02 Feb 2017

Residents of Tsodilo and the surrounding villages have been informed that initiatives are underway to boost tourism value in the Tsodilo Hills World Heritage site.

The director of the National Museum and Monument, Mr Gaogakwe Phorano said some of the initiatives such as construction of the new lodges and camps sites would benefit the communities.

Speaking during the launch of the Tsodilo Enclave Bush Fire Risk Management Strategy, he explained that the new camps sites would increase revenues for the community and provide direct and indirect employment through the provision of goods and services.

Mr Phorano said the Tsodilo heritage site had the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of the region as a whole.

Furthermore, he noted that an enabling environment had to be provided by  government through provision of bulk infrastructure to Tsodilo including provision of grid electricity, health facilities and other social amenities for the potential to be released.

The director also revealed that there were plans to reintroduce wildlife in the Tsodilo area noting that charismatic wildlife species such as Rhino and Giraffe that previously inhabited the area would multiply the tourism value of the area.

Mr Phorano said with the introduction of wildlife, new employment opportunities would be created for professional wildlife guides and trekkers.

“As local communities are well vested in trekking and bush knowledge, a significant number would be absorbed into the job market,” he added.

Another initiative that could be considered to boost the tourism in Tsodilo Hills was construction of infrastructure for a cable car to transport tourists up and down one of the hills.

Mr Phorano observed that the cable car could be mounted on the female hill which has a flatter plateau than the male hill.

It was reported that the female hill has more Rock Art and is more accessible for making hiking trails and building a facility like a restaurant at the top of the hill.

He said the infrastructure could be fashioned in the same way as at Table Mountain in South Africa, another World Heritage Site.

Mr Phorano said the initiative would diversify the tourism offerings at Tsodilo and also make it more accessible to older clients who do not have the strength to walk on the different trails.

The director pointed out that for a long time, tourism at the area was under-utilized with no charge being made  to clients visiting the facilities and monuments. BOPA