AFRICA ECOTOURISM VACATIONS

Ecotourism in South Africa - Responsible Tourism   by Rosemary Grace Brooks

Since the end of the 80th decade of the twentieth century, ecotourism has been a major force in the tourism industry, with private game reserves being established with the goal of conserving the local ecosystems and helping the struggling local communities to live in harmony with the natural environment available to them. South Africa has become a major provider of these responsible tourism endeavours, hosting visitors in an immense luxury of incredible accommodation, sumptuous cuisine, incredible sights and unforgettable experiences.

In the Western Cape, there are now a few reserves providing the ultimate in luxurious accommodation and experiences whilst encouraging conservation pro actively, one of these is a Private Game reserve by the name of Grootbos.

In harmony with Nature

The Grootbos Private Game reserve is situated in Gansbaai in the Western Cape. Grootbos offers luxurious accommodation whilst their main agenda is to provide conservation for the game reserve, protect and educate the guests about the importance of the flora and fauna in the reserve. Grootbos prides itself on its conservation of the fynbos growing in the area which is unique to South Africa.

The Lodge at Grootbos provides the epitome of luxury to all guests. The accommodation is exquisite and available in individual chalets scattered around the main safari lodge, whilst the cuisine encapsulates the finest flavours and local wines. The activities for the guests to experience range from horseback safaris through the reserve, exploring the caves along the sparkling sea shore and guided safari hikes. The guests are led by experienced guides through the reserve and informed of the important progressions concerning the wildlife, flora and fauna.

Wildlife

The reserve is situated in one of the world's best sites for land based whale watching and observation during the spring when whales come close to the shore to mate and calve. The 1000 year old Milkwood Forests in the reserve are some of the oldest in the world.

Helping the Community

In terms of conservation, Grootbos is involved in many activities and plans concerned with the restoration, conservation and promotion of the ecosystems, habitats and cultures in the area. The Grootbos Foundation runs a programme involving the training and education of locals from the nearby township in the trade of landscaping using Fynbos. This sustainable development creates jobs and experience for locals whilst raising money from sales of fynbos to help fund the project. Other sustainable development projects include community soccer, employment of locals in the reserve, research on wildlife and flora and fauna, partner projects supporting sustainable development in close by areas. The partner projects consist of crafts, nest building for African penguins and alien vegetation clearing projects, to name but a few.

Creating a Heritage

Due to the input of Aquila and Grootbos Private Nature Reserves and the eco tourism, sustainable development and conservation provided by these efforts, a beautiful ecosystem has the chance to survive, whilst allowing locals to live in harmony with nature and benefit from its presence. Tourists and visitors are receiving education whilst relaxing and enjoying a holiday.

They have provided the opportunity for locals and visitors to help the environment, whilst still indulging in a bit of luxury with ecotourism. What better way to spend a holiday than by helping conservation efforts?