The exclusive game reserve in eastern Botswana, Limpopo-Lipadi, recently won gold at the Homes Overseas awards for the Most Sustainable Development in the world for the second year running. This has yet again highlighted the dynamic way in which the game and wilderness reserve views its land, its abundance of wildlife, the work it does with local communities and of course the sustainability of these aspects. So as 2009 gets underway what sets Limpopo-Lipadi apart from other eco-friendly developments? What improvements are being made to continue expanding their green credentials and how are these actions monitored?
Here Alan Marneweck, the founder, director and share holder of Limpopo-Lipadi talks about the ongoing efforts to maintain the 0.1% carbon footprint that the reserve has on the environment and why it means more to them than a few figures on a piece of paper.
“We have a group working on the ground monitoring all the species of wildlife and plant life and as a result we have gained much knowledge on how the reserve is “feeling”. The information we gather is put into our extended asset management structure known as Big Foot which helps us monitor everything on the reserve; from the washing machines to the rhinos, we can see how each living and man made element impacts the land" says Marneweck.
Limpopo-Lipadi covers an expanse of 32,500 hectares in the Tuli block of Botswana and plans are already in place for expansion with the view to becoming a trans-frontier reserve. The project itself is an opportunity like no other with investors invited via a private placement memorandum to invest through the purchasing of a share/s in the entire project rather than a section of land or property title. Entry level investment per share is $195,000 and shareholders are encouraged to take a very active role in the running of the reserve. AGMs are attended by all and various projects within the reserve are open for shareholders to participate in, for example the recent relocation of a herd of elephants or the reintroduction of wild dogs to the reserve.
As a continent Africa is known for its precious natural resources and water is no exception; with 21km of Limpopo River frontage, water is one of Limpopo-Lipadi’s biggest assets. Its transformation from river water to drinking water has been an ongoing task, as Marneweck goes onto explain; “Although our biggest asset, supply from the river is not constant due to seasonal trends and the quality of the water varies extensively. The water derived from boreholes across the reserve is reliable but will be extracted conservatively in order to limit the disruption of the water storage in the ground. We will also be utilising another abundant natural resource – the sun – by powering the boreholes with solar energy."
The United Nations definition of sustainability reads: “A sustainable development is one that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” which explains the very ethos of the reserve.
When you think of an African safari do memories of watching Born Free or Out of Africa come flooding back? Do emotive tribal cries ring in your ears or maybe the majestic landscapes of the Masai Mara, the Serengeti or Kruger National Park flash through your mind?
Imagination aside, these destinations have become a reality for millions over the last few decades as advances in accessibility and technology have made visiting these unique locations easier and cheaper, but now, as other African countries such as Botswana open up, what is attracting the next generation of people on safari?
For a couple living in Wimbledon, south west London, the key factors for a successful safari experience are wildlife, conservation, direct involvement and sustainability; and for Gerald (originally from South Africa) and Kathleen Briers this was found at the award winning game and wilderness reserve, Limpopo-Lipadi, in the heart of Botswana.
The Limpopo-Lipadi reserve, located in the Tuli block in eastern Botswana, covers some 32,450 hectares, borders 21km of the banks of the Limpopo River, has a 4.5km long by 300m high mound (Lipadi Hill) with views that span 100km in all directions and has the largest number of free ranging elephants on privately owned land in the world. As well as the beloved elephant the reserve also plays home to leopard, hyena, giraffe, black-mane lion and abundant antelope species, river wildlife and around 400 species of birds.
Limpopo-Lipadi offers people passionate about the African bush the next generation safari experience by allowing them to buy a slice in the living, breathing corporation. Investors are welcome to purchase one or more shares in the game reserve through which real involvement is gained. Shares are available with an entry level of $195,000.
In addition to the fauna and flora, six low density accommodation camps are being constructed across the reserve for investors and their guests. The four lodges and two tented camps are being built to the highest specifications and utilise locally trained workers as part of the reserve´s corporate and social responsibility programs. The camps are designed by internationally acclaimed architects and whether it is a luxury canvassed abode or riverside lodge, the experience will be memorable.
The Briers invested in one share in Limpopo-Lipadi back in October 2007 which concluded a seven year search for an investment opportunity that would mean more to them than just parting with some cash. “We spent a considerable amount of time looking for the best investment that would incorporate all the factors important to us” says Gerald.
The Briers´ search included looking at reserves similar to that of the Kruger National Park in South Africa, one of the most famous game parks in the world. In fact South Africa in general is known for its vast number of game parks similar to this most celebrated one. Approximately the size of Wales, the Kruger plays host to around half a million visitors a year giving everyday people an experience of the bush that most would never be able to dream of.
For more information about investing in the next generation safari experience at Limpopo-Lipadi contact 0871 244 5152 or visit www.limpopo-lipadi.com.
The excitement surrounding the 2008 Homes Overseas Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London on Friday 28th November was justified by this years winners including Alan Marneweck, founder and director of Limpopo-Lipadi Game & Wilderness Reserve in Botswana, who received a gold award for Most Sustainable Development.
Worlds away from tracking rhino and habituating a new family of wild dogs onto the ever growing reserve located in eastern Botswana, Marneweck waited patiently as the awards were announced. Saving the best until last, some might say, the award for Most Sustainable Development was awarded to Limpopo-Lipadi for the second year running.
For more information on the award winning project of Limpopo-Lipadi please contact 0871 244 5152 or visit www.limpopo-lipadi.com.
Negative growth may sound like a paradox to some but this technical definition of recession has now become reality as Gordon Brown announced last week. The topic has indeed been consuming our media interest for many months now with things promising not to get any better soon. So with the words ‘credit crunch’ and ‘invest your money’ having no reason to appear in the same sentence, what is the answer amidst the chaos for those who do want to invest their money wisely? Cash remains cash and as banks collapse and governments step in to bail out institutions where can your money be safe? The answer: Botswana.
21km of the banks of the Limpopo River host the game and wilderness reserve Limpopo-Lipadi.With various lodges throughout the reserve the properties themselves are just a slice of what the project offers. The reserve is an investment opportunity like no other. It is an opportunity to invest money in something tangible and sustainable. From its wildlife to the game ranger vehicles to the various properties throughout the reserve; it’s unique and internationally acclaimed ecosystem model Big Foot, an asset management system, is which the team at Limpopo-Lipadi hope will set the standard in conservation sustainability in the 21st century and Limpopo-Lipadi, in short provides a safe and rewarding place to invest long term.
Graham Wood is a South African who works in the City and currently resides in South West London. Graham owns property in South Africa but was also specifically looking for something that he could invest in and leave as a legacy for any children he may have in the future.
As a shareholder in the project you own the game and wilderness reserve which is at an exciting point in its development; you will be able to visit the reserve as often as you like, be part of the decision making process at the reserves AGM and the capital will be used for everything from further land purchase to the development of the lodges and the expansion of game on the reserve.In conclusion the Limpopo-Lipadi reserve is an opportunity to be in charge of your own investment, allowing you greater control over your money.
So, if you go down to the banks today you could be in for a big surprise. Instead of a queue of people withdrawing their savings you will be greeted by a herd of elephants walking tale to tale. Instead of the sound of your thoughts about how the credit crunch will affect you and your family as you go to sleep, you will hear the roar of a lion as it marks its territory and instead of seeing your money remain fixed you will see it grow not only as a number but in a very physical and rewarding way.
There are different levels of investment involvement that you can commit to – from a purely financial point of view, entry level investment is $195,000, but in terms of the difference that you can practically make and the benefits that you can personally witness and enjoy, they are limitless.
For more information please contact 0871 244 5152 or visit www.limpopo-lipadi.com.
Today on September 30th 2008 Botswana celebrates 42 years of independence from Britain; in the current uncertain economic climate we talk to Alan Marneweck to discover where this southern African nation now sits and what the future holds for the Batswana as well as foreign investors. Alan Marneweck, Director and Founder of the Limpopo-Lipadi Game and Wilderness Reserve, has observed with great interest the history and development of Botswana. Although native to South Africa he has been awarded permanent residence of Botswana due to his continued work within the country.
It is over 130 years since the British Government put Bechuanaland (today’s Botswana) under its protection on the 31st March 1885. In 1920 two advisory councils representing Africans and Europeans were established followed by the proclamations in 1934 regulating tribal rule and powers. In fact to date tribal leaders still hold legal authority and take part in governmental meetings and decisions. It was not until 1964 that Britain accepted proposals for democratic self-government in Botswana and in 1965 the constitution led to the first general elections and subsequently independence, authentic systems of democracy truly representing the will of the people, hence the political stability. Currently in office is His Excellency, Lieutenant-General Seretse Khama Ian KHAMA, the son of the first president of Botswana, he is a president for the next term. He has even appeared on the popular British TV show Top Gear when the presenters undertook driving a car when they filmed in the Makgadikgadi Pan in northern Botswana.
The credit ratings agency Moody Investor Services has shown that Botswana’s current debt and liquidity has put the country on par with countries like Japan. The report also shows that the government’s prudent management of diamond export earnings has also added to its improved infrastructure and raised standards of living for its people.
From an investment point of view the nation has also improved its global ranking in the Doing Business 2009 report published by the World Bank and IFC. The recent report shows Botswana’s ranking rising 14 places from 52nd in the world to make it the 38th country most easy to do business with.
Not satisfied with just relying purely on the massive wealth that the country enjoys from being the world’s largest producer of diamonds (by value) – the income that accounts for more than one third of its GDP and circa 80% of export earnings – the government of Botswana has entered into a programme of fiscal diversification that is offering ongoing and significant opportunities for the development of multiple sectors of the economy – from tourism to real estate.
In fact the travel and tourism demand in Botswana is forecast to average 5% growth per annum over the next 10 years which will comfortably exceed expected worldwide growth of 4.4%. The demand is already being reflected in the nation’s employment figures. In 2006 the Botswana Tourism Board reported that travel and tourism accounted for one in every 10 jobs and in 2008 they expect the figure to grow to 1 in every 9, with this figure set to rise to 1 in every 7.5 jobs by 2018.
Limpopo-Lipadi, in eastern Botswana is a good example of the diversification of tourism and investment. Celebrating its 5th year in October 2008, Limpopo-Lipadi is proud to be part of such a growing nation whose aims for sustainable development are of the utmost importance.
The Limpopo-Lipadi reserve covers some 32,450 ha with the view to enlarging to 50,000+ ha. It has 6 lodge sites planned for full completion by December 2009 and has 21km of Limpopo river frontage. Investors have the opportunity to be involved with the entire project, from the study of eco systems to training to become a game ranger and the time the team have dedicated to making sure this project is rooted in the ethics of the country is reflected in their long term business plan.
There are different levels of investment involvement that you can commit to – from a purely financial point of view, entry level investment is $195,000, but in terms of the difference that you can practically make and the benefits that you can personally witness and enjoy, they are limitless. For more information visit www.limpopo-lipadi.com or call 0871 244 5152.
In keeping with Limpopo-Lipadi’s ethos as a sustainable and environmentally conscious game and wilderness reserve, the eco-friendly sandbag construction technique is being implemented for the first time in Botswana.
A popular construction method in neighbouring South Africa, the sandbag technique requires no electricity on site and minimal amounts of water; the materials are lightweight and make use of local resources and communities can learn the simple technique quickly. Homes built using the sandbag technique are waterproof, offer thermal stability remaining cool in summer and warm in winter and hold sound absorbing properties.
On the award winning Limpopo-Lipadi game and wilderness reserve which covers some 32,000 hectares of eastern Botswana, the shareholders have elected to utilise sandbag construction for the staff village in which some 50 local people live.
The sandbag homes in the staff village are nearing completion with the external plastering work and roofing using natural materials being undertaken. The first residents are expected January 2009.
A unique investment opportunity found in the heart of the African country Botswana, Limpopo-Lipadi covers an expanse of over 32,000 hectares. With various lodges throughout the reserve the properties themselves are just a slice of what the project offers. As an investor into the reserve you will be contributing to a unique and internationally acclaimed ecosystem model that Limpopo-Lipadi founders hope will set the standard in conservation sustainability in the 21st century.
As an investor into the project you own the game and wilderness reserve which is at an exciting point in its development; you will be able to visit the reserve as often as you like, be part of the decision making process of the reserve or just simply enjoy the many diverse ecosystems when you visit., Your capital will be used for everything from further land purchase to the development of the lodges, camps and two (only one) commercial tourism properties for the introduction of paying guests to the reserve.
You can choose to stay at the Island Lodge, River Camp, Kirkia Forest Camp, Mountain Rock Lodge, Marula Tree Tented Camp or Wilderness Tented Camp. These lodges and camps enable you to enjoy the reserve through the diverse seasons in different locations and cater for your every bush experience need.
The 15th May 2008 will go down in history for the Botswanan game reserve Limpopo-Lipadi. It marks the day that one of the largest private movements of elephants was carried out. 68 elephants in total were moved to neighbouring land from the private game reserve in order to secure the magnificent creature’s sustainability in the region.
Limpopo-Lipadi is a game and wilderness reserve that encourages people to invest into the way of life in Botswana. It is focussed on sustainable and ecological methods of construction and conservation; the moral and physical foundations built today will help preserve the future life of the game reserve and surrounding nature and communities.
Limpopo-Lipadi’s aptly named ‘Project Dumbo’ had become necessary due to the over population of the loved animals on the game reserve. Their increasing numbers had begun to put the finely balanced landscape under pressure and therefore in order for both the vegetation and the elephants to remain sustainable a number of the population had to be relocated.
A team of accomplished and respected vets, game counters and capture pilots was established in order to monitor the animals’ health and safety throughout the removal. As part of Project Dumbo, two matriarchs (the oldest and most respected elephants) of two herds had to be identified and collared and a set number of other elephants identified for the removal to the neighbouring park. Permissions were sought from Botswana Wildlife and neighbouring land owners and the green light for Project Dumbo was given.
Shareholders of Limpopo-Lipadi travelled from across the globe creating a truly international team effort, a great example of the reserves ethos: giving all members of the project the chance to be involved in its future.
Everyone was assigned tasks whether it was involvement in the collaring process or filling empty egg shells with paint to drop on the elephants in order to identify those that would be removed. Due to the expertise and hard work of the team Project Dumbo was a great success with the reserve being left with 51 elephants on its land.
Limpopo-Lipadi’s 32,450 hectares is home not only to elephants but to diverse animal species including lion, leopard, cheetah, hippo, white rhino, crocodile, 400 bird species, 37 fish species and a large selection of reptiles. It will also soon be home to one of the world’s most endangered species, the Black Rhino, which has been seriously reduced in number throughout the world due to illegal hunting. In fact, the Black Rhino has been listed as critically endangered by IUCN – The World Conservation Union. Plans to reintroduce the animal into the reserve are well underway and hopes are that Limpopo-Lipadi will hold the largest number of Black Rhino in Botswana.
Whether it’s the wildlife, the people or just the ethics behind this project, Limpopo-Lipadi is a world away from other investment opportunities. As July 2008 sees the Baobab fruit, a ‘super food’ commonly found in Botswana, given permission to be used in smoothies and snack bars, it seems that more and more we are looking for the next big thing to make us feel good inside and out. Limpopo-Lipadi offers just that. Investing in the reserve and ultimately the lifestyle costs $195,000 per share and for more information on how this could become a reality please visit www.limpopo-lipadi.com or call 0027 12349 2437.
A unique investment opportunity found in the heart of the African country Botswana, Limpopo-Lipadi covers an expanse of over 80,000 acres. With various lodges throughout the reserve the properties themselves are just a slice of what the project offers. As an investor into the reserve you will be contributing to a unique and internationally acclaimed ecosystem model that Limpopo-Lipadi founder’s hope will set the standard in conservation sustainability in the 21st century.
As an investor into the project you own the game and wilderness reserve which is at an exciting point in its development; you will be able to visit the reserve as often as you like, be part of the decision making process of the reserve or just simply enjoy the many diverse ecosystems when you visit., Your capital will be used for everything from further land purchase to the development of the lodges, camps and two commercial tourism properties for the introduction of paying guests to the reserve.
All investors further benefit from having the option of driving or walking with experienced rangers in the reserve or even qualifying to self-drive and explore freely.
If you’re seeking a new trend in travel for 2008, a fresh investment and lifestyle opportunity or you just want to broaden your physical and spiritual horizons, then the time is right to discover Botswana.
This is an investment opportunity like no other – it is an opportunity for passionate people, people who prefer to earn their rewards rather than simply buying them, people who want hands on exposure to the development of an exciting tourism project and more significantly, people who want to be a part of preserving and enhancing the natural landscape of a stunning African nation.
For more information please visit http://www.limpopo-lipadi.com or call 0027 12 349 2437.
The saying goes: “The dust of Africa never leaves the soles of your feet” which must explain the continued growth in tourism on the continent and especially the nation of Botswana.
Botswana is one of the most politically and economically stable countries in Africa and it ranks number 36 in the world according to the 2008 Index of Economic Freedom, a report that is compiled by the Heritage Foundation and Wall Street Journal. This figure seems to be reflected in the comments from Botswana’s Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Honorable Onkokame Kitso Mokaila who recently announced that Travel and Tourism will be made a priority for the country’s economy even more than it has been in past years.
Botswana has been one of the fastest growing nations in the world over the past 25 years and with July 2008 being earmarked as the month of national heritage it is easy to see why this nation has a continuous growth in economical and tourist figures. It has a government and a people that believe in the bigger picture; a long term effect on the economy as an independent market and its place in the world market.
The travel and tourism demand in Botswana is forecast to average 5% growth per annum over the next 10 years which will comfortably exceed expected worldwide growth of 4.4%. The demand is already being reflected in the nation’s employment figures. In 2006 the Botswana Tourism Board reported that travel and tourism accounted for one in every 10 jobs and in 2008 they expect the figure to improve to 1 in every 9, by 2018 this figure is set to rise to 1 in every 7.5 jobs.
Limpopo-Lipadi is an independent game and wilderness reserve in eastern Botswana which is celebrating its 5th year in development in October 2008 with the completion of 6 lodge sites planned for December 2009. Covering some 32,450 ha with the view to enlarging to 50,000+ ha and 21km of Limpopo river frontage the reserve is considerable. In terms of the time the team have dedicated to making sure this project is routed in the ethics of the country as a whole and its long term visions to implement more of the ecological and sustainable features of running such a large project, it goes without saying that investing is more than parting with some cash.
The Limpopo-Lipadi project perfectly represents the type of intelligent, improving and enabling eco-responsible tourism investment project that the government of Botswana is encouraging. At its core the project offers those with a keen interest in the nation, its wildlife and in augmenting the lives of the local people a chance to make a real difference. There are different levels of investment involvement that you can commit to – from a purely financial point of view, entry level investment is $195,000, but in terms of the difference that you can practically make and the benefits that you can personally witness and enjoy, they are limitless.
For more information contact 00 27 12 349 2437 or visit www.limpopo-lipadi.com.
The economy of Botswana can be considered a diamond in the rough when examined against all other African economies – and what’s more, Botswana is a stand-alone investment success story of a nation in global terms.
Not only is the nation politically and economically stable, Botswana also enjoys the highest sovereign credit rating on the continent of Africa, it is a middle income nation with a strong GDP growth rate in the region of at least 4.7% annually, it has been one of the fastest growing nations in the world over the last 25 years, and as the least corrupt country in Africa it is rapidly increasing in interest among the foreign investor community.
Not satisfied with relying purely on the massive wealth that the country enjoys from its rich diamond industry, the income from which accounts for more than one third of GDP and circa 80% of export earnings, the government of Botswana has entered into a programme of fiscal diversification that is offering ongoing and significant opportunities for the development of multiple sectors of the economy – from tourism to real estate for example. In addition to this programme of economic diversification, Botswana has implemented a seven-pronged socio-economic and political development plan called Vision 2016 to ensure that Botswana is a competitive, winning and prosperous nation where the future of all citizens is assured.
As part of the development of a diversified economy, the government is part owner of a new 83 million dollar diamond-processing plant that employs 3,000 local citizens. The plant ensures that more of the diamond generated wealth of the nation remains in Botswana and it gives the government greater revenues to support emerging sectors of the economy – of which tourism is considered the sector with the greatest future potential.
The government of Botswana is particularly keen to support and encourage private investment in the tourism industry, and it has a specific tourism policy to stimulate investment and encourage the sustainable management and utilisation of the nation’s diverse wildlife and natural environmental attributes. This is so that Botswana can be preserved for future generations, but enjoyed today by a global tourism base.
Because the government’s tourism investment plan places particular emphasis on eco-tourism and investments that support and enhance local communities, the award winning game and wilderness resort project Limpopo-Lipadi is one that is not only enjoying significant international interest, but one enjoying specific national support as well. It is a project that’s considered to be an exceptional investment opportunity in financial terms, and also in terms of the fact that shareholders are investing in the nation and its people.
Alan Marneweck, Director and shareholder of Limpopo-Lipadi sums up the attraction of the reserve as well as an investment made in Botswana: “Botswana is an incredibly prosperous nation with a wealth of stunning natural attributes. It benefits from having a sagacious and forward thinking, enabling government that encourages intelligent and sustainable investment, and what’s more, Botswana is a nation with a flourishing tourism industry that represents pure investment opportunity. These facts make it investment heaven for foreign investors seeking diversification and strong profitability of course.
The Limpopo-Lipadi project perfectly represents the type of intelligent, improving and enabling eco-responsible tourism investment project in Botswana. At its core the project offers those with a keen interest in the nation, its wildlife and in augmenting the lives of the local people a chance to make a real difference. There are different levels of investment involvement that you can commit to – from a purely financial point of view, entry level investment is EUR 135,000, but in terms of the difference that you can practically make and the benefits that you can personally witness and enjoy, they are limitless.