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Boundless Southern Africa Showcases the Power of Cross-Border Tourism with the GLTFCA Adventure Trophy
24 September 2025
Boundless Southern Africa, with support from the Joint Action NaturAfrica / Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management (C-NRM) Programme, a partnership between the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the European Union, and the German Government, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), celebrated the successful completion of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) Adventure Trophy. Held from 30 August to 07 September 2025, the event spanned three partner states: Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
This pioneering adventure showcased the region’s extraordinary natural beauty, cultural richness, and the seamless potential of a three-country, one-itinerary tourism experience. With 44 participants and 22 vehicles, accompanied by two journalists and a filmmaker, the journey offered a rare opportunity to explore three of Southern Africa’s most iconic protected areas: Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, Kruger National Park in South Africa, and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe.
The Adventure Trophy commenced on 30 August with registration at Awelani Community Lodge, setting the tone for a journey rooted in conservation and community engagement. Over the course of the week, participants:
• Traversed Zimbabwe’s Sengwe-Tshipise Corridor and camped at the Manjinji Pan community campsite, a model for community-based tourism;
• Explored the dramatic landscapes of Gonarezhou National Park, from the majestic Chilojo Cliffs to the wild banks of the Runde River, embracing the rugged charm of bush camping;
• Engaged with local communities at Lowveld Wanderer Camp, where conservation efforts are closely tied to sustainable livelihoods;
• Entered Mozambique via the Sango Border Post, crossed the historic Mapai Pontoon on the Limpopo River, camped under star-filled skies along its banks, and;
• Concluded the journey with a symbolic crossing back into South Africa through the Pafuri Border Post, finishing where it began, at Awelani Community Lodge.
More than just an adventure, the Trophy served as a compelling demonstration of how Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) can unlock tourism growth, generate employment, and foster regional cooperation.
The GLTFCA Adventure Trophy highlights the transformative potential of cross-border conservation tourism. By linking protected areas across three nations, the TFCA offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience ecosystems without borders and contribute meaningfully to both conservation and community development.
Boundless Southern Africa extended heartfelt appreciation to the Government Ministries, Departments, and agencies of Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe for their unwavering support. Their dedication to transboundary conservation and tourism development was pivotal to the success of this initiative.
The Adventure Trophy stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through strategic partnerships, visionary planning, and shared stewardship of natural heritage. It lays the foundation for future cross-border tourism products that position Southern Africa as a premier global destination for adventure, wildlife, and cultural travel.
Aligned with the SADC Tourism Programme 2020–2030, the Adventure Trophy contributes to regional efforts to diversify tourism offerings, strengthen transboundary collaboration, and elevate the visibility of Southern Africa’s unique tourism assets on the global stage.
Boundless Southern Africa remains committed to championing initiatives that celebrate conservation landscapes, empower local communities, and drive sustainable economic growth throughout the region.
For more information contact:
Gwinyai Muti
International Coordinator
Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA)
Email: gmuti@peaceparks.org
This pioneering adventure showcased the region’s extraordinary natural beauty, cultural richness, and the seamless potential of a three-country, one-itinerary tourism experience. With 44 participants and 22 vehicles, accompanied by two journalists and a filmmaker, the journey offered a rare opportunity to explore three of Southern Africa’s most iconic protected areas: Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, Kruger National Park in South Africa, and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe.
The Adventure Trophy commenced on 30 August with registration at Awelani Community Lodge, setting the tone for a journey rooted in conservation and community engagement. Over the course of the week, participants:
• Traversed Zimbabwe’s Sengwe-Tshipise Corridor and camped at the Manjinji Pan community campsite, a model for community-based tourism;
• Explored the dramatic landscapes of Gonarezhou National Park, from the majestic Chilojo Cliffs to the wild banks of the Runde River, embracing the rugged charm of bush camping;
• Engaged with local communities at Lowveld Wanderer Camp, where conservation efforts are closely tied to sustainable livelihoods;
• Entered Mozambique via the Sango Border Post, crossed the historic Mapai Pontoon on the Limpopo River, camped under star-filled skies along its banks, and;
• Concluded the journey with a symbolic crossing back into South Africa through the Pafuri Border Post, finishing where it began, at Awelani Community Lodge.
More than just an adventure, the Trophy served as a compelling demonstration of how Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) can unlock tourism growth, generate employment, and foster regional cooperation.
The GLTFCA Adventure Trophy highlights the transformative potential of cross-border conservation tourism. By linking protected areas across three nations, the TFCA offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience ecosystems without borders and contribute meaningfully to both conservation and community development.
Boundless Southern Africa extended heartfelt appreciation to the Government Ministries, Departments, and agencies of Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe for their unwavering support. Their dedication to transboundary conservation and tourism development was pivotal to the success of this initiative.
The Adventure Trophy stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through strategic partnerships, visionary planning, and shared stewardship of natural heritage. It lays the foundation for future cross-border tourism products that position Southern Africa as a premier global destination for adventure, wildlife, and cultural travel.
Aligned with the SADC Tourism Programme 2020–2030, the Adventure Trophy contributes to regional efforts to diversify tourism offerings, strengthen transboundary collaboration, and elevate the visibility of Southern Africa’s unique tourism assets on the global stage.
Boundless Southern Africa remains committed to championing initiatives that celebrate conservation landscapes, empower local communities, and drive sustainable economic growth throughout the region.
For more information contact:
Gwinyai Muti
International Coordinator
Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA)
Email: gmuti@peaceparks.org
