| The Meaning of Eco-Tourism | | | | Okavango ecosystem and need to be carefully |
| The concept of 'Eco-tourism' came into its own in | | | | managed. |
| 2002, when the United Nations celebrated the | | | | In 1997 Christiaan and Hanlie Winterbach, two |
| "International Year of Eco-tourism". The International | | | | experienced wildlife biologists, set about constructing |
| Eco-tourism Society defines eco-tourism as | | | | a scientifically sound, long-term ecological monitoring |
| "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves | | | | programme and lion research project in a Wildlife |
| the environment and improves the well-being of local | | | | Management Area in the south-western part of the |
| people". | | | | Delta, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to |
| Eco-tourism puts focus on local cultures, wilderness | | | | track & study lions in the wild! The Delta also |
| adventures, volunteering, cultural and individual | | | | offers an overabundance of other wildlife and birdlife. |
| growth, and learning new and better ways to exist in | | | | Christiaan and Hanlie Winterbach have set up and |
| our world. It is classically defined as travel to | | | | co-ordinated the lion surveys since their inception in |
| destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural | | | | 1995 under the guise of Tau Consultants (already |
| heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible | | | | members of the World Conservation Union), in |
| eco-tourism includes programs that minimize the | | | | co-operation with the Botswana Department of |
| adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural | | | | Wildlife and National Parks. Having worked and studied |
| environment, and enhance the cultural uprightness of | | | | in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa, Christiaan, a |
| local people. In addition to evaluating environmental | | | | zoologist is able to offer first-hand information on the |
| and cultural factors, there are initiatives by hospitality | | | | behavioral patterns of lions while Hanlie, a botanist, |
| providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, | | | | introduces travellers to a world of evolving flora that |
| water re-use, and the creation of economic | | | | survives in this incredible Delta. A large percentage of |
| opportunities for local communities. All of these | | | | the money paid for this experience goes directly to |
| factors form an integral part of eco-tourism. | | | | the camp, enabling them to continue their vital work. |
| What are Eco-Tourism Holidays? | | | | South Africa: Tsitsikamma Forest Nature Reserve |
| In a nutshell: a holiday that does not contribute to | | | | Lush indigenous vegetation and forests framed by |
| the damage of an environment and does not put | | | | majestic mountain ranges on the one side and the |
| existing species at risk! Over time people in different | | | | Indian Ocean with its pristine white beaches on the |
| communities have become aware of the adverse | | | | other make the Garden Route, situated on the East |
| effect of tourism, and have put structures in place to | | | | Coast of Southern Africa, one of the most beautiful |
| ensure their landscape stays protected. If you'd like | | | | parts of South Africa. |
| to contribute to a community plus have a great | | | | This is an ideal eco-tourism holiday with |
| holiday... Look for the eco-tourism signposts i.e. | | | | accommodation available in the Tsitsikamma private |
| accommodation built with natural, locally found | | | | nature reserve, set on the edge of the Tsitsikamma |
| materials whose staff comprise of local people. The | | | | indigenous forest. The hotel has breathtaking views |
| hotel or lodge should have environmentally sound | | | | of the surrounding valleys and Tsitsikamma |
| energy and water-saving policies. Holidays should help | | | | Mountains. The 14ha property is zoned a private |
| preserve environments and encourage and maintain | | | | nature reserve by Cape Nature Conservation. |
| traditional cultures rather than contribute to their ruin. | | | | In addition, a newly constructed path to Monkeyland |
| There are some wonderful, informative eco-tourism | | | | Primate Sanctuary gives guests the opportunity to |
| holidays where you can have a special adventure plus | | | | view numerous indigenous species such as Stinkwood |
| contribute to the surrounding communities. Here are | | | | and Yellowwood trees, a variety of Fynbos and |
| some examples... | | | | wildlife such as Bush Pig, Bush Buck, Lynx, Otters, |
| Botswana: Okavango Delta | | | | Baboons, Monkeys and prolific bird life including the |
| The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland | | | | Knysna Loerie, whilst enjoying the hour long walk |
| deltas on earth and one of Africa's most beautiful | | | | starting at the lodge. |
| and unique wetlands, supporting an abundance of wild | | | | Activities in the area include: nature walks, bungy |
| animals. For Africa as a whole, and in the Delta in | | | | jumping, boating, a forest journey, horse riding, golf, |
| particular, the single greatest attraction for | | | | canoeing, sandy beaches, boat-based whale and |
| safari-goers is the lion. As carnivores at the top of | | | | dolphin watching trips or even an aerial view (flights |
| the food chain, lions are a key component in the | | | | are available... |