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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