The Lubombo TFCA, which borders Swaziland, southern Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, consists of five separate transfrontier conservation areas linked by the Lubombo Mountains. They include Usuthu-Tembe Futi, Songimvelo-Malolotja, Nsubane-Pongola, Lubombo Conservancy and Goba.
Lubombo TFCA: Usuthu-Tembe-Futi
The Usuthu-Tembe-Futi Transfrontier Conservation Area encompasses a substantial portion of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) designated Maputaland Centre of Plant Endemism. It boasts an exceptionally high number of species and is a zone of marked transition. It represents the southern-most extent of the East African flora and fauna and the northern-most extent of many southern African species. It also contains many endemic species in its own right, spread over the whole taxonomic spectrum. The area is home to the last indigenous free-roaming elephant population of KwaZulu-Natal, located in Tembe Elephant Park. Historically, this population migrated freely between South Africa and Mozambique until the northern boundary of Tembe Elephant Park was fenced in 1989. This splitting of the population into two groups, with approximately 150 elephants remaining in Tembe Elephant Park and 300 in the Maputo Elephant Reserve. One of the principle aims of the establishment of the transfrontier conservation area is to reunite these two groups.
The Mozambique Ministry of Tourism have identified a number of investment opportunities that fall in the Maputo Special Reserve and Futi Corridor areas within the boundaries of Mozambique:
Investment opportunity: Camandjuba Penisula Camp
This camp development situated on the Maputo River and Futi Floodplain is set to offer a pristine, low-volume, high-value development opportunity. This investment opportunity will include the management of the game reserve and establishment of a small 30-bed camp facility. Activities in this development will include gaming, bird watching, canoeing and horse-back riding. The coastal site’s footprint may not exceed 3 ha and should be tendered together with exclusive-use rights for the identified adjacent area to allow for activities on the lakes. Exclusive access areas should be between 8 and 5 ha. The development of a buffer zone is recommended. Boat access from Bela Vista for clients and supplies is available. This investment opportunity in the Maputo Special Reserve and Futi Corridor area is located in protected public domain. The Tourism Framework that has been developed for this area has been approved by the Mozambique Government. A concession model, including community partnership agreements where relevant, is still to be developed. It is anticipated that the concession lease period will run for about 50 years and will be issued as a renewable special licence. Similar concessions have recently been developed in other protected areas and will be referenced in the consideration of the concession model.
Investment opportunity: Wilderness campsites along the Futi River
Two campsites along the Futi River in the Futi Corridor will provide low-volume, medium-value camping facilities in line with the short-term Tourism Development Framework. These two sites are located in a very scenic area and will offer a maximum of two sites per camp, accommodating six people each. Basic ablution facilities will be provided on these unattended sites with services provided once a week. Activities in this development will include gaming, bird watching, hiking, off-road activities and horse-back riding. A special concession licence will be established for the operator to develop this investment project. The identified operator should preferably have an interest in coastal developments, since there will be significant value in offering both the bush and the beach package. This investment opportunity in the Maputo Special Reserve and Futi Corridor area is located in protected public domain. The Tourism Framework that has been developed for this area has been approved by the Mozambique Government. A concession model, including community partnership agreements where relevant, is still to be developed. It is anticipated that the concession lease period will run for about 50 years and will be issued as a renewable special licence. Similar concessions have recently been developed in other protected areas and will be referenced in the consideration of the concession model.
Investment opportunity: Futi Gate Community Lodge
This lodge to be located at the Futi Gate will provide for a low-volume, medium-value 12-room (2-bed) facility. This area is owned by the local community and they have title/native rights to the land. Two investment mechanisms exist for this project. A joint venture between the community (a representation structure is already in place) and a private investor or company can be established. A second option is that the community leases the land to a private investor for a 50-year term that is renewable. This community agreement will be facilitated by representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, ensuring community upliftment and benefit. These agreements and a strategic framework within which to manage the partnership are to be developed in readiness for the conference in October 2008.
For more information about this investment opportunity please contact:
Mozambique Ministry of Tourism
Jorge Chicue – Lubombo Regional
Tel: +258 21 724 484
Email: jchicue@tvcabo.co.mz
Dr Albino Mahumane – Tourism Advisor
Tel: +258 823 266670
Alternatively, for more information about any of these investment opportunities, or others currently being marketed by Boundless Southern Africa please contact the organization directly:
Contact: Deborah Kahatano, Programme Manager
Email: dkahatano@deat.gov.za
Tel: +27 (0) 12 310 3734
