| 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?
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About the Author
Grootbos
Private Nature Reserve provides luxury accommodation whilst promoting
the local ecosystems, flora and fauna for the education of tourists and
providing sustainable devel
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