Durban – As Africa’s Travel Indaba wrapped up today, the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA) made waves with a landmark agreement aimed at transforming how the world experiences one of South Africa’s greatest treasures: the Kruger National Park.
On Wednesday, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Limpopo and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), signaling the start of a partnership that seeks to market the two provinces as a single tourism destination.
Speaking exclusively to African Times at the Limpopo Tourism stand today, Moses Ngobeni, CEO of LTA, gave us an inside look at what this deal really means—not just for tourism, but for jobs, small businesses, and the unity of people across provinces.
“Kruger doesn’t end where the border is. Yesterday it was the day to sign our MOU with Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Board,” Ngobeni explained. “As you know, ourselves and Mpumalanga, we share borders. But one thing that connects us is Kruger National Park. It starts in Mpumalanga and ends in Limpopo.”
Ngobeni shared how Kruger National Park is more than just a wildlife destination—it’s a cultural and economic bridge between two provinces. “If you want to play golf in Kruger, you’ll go to Mpumalanga. But if you want to learn about the history of elephants, you’ll come to the Limpopo side. So we realized, why not sell it as one product?”
Shared Tourism, Shared Growth
The message from both provinces is clear: travelers don’t care about provincial lines, they care about experiences. And places like Hoedspruit, Maripskop, and Groblersdal are proof that tourism can thrive beyond borders.
“People don’t even know where they are when they visit these areas,” said Ngobeni. “They just enjoy the experience. So, we said with Mpumalanga, let’s bring all the products together. Because whether it’s Limpopo or Mpumalanga, the jobs and the opportunities benefit our communities.”
Seamless Travel, Seamless Booking
The agencies are also working toward making it easier for tourists to book cross-border experiences. “At Maripskop, the mountain summit is in Mpumalanga and the trail starts in Limpopo. Visitors don’t know where to book—so we are saying, let’s create seamless booking systems,” Ngobeni said.
Why Launch at Africa’s Travel Indaba?
Africa’s Travel Indaba 2025, held this week in Durban, was the perfect stage for this announcement.
“Look, we are bringing our SMMEs here,” said Ngobeni. “We could have signed this in an office, but the implementation is with our small product owners. They are the ones who need to see that we are working together.”
This year, 54 Limpopo-based tourism businesses exhibited at the province’s vibrant stand, connecting with local and international buyers. Two regional airports—White River in Mpumalanga and Hoedspruit in Limpopo—also took part, showing the importance of shared infrastructure in tourism development.
A Platform for Unity, Culture and Growth
Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Tshitereke Baldwin Matibe, hailed the MoU as a major step forward. “Tourism knows no boundaries,” he said. “Travellers are unaware of which province they’re in. What matters is the experience.”
He emphasized that joint marketing, integrated itineraries, and co-investment in rural areas can unlock real economic impact—especially for SMMEs.
Andrew Dipela, chairperson of LTA, added that beyond showcasing Limpopo’s tourism products, the goal is long-term development. “We’re not just here to exhibit—we’re here to learn, to grow, and to build.”
Cultural Unity on Display
Limpopo’s stand also drew admiration for its rich cultural representation. Ngobeni proudly explained how the design honors the province’s diverse heritage: “If you look at the pillars, they represent the three cultures—Venda, Tsonga, and Pedi. Limpopo united three former homelands, and we celebrate that unity through everything we do.”
Looking Ahead
With the successful signing of the MoU, the momentum continues. From the Marula Festival to the 2025 National Tourism Career Expo, Limpopo is positioning itself as more than just a destination—it’s becoming a national leader in inclusive tourism development.
As Ngobeni summed it up, “We don’t compete with each other—we collaborate. Because when we go to market, we go together. And that’s how we all win.”
