The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is gearing up for Tourism Month with a programme aimed at encouraging domestic tourism and showcasing the province’s diverse natural, cultural and sporting attractions.
According to MTPA spokesperson Simphiwe Shungube, the agency will use Parks Week and the Makhonjwa Mountain 4-in-1 Marathon to encourage residents and visitors to travel, explore and experience Mpumalanga.
“Through initiatives such as Parks Week and the Makhonjwa Mountain 4-in-1 Marathon, we want to encourage people to explore and appreciate the province’s rich biodiversity, natural heritage and scenic beauty,” said Shungube.
Parks Week will take place from September 14 to 20, giving members of the public an opportunity to visit selected MTPA-managed nature reserves.
Shungube said the initiative forms part of the agency’s efforts to promote domestic tourism while making Mpumalanga’s natural attractions more accessible to local communities.
The 10 participating reserves are Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kromdraai Camp, Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve, Manyeleti Nature Reserve, Mkhombo Dam Nature Reserve, Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve, Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve, Songimvelo Nature Reserve and SS Skosana Nature Reserve.
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve will participate for two days only. The reserve will be open to the public on September 17, while September 18 will be dedicated to school groups.
Shungube said Parks Week does not include accommodation and South African citizens will be required to present valid South African identity documents.
Ahead of Parks Week, the MTPA, in partnership with Bella’s Athletics Club, will host the fifth Makhonjwa Mountain 4-in-1 Marathon on Saturday, September 12.
Shungube said the marathon forms part of the agency’s sports tourism initiatives and is expected to attract runners and visitors from across the country and beyond.
“The marathon provides us with an opportunity to use sport as a platform to showcase Mpumalanga’s tourism offerings while stimulating tourism activity in Barberton and surrounding areas,” he said.
Participants will run through the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site, which is renowned for some of the world’s oldest exposed geological formations, dating back approximately 3.5 billion years.
The marathon will start at 06:00 from Josefsdal Border Post and finish at Barberton Coronation Park.
Shungube said the events are intended to position Mpumalanga as a preferred tourism destination while encouraging residents and visitors to discover the province’s attractions.
“We invite communities, visitors and the media to be part of these Tourism Month activities and experience what Mpumalanga has to offer,” said Shungube.
