Transfrontier Conservation Areas

Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area

The ground-breaking Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) is a conservation collaboration between three countries – Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Measuring almost 10 000 000 hectares, the GLTFCA is an extensive area and encompasses the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe. The region also includes the Banhine and Zinave National Parks in Mozambique, as well as various privately, community and state-owned conservation areas in all three countries. The region is one of the few remaining parts of Southern Africa that still contains natural undeveloped areas with little human impact and influence. It is an extensive area of mostly flat savannah bisected from north to south by the imposing Lebombo Mountains and drained by four river systems flowing from west to east: the Limpopo, Olifants, Save and Komati.

Wildlife in Abundance
The region draws together vast conservation areas in Southern Africa and forms one of the largest protected areas in Africa.
There is an abundance of wildlife in the GLTFCA, which is home to 147 species of mammal, 116 reptile species, 49 species of fish, 34 species of frogs, 500 or more bird species, in addition to at least 2,000 species of plants.
It is possible to see all the iconic African big game, including elephant, black and white rhinoceros, lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and many antelope species.

Culture, Community and Living Heritage
In addition to incredible wildlife experiences and bush adventures, the GLTFCA has a fascinating cultural heritage, and traditional experiences and community-based activities are an added highlight for any traveller to the region. For those visiting the area, immersive cultural experiences provide insight into the traditional and contemporary cultures of the people who live in and around these wildlife areas.

Getting Around the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area
The GLTFCA is an exciting destination for any traveller, with a range of activities and options on offer, but this is not a formulaic destination by any means – the real value of the destination lies in the massive biodiversity of the region: the fascinating living heritage of the area and an authentic African experience far from the madding crowd. Itineraries should be carefully planned to incorporate travelling times and the vast expanse of mileage that will be covered on any trip incorporating the three countries. While there are some incredible market-ready excursions and attractions, tour operators and travellers should bear in mind that some of the attractions and experiences are currently being developed and fall into the future vision of the region. Please see the destination bruchure on the link at the bottom of this page for details of the tourism offerings.

The Gift of Freedom

There are so many wonderful opportunities for visitors to explore the expansive GLTFCA, and there are big plans ahead to grow the destination into a sought-after journey for the more conscious traveller who aims to make a difference to the conservation and preservation of wildlife, the upliftment of families surrounding the wildlife areas – and of course as a gift to themselves. Like the herds of elephant and buffalo who traverse these plains unhindered, here travellers too will explore the region and find their own sense of freedom.