The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) together with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) today officially opened the Manyeleti Day Visitor Centre to the various communities in the Bushbuckridge area as well as the tourism industry stakeholders.
The day visitor centre forms part of the development of tourism infrastructure at some of the prioritized provincial nature reserves with the intention of enhancing tourism experiences, job creation and revenue collection.
“The Day Visitor Facility was built on an open land in the Manyeleti Nature Reserve to provide a peace of mind to the overnight visitors that were mainly booked at the main camp. This facility will now allow the day visitors an opportunity to enjoy their stay privately without disturbing the overnight visitors booked at the main camp”, said Mr. Johannes Nobunga, CEO of MTPA.
The new facility includes two swimming pools, braai facilities, multipurpose hall, three tuck shops, lapa, ablution facilities with showers, and ample parking area for both private cars and busses.
“The model for the implementation of the projects was designed in consultation with the Communal Property Association (CPA) who are representatives of the claimant communities. The model adopted was aimed at providing opportunities for the local SMME’s, artisans and general workers from the surrounding communities. Approximately 25 SMMEs have benefitted from the Manyeleti projects. A total of 24 general workers were employed for a substantial period at Manyeleti to assist with general work”, said Mr. Sikhumbuzo Kholwane, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.
It is anticipated that the new Day Visitor facility will attract around 3 000 visitors during peak days. The camp and caravan site within the main camp has been completed and can accommodate twenty (20) caravans. The campsite comes with its own communal ablution facilities for ease of use by visitors.
“We are excited with the latest developments taking place at Manyeleti Nature Reserve. The main camp now offers 34 self-catering chalets and the online bookings can now be done through the MTPA website. The public is encouraged to visit Manyeleti Nature Reserve and explore some of the new offerings that will make visitors enjoy their stay,” added Mr. Kholwane.
The new facilities have been operating since June 1, 2018 and the entrance fee at the main gate is R40 per person (adults) and R20 per child under the age of 12 and pensioners. The price during peak season will be R50 per person (adults) and R25 per child under the age of 12 and pensioners.
A visit to Manyeleti Nature Reserve will reward you with a Big 5 bushveld experience. The reserve extends over 23 750 hectares sharing fenceless borders with the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands and the Timbavati Game Reserve resulting in free roaming of the wildlife with uninterrupted game viewing all year round.
The online bookings for Manyeleti and Andover Nature Reserves can now be done through the MTPA website, www.mpumalanga.com or the Reservations Office on (+27) 13 759 5432.
