Limpopo Golf & Safari Route Agent update 2014 Quarter 1 This communication is the fruit from a recent Limpopo Golf & Safari Route members meeting, where a need was identified to keep agents up to date on happenings at the golf resorts in Limpopo. This will help with agent s better understanding of the product for packaging into itineraries etc. As the appointed marketing agents for the Limpopo Golf & Safari Route, we are pleased to bring you the first of quarterly update, with information on what s new regarding the golf route and a summary of the most important and relevant new information at the resorts to assist you with your product knowledge. We understand that Limpopo is firstly quite far away from agents residing in Cape Town and Durban, secondly being a new destination is very unknown and thirdly there are many changes happening that you may not be aware of. We have also given the contact details of each resort in case you are looking for further information, STO rates or to set up a site inspection as often the right person can take some time to locate. We will go in order of updates on each resort, starting south and working our way north and then east. Firstly though, the latest and greatest happening to the Limpopo Golf & Safari Route is that Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa has come on board as the sixth resort to become a member, meaning that all six of the main 18 hole golf resorts in Limpopo are members of this marketing initiative together with Limpopo Tourism Agency and PelePele Travel & Marketing as the marketing agents. The sole reason of this initiative is to increase awareness and so demand for golf in Limpopo and be the obvious choice for inclusion of between 5 9 nights on any South African package.
Why? The safari element of the real African experience and the offering of 6 golf resorts in close proximity to each other are the main unique selling propositions making this attractive for locals and internationals alike. Zebula Golf Estate & Spa Contact: Marie Brummer Conferencing & Events Sales Co-Ordinator mbrummer@zebula.co.za +27 (0)14 734 7706 Rain at last! On Thursday 20 th February 2014 the general topic of conversation at Zebula Golf Estate and Spa centered around the prolonged drought that had affected the Estate and the course over the past two years. Twenty one days later on Thursday 13 th March all dams on the property were overflowing. We currently have enough water to maintain the golf course for two full seasons. With the last two weeks of rain condition with no further watering our fairways are back to 90% coverage and we are expecting to achieve 100% within the first week of April 2014. Zebula has also recently made alterations to their club house, offering a more specious and light feel with fantastic décor and their new conference rooms offer amazing views over the course. A few pics below including one of Golf Manager Ian Leach dancing in the rain!
Elements Private Golf Reserve Contact: Crizelda van Niekerk Pro-Shop Manager & Club Professional elepro@legacyhotels.co.za +27 (0)14 736 6910 The access road to Elements is in much better condition and will be kept in a better state throughout. Rains have come at last. The recovery of the course has been remarkable. Heavens fertilizer has done the trick as the course is turning green so fast. It is as if you can see the change daily and the fairways are growing beautifully. I believe that come 11 March the Golf Digest subscribers challenge event will look great. Other upcoming events at Elements is the IGT tour finals where the winner drives away from Elements with a C200 Mercedes! Koro Creek Estate Contact: Sean Verdon General Manager manager@korocreek.com +27 (0)14 717 1181
A hidden gem, located in Modimolle (Nylstroom) just 20 minutes drive from Euphoria. This well established estate has an impressive amount of lovely houses in the thatch roof style, a wonderful safari feel clubhouse and they certainly do serve one of the BEST and most affordable pizzas you will ever have. Well worth a visit, and a slice! Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro Contact: Marthsu Pienaar Front Office & Housekeeping Manager info@euphoriahydro.co.za +27 (0)14 743 5000 Euphoria has been able to weather the drought and has been kept mostly green in the past few months. The course is back to an excellent standard and both the cablecar and the Sundowner Deck restaurant are in full working order. We encourage agents to package in sundowners or a braai in the sky to enjoy the lovely views over the golf course and plains.
Legend Golf & Safari Resort Contact: Pete Richardson Director Sport, Events, Public & Guest Relations pete.r@legendlodges.co.za +27 (0)71 623 1562 Legend s much awaited 2000 m2 clubhouse will be opening this winter! The clubhouse includes 5 new buildings! This includes a spacious restaurant and bar, outdoor dining area, braai and viewing deck, Big Sky open rooftop venue, luxury changing rooms, dedicated parking area for golfers, 2 nd putting green, exclusive members lounge, large new Pro Shop, outdoor activity shop and state of the art gym. Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa Contact: Elize Malan reservations@hansmerensky.com +27 (0)83 491 8231 The estate is establishing itself once again as one of the premier golf and safari locations in Limpopo and South Africa. We recently met owner Shamira Rinderknecht who attending the Limpopo member meeting and has personally committed to uplifting the product and service to its former glory and renew agent s faith in this popular resort.
The power issues have been sorted with the mine and guests can be assured of a great experience. In fact, just a week before, they report an elephant on the golf course which had to be nicely ushered off before the days play started. The sign below is very apt. A popular route is for clients to head to the Waterberg ie to one of the resorts only 2 hours from Johannesburg, play and stay a few nights as they head north and then head east to the Kruger Park to Hans Merensky. The driving time for Legend to Hans Merensky is around 3,5 hours. For any further info on the Route, please shout we would gladly assist you with further product knowledge, ideal itineraries, feedback suggestions as we strive to collaborate with the industry to drive numbers to Limpopo and our beautiful country! For easy, quick updates, do like our Facebook page as well where relevant info will be posted. (www.facebook.com/limpopogolfandsafari) Kind regards, Natalie van Blerk Limpopo Golf & Safari Route - Marketing PelePele Travel & Marketing