The Mopani Tourist Camp, in the northern Kruger National Park, was a hive of activity at the weekend, when a large contingent of national media representatives and other guests attended the official launch of Limpopo's Eclipse 2002 project.

The total solar eclipse is expected to attract at least 30 000 visitors to the province, as its Far North region is the prime place from which to view this unique natural phenomenon.

Provincial Tourism and Parks Board Chief Edgar Mushwana told reporters that all available accommodation north of Polokwane was fully booked for the first week of December. He said scores of private residents have also opened their homes to tourists. In addition, several temporary tented camps are to be erected inside the Kruger National Park.

Premier Ngoako Ramatlhodi pointed out that it was not just the responsibility of government and tourism officials to ensure that the tourism project would be a memorable occasion. Every resident of Limpopo could contribute towards making visitors feel welcome in the province.

Media representatives visited a number of the selected viewing points in and near the park.

The southernmost venue is a straight stretch of road between the Mopani and Shingwedzi tourist camps, where parking for several hundred vehicles will be provided. There will also be refreshment stands and temporary toilet facilities for visitors.

Communities at Makone, Mutale, Masisi, Thulamela and Musina have declared themselves ready for the expected influx of people. There is also an interesting viewing site on a hill at Wisani Lodge, near the Punda Maria entrance gate to the Kruger National Park.

Although various entrance gates to the park will open at 04:30 on December 4, only a limited number of vehicles will be allowed into the park. A special campaign has been launched to warn people of the dangers of looking directly at the sun, without using special spectacles designed for viewing the sun during the eclipse.