Dear Friends

So much has happened since the inception of this project of world firsts that we felt the need to communicate with everyone interested in the project. This Newsletter will serve to give periodic updates on the progress on the development as well as other matters of interest related to the greater reserve.

Background and History

Peet Cilliers, CEO of the Legend Lodges, Hotels and Resorts Group and his wife Mart have co-owned and lived on the Entabeni Conservancy for over 10 years. This awesomely beautiful region of The Waterberg,a breathtaking part of Africa's wild bushveld encompasses 22,000 Hectares of “Big 5” Wilderness and includes the imposing Hanglip Mountain and the Doorndraai Dam.

Peet has been the driving force behind the development of the Legend Golf and Safari Resort on property adjacent to the reserve, with the stated objectives of not imposing on the natural beauty of the surroundings and minimizing the impact on the environment. This development boasts a number of World firsts and promises to be the Premier Exclusive leisure and residential destination of its type in South Africa.

Integral to the development has been the need to benefit and uplift the local community and to provide a boost for the Limpopo Province.

In keeping with the legends pertaining to the past civilizations, people and history of the region, the development has drawn inspiration from the architecture prevalent at the height of the ancient Empire of Monomotapa, remnants of which are to be found at the ruins of Mapungubwe, situated near to the property in Limpopo, and Greater Zimbabwe.

The Monumental Gate House, now complete, with its 10m high stone walls is a fine example of this architecture, faithful to the scale and extent of the original outer wall of Great Zimbabwe.

The result is a unique destination, in a malaria free wilderness, accessible to all, providing a perfect balance between nature and luxury lifestyle, with amenities and activities to suit every requirement.

A legacy of “Firsts”

• First 18 signature Golf Course - 18 top golfers design a hole each

• First residential development to incorporate early African architectural influences

• First residential development to offer a completed course and serviced stands before launching to the public

• Only development to provide world class accommodation and amenities to staff and contractors in South Africa

• First exclusive residential development to offer a championship golf course, various sporting facilities,wellness centre,big 5 game reserve, watersports, wildlife centre, raptor centre and exotic breeding projects

   • Longest golf course layout in the world

• First Extreme 19th golf hole, the longest and highest Par 3 in the world, accessible only by Helicopter

• First high altitude sports facility providing year round training

• First 10 hole par 3 tribute course modelled on the most captivating golf holes in the world

• First golf academy and target range to offer all the different grass types played on major championships worldwide

• Unrivalled Ancient African Civilisation approach to architecture

Chronology

July 2006
• Approval for the development gained from Provincial Authorities

August 2006
• Work commences on golf course

September 2006
• Construction of World Class Pioneer Camp completed capable of housing 1000 contractors in comfort and dignity.

• Work commences on Phase 1 infrastructure, dams and bridges in Botanical Gardens

November 2006
• 18 Elite Golfers signed up to design the championship course

March 2007
• Phase 1 sold out

June 2007
• Padraig Harrington wins The British Open.

• First overseas Investors visit and buy multiple stands

August 2007
• Work commences on Gate House and Extreme 19th Golf Hole

October 2007
• 18 Golfers design their individual holes.
Deal with IFA announced where IFA acquire 50% of the development.

• Phase 2 infrastructure commences.

• Transfer Stands in Phase 1 to new owners.

November 2007
• Phase 1 of Gate House completed

• Extreme19th Hole Completed.

• Baobab trees arrive by special permit from Limpopo Parks.

• Gary Player, Trevor Immelman, Justin Rose, Luke Donald and Retief Goosen visit the site.

  

Press launch and Investor welcome
functions.

December 2007
• Mmadikiri Dam and causeway completed - good rains fill the dam

• Trevor Immelman wins Nedbank Challenge

January 2008
• Vermiculture project and Nursery established

• Construction of individual homes commences

February 2008
• Phase 3 Infrastructure commences

March 2008
• Wildlife Centre construction begins

April 2008
• Trevor Immelman wins the US Masters at Augusta

May 2008
• Sergio Garcia wins The Players Championship

• Legend Lodges, Hotels & Resorts receives World Travel Award

• Field of dreams sportsfields commenced – to be completed by September

• Golf Academy commenced to be completed by September

June 2008
• Practical completion of the Golf Course

• Site preparation for Golf Clubhouse commences

Big 5 Growing...

The Entabeni Conservancy is very proud to announce the arrival of six new cubs for the White Lion breeding project at the Exotic Wildlife Facility.

“It is my lifetime dream, to have the first self sustaining White Lion breeding den in natural surroundings globally” says Arrie van Deventer, manager of the Wildlife Facility. Yet another first for the Legend Golf and Safari Resort!

The 2 Cheetah that were released into the wild some 2 months ago are doing well and have adapted perfectly to the

vast grass plains of the conservancy.

The Disease Free Buffalo breeding project, now in its 3rd year is bearing

fruit, a herd of 50 with pure bloodlines now exists.

Sable Antelope herd now 30 strong. A herd of 13 Elephant is to be introduced to the Lower Escarpment soon.
   
               
 
 
 


Golf History in the Making!

We are very proud to congratulate 2 of our signature golf hole designers, namely Padraig Harrington (British Open) and Trevor Immelman (US Masters), on the momentous achievements of winning Major Golf Tournaments since their association with Legend. In addition Trevor Immelman won the Nedbank Challenge last December and Sergio Garcia won The Players Championship in May - a taste of things to come for the Legend players?

With construction of the ultra-luxurious clubhouse to start soon, golfers will be able to enjoy not only one of the best golf courses in the world, but also some of the best amenities and facilities. The construction of the golf academy is underway. The seeding will be done in time for the spring rains and germination.

What is certain to create almost as much of a buzz as the Extreme 19th hole is the Golf Academy, along with the 10-hole par 3 course modelled to replicate and pay tribute to 10 of the most famous par 3's in World Golf (think 12th and 16th at Augusta, Road hole at St Andrews etc.) down to the exact dimensions, layout and grass type! The Brainchild of David Riddle, this will provide the opportunity to play these legendary holes in much less time than it takes to play a full 18 hole layout.

Extreme Golfing Finally Here


The brave have tried, but have failed! Yes, you guessed right - The Extreme 19th Hole, brainchild of Graham Cook, the 600m, par 3, played from a vertical height of 430 metres is now playable. Although not officially open for those eyeing the $1,000,000 prize for a hole-in-one, a select few will have the opportunity of playing this monster while visiting the Entabeni Game Reserve.

Those who took on the challenge were awestruck. If you think you can play a Par 3, think again - the monster is waiting!

A Stupendous golfing experience - whichever way you look at it!!

 

 

 


Environmentally responsible philosophy

In keeping with the low environmental impact, we have come up with many measures to lessen our carbon footprint. These include the use of fully organic propagation of plants and trees, fully integrated vermiculture, development and adoption of an Alternative Energy Plan, use of solar energy for heating and lighting, preservation of rainwater etc. The list goes on and on - watch this space for exciting developments in this area.



Residential Construction Gains Pace

With 12 homes already under construction, with 12 more to start in the next 10 days, and a further 40 scheduled for completion in the following 12 months the Resort, in conjunction with GdbS, is setting the benchmark for the golf & leisure development market. Imagine being one of the owners who will be able to stay in this jewel of Africa for the opening of the Resort in mid 2009!

We have introduced many very attractive options around the building of individual homes. This will add to the total experience of the lifestyle that can be achieved as a part of this destination.

Bush Style Conferencing

Why be ordinary! Businesses evolve, people change, and special venues appear! A conference at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort will assist in getting revolutionary thinking going in your business. Initially, there will be conference facilities available for 300 delegates, which will, in time be upgraded to 1500.
What more can you ask for than: exquisite cuisine, golf, extreme golf, game viewing, bird watching, an Endangered Wildlife Centre, archery, clay pigeon shooting, hot air ballooning, horse riding, botanical gardens, field of legends sporting complex and a golf academy with a 10 hole tribute par 3 course.

Revenue model fine tuned

The opportunity to derive revenue from your investment by being part of the Legend Lodges Rental Pool scheme is proving very popular. We can help you choose the option best suited to your needs. Contact our offices to find out how to earn a return while you are not using your property.

 


Overseas Investors

Of considerable interest to us is the interest being shown by overseas investors, many of whom have never been to SA before - the lure of a safe bush destination with the added golf experience is proving extremely attractive to them. We have recently concluded a multi stand deal with an overseas investor who has promised to spread the gospel of this unique opportunity back home.

“Legend” delegations recently visited the London Golf Expo and The “Homecoming” show in Dubai, where interest was HUGE, the mere sight of 18 golf bags with the designer's names, interposed with pictures of the course and the “Big 5” created a buzz and many very wonderful contacts were made.

The overall impression was that we are sitting on something GLOBALLY UNIQUE and success is guaranteed.

For those Homeowners interested in the additional convenience of a dedicated helicopter to transfer homeowners from O.R. Tambo Airport or Polokwane special arrangements can be made.

Contact Details:

Central Reservations:
Tel: +27 (0) 12 470 5300
Fax: +27 (0) 12 470 5390
E-Mail: reservations@legendlodges.co.za