CapeNature partners with private party to bring Ou Tol back to life, 26 September 2009The “Ou Tol” house, situated in the world renowned Swartbergpass, close to Oudtshoorn will soon relive again thanks to the strategic partnership between CapeNature and the private sector. The H.O.P.E Foundation, an Oudtshoorn-based community and conservation organisation, is making the “Ou Tol” a base from where they will launch several community and conservation inisiatives. The members and sponsors of “Ou Tol” hope to directly involve the Klein and Groot Karoo communities in the conservation of this unique world heritage site. Says Ivan Donian, CapeNature Area Manager: Gouritz MegaPark: “The tourism opportunities locked up in the Swartberg Heritage site are still mostly untapped and therefore environment and community conscious inisiatives offer huge economic opportunies for neighbouring towns, businesses and communities”. Since 2006, True South Travel, a local eco-tourism and CapeNature accredited Operator, focusses on the development of eco-tourism within CapeNature conservation areas and reserves, by making use of local specialist guides. The “Ou Tol” will not only be used as a base for the inisiatives of the H.O.P.E Foundation, since True South Travel are also planning to launch several eco-excursions from the “Ou Tol”. From here, guided tours to the Gamaskloof, hiking routes, 4x4 excursions, mountain biking and much more will be offered to visitors. A conservation Information centre in assosiation with CapeNature will be established as well as a “Berg Kombuys” (Mountain Kitchen) which offers light meals and refreshments to visitors. The establishment of picnic areas and braai facilities for day visitors are also a prospect. Seeing that the transformation of the “Ou Tol” are coupled with huge expenses, an appeal are made to all local residents, businesses and all interested to become involved through making donations and contributions so that the “Ou Tol” can open its doors as soon as possible and that the H.O.P.E Foundation can begin with its planned community and conservation services. For a complete layout of the services, equipment, material and furniture needed, the local H.O.P.E Foundation members can be contacted as below. Please visit their website: www.hopefoundation.co.za for more information regarding projects where the H.O.P.E. Foundation are involved in. For escorted eco-tours within the Swartberg as well at other CapeNature Conservation areas contact True South Travel (044 272 0700) or visit their website: www.truesouthtravel.co.za for more information regarding the services they supply. FOR MORE INFORMATION, DONATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS CONTACT: The H.O.P.E Foundation thanks all their sponsors for their support ! « Go Back |