New bridge to boost tourism

The bridge which has made the link between Mkhuze Game Reserve and Sodwana Bay possible

Larry Bentley

A NEW bridge and all-weather road linking the Mkhuze Game Reserve with Sodwana Bay is hailed as a breakthrough for the area.
The bridge will open up many opportunities for the local communities in the region.
Tour operators in the Muzi Pan area are now on a through route and will have much more exposure than in the past.
Tourists will now be able to enjoy diving activities, birding and canoeing on the Muzi Pan and game viewing in the Mkhuze Game Reserve all within 100km of each other.

Bridge opened
National Environment and Tourism Minister - Marthinus van Schalkwyk opened the Ophansi Entrance Bridge, which cost just under R10-million to build and employed 120 people during the construction phase.
Van Schalkwyk congratulated all involved in the construction and hoped the skills gained would be used in the construction of the craft market and gate facility, which is to be built at a cost of R1,1-million.
After the unveiling of the plaque for the bridge opening, the minister turned the sod for the building of the craft centre.

Cheetah return
Van Schalkwyk also witnessed the release of two male cheetah, donated by the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre, into the Mkhuze Game Reserve.
A further two female cheetah have been donated by Phinda Resource Reserve and are to be released into the reserve within a few weeks.
Cheetah disappeared from the Mkhuze a few decades ago due to hunting by local farmers who saw them as a problem animal on their farms.
Cheetah sightings have been recorded in Mkhuze, but these animals are believed to have come from neighbouring conservation areas.
Collars have been placed on one of the males so that their progress in the park can be monitored.