Open Africa launches 64th route in North West

Dark clouds and the threat of a Highveld thunderstorm couldn’t stop the excitement as non-profit organisation Open Africa launched its 64th route, the Segarona Heritage Experience in a celebration of local dance and entertainment, traditional food and refreshments supplied by route sponsor, SAB Foundation.

The launch took place at a community-owned accommodation just outside of Mabalstad in the North West on Friday, 28 September where local entrepreneurs, members of participating municipalities, tribal leaders and other travel and tourism enterprises gathered together under a marquee to witness the unveiling of their route and meet with each other to kick-start the networking and sharing process Open Africa encourages its participants along all of its self-drive travel routes.

Developed to link the local communities in the corridor between two of the most popular parks in the country and in the region, the Pilansberg National Park and the Madikwe Nature Reserve, the route emphasises the heritage of the area with attractions such as Kaditshwene Village Ruins, proving that the Tswana people inhabited this area from the early 1800s, while the ruins of the Livingstone Mission Station in Lehurutshe pay tribute to one of Southern Africa’s most famous explorers.

Chief Eddie Moetsi of Mabalstad addressed the crowd while local guesthouse owner, Robbie Reichel spoke of how tourism was an important driver for change and expressed his excitement and gratitude to Open Africa for their work in the area.

Two dance groups from the nearby village of Mabalstad entertained the crowd with their high-energy performances and guests enjoyed a delicious traditional meal of braised beef stew, pap, chicken, cabbage, spinach and sorghum. The Open Africa team got into the swing of things where one of us was given an African makeover. Route sponsor SAB Foundation generously provided the afternoon's alcoholic refreshments for the afternoon.

To read more about the Segarona Heritage Experience, click here or find us on Facebook to view photographs from the route launch.