Bongani
Mountain Lodge is a pioneering project where traditional land-owning
communities have affiliated with conservation bodies for their common
good.
Community
Projects
The Matsulu
theatre group welcome guests to Bongani with their own theatre
performance. Theatre is part of Bongani's cultural tourism
program, through which the local theatre group is able to earn additional
income. The community enjoys numerous other benefits from the reserve,
including the supply of renewable natural resources and a range of
employment opportunities.
Benefits
of Ecotourism
Lack of
agricultural potential in the area prompted the proclamation of the
Mthethomusha Game Reserve in 1985. This was a joint move by the Mpakeni
Tribal Authority and the former KaNgwane Parks Corporation (KPC).
Ten years later the KPC was incorporated into the
Mpumalanga Parks Board, which is responsible for the management
of the reserve. Bongani has traversing rights inside the
game-rich Kruger National Park. The positive links with the local
community has also resulted in a decline in subsistence poaching,
which is still prevalent in the neighbouring Kruger Park.
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