.
The investor will contribute 75% of the investment cost and the project owner 25%. The project owner has applied for its share from the poverty relief fund. The investor is ready to put his share once the co-finance is secured by the project owner.
Molikaliko Flying Fish Lodge – Lesotho (Maloti-Drakensberg TFCA)
The project site is in the Moteng area, 45 minutes from Botha-Bothe town at 2,800m above sea level; 4 hrs from Johannesburg International Airport. The Molikaliko fly fishing lodge will function with the main aim to commercialize fly-fishing in Lesotho.
The lodge will be constructed using traditional Basotho architectural design standards. Accommodation will consist of a four star facility at three star rates.
Investment: The Lesotho based concessionaire was looking for an investment partner. The South Africa based partner was identified in the conference and investment partnership agreement has been signed.
Mabuasehube Lodge – Botswana (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park)
The project is located on the northern perimeter of the famous Mabuasehube pan in the Eastern section of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The site is accessible by air charter to a nearby airstrip or by 4x4 vehicles.
The lodge is to be set along the elevated northern edge of the pan providing panoramic views of the pan surface and waterhole which is frequented by large herds of antelope. Predators are often seen on the pan as they come to drink.
Investment: The concession was awarded to Holly Hock PTY Ltd by the Government of Botswana prior to the conference. The Botswana based concessionaire was looking for an investor with tourism experience to enter into an operational partnership with Holly Hock being a major shareholder.
The partner was identified in the Boundless Southern Africa investment conference and investment partnership agreement has been signed. Drawings are being finalized.
Please note that Boundless Southern Africa is looking for investors to fund these projects and is not able to provide funding or financial assistance.
For further information about the TFCAs and the 2010 Strategy please contact the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism (South Africa) for more details:
