| |
In recent years the community of Moremi formed a trust with the intention of
developing a Community Based Natural Resource Management Project. The locals
hope to fence off the Moremi Hill, on which the Moremi Gorge lies situated. They
intend to establish overnight camping facilities for visitors, which will
generate much needed funds for the community via entrance fees.
The Moremi Gorge is located 50 km east of the village of Palapye and the scenic
and spectacular Tswapong Hills. Visitors to the region are provided with the
opportunity of exploring the rich, historical, cultural and natural features of
the area, and are afforded awe-inspiring views of the magnificent Moremi Gorge.
The gorge was formed by numerous seasonal rivers fed by natural springs up in
the hills, which carve deep into the steep-sided hills and cliffs of the area.
The springs form permanent waterfalls which plummet down into deep pools below,
fringed by a variety of unique mosses and ferns found nowhere else in Botswana.
The streams and pools also provide excellent habitats for small fish and crabs,
which serve as food for the abundant bird life of the region.
The gorge is also home to a rich diversity of fauna and flora, and has also
gained status as an area for the protection of the endangered Cape Vulture (Gyps
Coprotheres) and the Black Eagle (Aquila Verreauxii). The hills are frequented
by such species as leopard, hyena and kudu, and large variety of butterfly
species. The cliffs above the gorge provide shelter for baboons, rock rabbits
and dassies. Many of the higher reaches of the gorge have remained relatively
unexplored, and thus unspoilt.
Aside from the natural scenic beauty of the area, the Moremi Gorge is believed
to have supernatural powers, and is said to be the dwelling place of ancestral
spirits. Some traditionalists still make pilgrimages to the hills to consult
their ancestors and seek divine healing.
The Moremi region was once the home of the Bapedi/ Batswapong people,
who inhabited the area centuries ago, and were ruled by Kgosi Mapulane in the
early 1800's. As a result of this, Moremi Gorge is rich in historical and
archaeological findings. One of the springs which lie in the rocky area served
as a source of water for Bapedi and their livestock. Various historical remains
such as the grave of Kgosi Mapulane and his sons, as well as the original
village and school can be found in the area.
Another feature of historical significance is the legendary 'Tshekedi Road'
which was meant to connect Moeng College to Palapye but was said to be abandoned
after the spirits opposed the construction of the new road.
Nearby Towns:Tom Burke, Swartwater, Marnitz, Tolwe, Lephalale, Ellisras, Tuli Block, Marken, Francistown, Alldays, Rooibokkraal, Vaalwater, Sterkrivier, Alma, Agatha |
|
|
|