A natural destination par excellence, South Africa has much to offer visitors looking to connect with nature.
With a mix of cultures and unique landscapes, the rainbow nation always has something to offer, be it a movie safari or a refreshing vineyard.
In line with its growing popularity, the country has advanced the transformation of the sector through responsible tourism practices to preserve its environment, culture and people’s lives.
Biodiversity friendly tourism activities
South Africa is full of all kinds of activities, some or more of which can be used in an ethical way. Algoa Bay, which has received the title of Heritage Site, offers tourists an impressive place to observe whales, dolphins and other animals in their natural state.
Whaling Heritage Sites are extraordinary places where humans and cetaceans coexist naturally and responsibly.
Visitors can be sure to participate in an activity that respects marine biodiversity.
In the vineyards of South Africa, ecotourism is also a must. In the Western Cape, wine regions are creating conservation areas and promoting joint ecotourism, drawing on regional producer networks and condensing resources.
Twenty-four landowners joined forces and created the larger Simonsberg Conservation Area to protect the Floral Kingdom, a jewel of global biodiversity. The Delvera Farm Holiday Centre, a South African conservation centre, offers shops and restaurants, a picnic area, activities and market activities such as walks, hikes, bird watching and mountain biking.
To support the role of South African nature reserves
Any vision of South Africa promises a journey into the bowels of nature. Many local initiatives have been put in place to make the journey authentic and spectacular while preserving the country’s resources.
Krüger National Park, the largest in the nation, is world famous for its wildlife. Eco-responsible facilities have become available to visitors where they understand the need to conserve the area and its local residents.
Simangaliso Wetland Park has been used for ecotourism as part of a conservation campaign for more than 20 years and is a biodiversity hotspot, with almost all animals historically present being reported.
Huge tracts of land have been restored and all facilities benefit the local community. Nine community companies run safaris and rafts, trail guides are trained by the park, and 90% of the jobs are held by locals.
Other reserves, such as Addo Elephant National Park, UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and Shamwari Game Reserve, are also involved in sustainable tourism development through the establishment of eco-behaviour, collaboration with local communities, public awareness campaigns and, above all, animal respect. repub.
Institutions with more and more responsible ideas
In addition to restaurants, many South African accommodations are committed to more sustainable and responsible tourism.
For example, Grootbos focuses on environmental conservation. Set in 2,500 hectares of forest, the lodge offers exceptional panoramic views. In the great game reserve Tswalu is one of the most beautiful hotels in South Africa.
Sustainable tourism supports research here, including studies of the impact of climate change on endangered species.
The hotel has a capacity of only 30 guests and safaris under strict environmental conditions to observe the surrounding fauna. The Lords of the Platbo Forests, hidden in the valley of Uikraal, are working to return the area to its natural state.
Trees for Tomorrow and trees for tourism are two active reforestation projects and the main concern is in terms of conservation near the village.
Enterprises in the Cape region
As a world-class tourism destination, the Cape Town Region combines tourism and sustainable development through a number of initiatives.
At the V&A Waterfront, the most visited tourist attraction in the country, a corporate social investment (CSI) strategy has been developed to improve economic, social and environmental impact locally and internationally.
Projects include small business development, responsible waste and plastic management, and water and energy management.
Two Oceans Aquarium provides ocean awareness materials and houses the Turtle Conservation Center, a rehabilitation and release center for stranded and injured turtles. Another essential activity in the region is climbing Table Mountain, a perfect way to minimize your carbon footprint by walking or taking an emission-neutral car.
For gastronomy lovers, the area also has several organic restaurants. At the Table at de Meye, set among the vineyards of Stellenbosch, the table changes with the times and the owners are very mindful of their commercial duties.
And for fish lovers, head to Ocean Gems, in the Woodstock area, where special attention is paid to the results and quality of the products. Here, the menu depends on the morning draft.
The roots of sustainable tourism
In 1996, South Africa became the first country to incorporate responsible tourism into its national policy, turning it into a tourism industry and later serving as a model for the World’s Responsible Tourism Council.
Responsible tourism has thus become an integral part of the South African experience.
Fair Trade Tourism South Africa promotes, among other things, the application of fair wages and working conditions, as well as fair distribution of the benefits of tourism in favor of local communities and in the protection of conservation.
The country has also won a number of tourism awards, including the Lilizela Tourism Awards, sponsored by South Africa Tourism, which recognize industry players for outstanding quality tourism products and services.
Eff. Enrollment. JR
