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Tour de Tuli, formerly known as Tour de Kruger, a predominantly South African cycling tour for tourists, was initiated in 2005 to raise funds for children in areas along the route and ensure sustainability of wilderness by creating committed conservationist leaders.
ZTA head of corporate affairs Mr Sugar Chagonda said this year’s tour would start in Botswana on 2 August entering Zimbabwe from 3 to 6 August before climaxing the following day in South Africa under the Fed Health banner, the main sponsor of the event over the past three years.
“Tour de Tuli 2012-Mapungubwe route will cover northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana, Maramani Communal area, Sentinel Limpopo Safaris together with Nottingham Estate in Zimbabwe and Mapungubwe National Park in South Africa.
“This tour complements a lifetime adventure, incredible scenery, wildlife, wonderful community spirit as cyclists ride between 50 and 80 kilometres a day.
“The cyclists will spend more time in Zimbabwe where they will spend three nights; the first two at Maramani Campsite while the final night is at Nottingham Estate where both campsites overlook the mighty Limpopo River,” he said.
Mr Chagonda said the cycling tour presented an opportunity to diversify from the traditional tourism products available in Zimbabwe, A World of Wonders with Beitbridge being packaged as a cycling adventure destination.
He said this would go a long way in perception management through testimonials from the cyclists back in their respective countries.
“Tour de Tuli is rated the same as the popular Tour de France hence a must attend for cycling enthusiasts within Africa and beyond.”
In an effort to promote the diversity of Zimbabwe’s culture to the domestic and international markets, Mr
Chagonda said the ZTA would this year organise a community day within the Maramani community to celebrate the rich history and unique cultural heritage of this remote community.
“The day will bring together the community leadership, youth, cultural and traditional groups as they showcase their uniqueness to both locals and international delegates including media.”
He said the community day would also include a festival to promote community based tourism, a phenomenon that has not been fully explored in Zimbabwe.
Mr Chagonda said cycling tours had over the years grown leading to the incorporation of Botswana and Zimbabwe in the expeditions in July 2009 when the cycling tourists first entered into country through the Tuli Circle.
More than 350 participants from 13 countries around the globe including Australia, Canada, USA, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Singapore, Angola, Botswana and South Africa will participate at this year’s tour.
Online Reporter