Tlholego Ecovillage:

A Sustainable Development Project in Rural South Africa

Ecotourism

Introduction

The Tlholego village settlement offers an outstanding opportunity to observe and learn about native flora and fauna, African Iron Age culture, and to experience first-hand a contemporary rural settlement, which is emerging from a previously impoverished farm worker community. At the same time, you can experience an innovative model of sustainable living that includes permaculture food gardens, water harvesting, sanitation systems and energy efficient buildings within a sustainable village settlement. 

Your stay at Tlholego will be both a a relaxing break in these peaceful surroundings, and an opportunity to experience "real African" rural living. You can create your own schedule, or take advantage of tours and activities offered by community members to school groups, universities, interested organizations, and individuals. 

You will be warmly welcomed at Tlholego by community members who provide organic food from the community gardens, cooked outdoors in local style. The lodging facilities include beautifully designed structures that incorporate elements of traditional African architecture and sustainable housing design. 

During the quiet moments at dawn, you may see larger game at Tlholego including kudu (below right) and duikers (a type of antelope). And there is always an abundance of smaller creatures, such as porcupines, birds and chameleons (left). Leopard, hyenas, jackals, baboons and vervet monkeys populate the Magaliesberg range of hills which overlooks the TDP immediately to the east.

Most significant, there is a totally undeveloped archaeological site at TDP’s doorstep:  Molokwane, the largest stone-walled archaeological site in South Africa, is just one kilometer west of the TDP. It has been recommended as a national heritage site.

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Rustenburg and its surrounding areas are blessed with a rich cultural heritage, and if preserved and marketed through a variety of tourism projects, could assist in ensuring the survival of this heritage

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Further description of ecotourism opportunities at Tlholego village settlement follows this brief description of the wealth of ecotourism opportunities in the immediate region.  You can jump to:

• Ecotourism and the TDP Region

• Ecotourism at Tlholego

• Molokwane Iron Age Village

• Future Opportunities

One of Tlholego's lodgings:

mud walls 15-feet in diameter, brick floor, brick dome with round skylight on top

Kudu

More: Go to Next Ecotourism Page