Beitbridge
A gateway to Zimbabwe
Activities and attractions • Archaeological sites • 4x4 trails • Fishing • Game drives
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ordering South Africa, Beitbridge is a small town located in the Matabeleland province of Zimbabwe. As the busiest border post in southern Africa, the town is predominantly used as a stopover point. But there is much more to do in and around Beitbridge than meets the eye. To the south of Beitbridge, the Limpopo River is fantastic for fishing, as is the Mashilichokwe Dam, which has large numbers of prime bass and bream. If passing through the border post, visitors will have already driven over the Alfred Beit Road Bridge, but it is well worth a second look. The original Alfred Beit Bridge (which now only carries rail traffic) was named after the gold industrialist and opened in 1929. The new bridge was erected in 1995, accommodates a high demand of traffic at the gateway between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and is one of Zimbabwe’s greatest constructions.
Beitbridge is dominated by local Venda people, who are also resident in the Vhembe district of South Africa, and offers a great amount of cultural diversity and historical opportunities. Travellers can partake in cultural tours around the villages, explore rock art and ancient rock formations, view the famous Bushman paintings, or discover the palaeontological sites with dinosaur fossils and footprints, all within a short drive.
Settlement Located 90 km from Beitbridge and built in 1890, Fort Tuli was the first settlement of the Pioneer Column and used by Patrick Selous as a base for hunting expeditions. Tourists are able to visit the Pioneer Grave Yard, the Pioneer Prison, the Old Fort, and the Somlale Ruins. The neighbouring Tuli Safari Area is a protected area and covers four reserves. Tuli consists of mostly scrubland and is
BEITBRIDGE EXPRESS
N6 Highway, P.O. Box 371, Beitbridge www.beitbridgeexpresshotel.com
• Bird watching • Spoor tracking • Tsipise Hot Springs • Citrus plantations • Walking safaris home to elephant, cheetah, leopard, black rhino, wild dogs and lion. For wildlife lovers, however, one of the most memorable things to do is to watch elephant feeding up close and in huge numbers. Herds of elephant and other animals gather by Fly Camp to enjoy eating (and even rolling in) orange pulp, given to them as a special treat. The experience is unlike any other.
Location: Beitbridge
Tel: +263 712 219 247 Email: kuduland@nottinghamestate.co.za www.nottinghamadventures.co.za
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NOTTINGHAM FISHING RETREAT
Greater Kuduland is found on the banks of the Limpopo River under an umbrella of trees and with green lawns. This venue is perfect for family gatherings, functions, team building, weddings or a night stopover. Kuduland has six en-suite air conditioned chalets, five barracas and a number of campsites. Each camp has its own pool.
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RAINBOW BEITBRIDGE HOTEL
Location: Beitbridge
1 NSSA Drive, Beitbridge Tel: +263 286 23 116/7 Email: reservations.rainbowbb@rtg.co.zw www.rtgafrica.com
Location: Beitbridge
Tel: +26 3715 480239 Email: bookings@nottinghamestate.co.za www.nottinghamadventures.co.za Nottingham Fishing Retreat is on the banks of Mashilichokwe Dam, offering 7 km of pristine water with prime bass and bream fishing, birdlife, crocodiles and hippos. The retreat has seven en-suite air conditioned rooms, a dining room and a bar area with a beautiful rock pool.
• Photographic safaris
GREATER KUDULAND SAFARIS
Location: Beitbridge
Fornerly named the Holiday Inn Express Beitbridge, this hotel is a comfortable middle-range business hotel. Accommodation comprises 104 air conditioned rooms with use of the hotel facilities including a pool, restaurant, laundry service, dry cleaning, conference rooms and free parking. Beitbridge Express is located in a quiet part of Beitbridge and offers its guests peace and relaxation as well as meeting all business needs.
• Cultural tours
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Located within walking distance of major shops and amenities, the Rainbow Beitbridge Hotel is ideal for those travelling on business, leisure or simply transiting. With a total of 136 rooms comprising double, twin, executive, diplomatic and paraplegic, the Rainbow Beitbridge Hotel offers a great variety and can cater for distinctive accommodation requirements.
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