Ecotourism in South Africa - Responsible Tourism

Since the end of the 80th decade of the twentiethtown can maintain a better standard of living.
century, ecotourism has been a major force in theGrootbos – In harmony with Nature
tourism industry, with private game reserves beingThe Grootbos private Game reserve is situated in
established with the goal of conserving the localGansbaai in the Western Cape. Grootbos offers
ecosystems and helping the struggling localluxurious accommodation whilst their main agenda is
communities to live in harmony with the naturalto provide conservation for the game reserve,
environment available to them. South Africa hasprotect and educate the guests about the
become a major provider of these responsibleimportance of the flora and fauna in the reserve.
tourism endeavours, hosting visitors in an immenseGrootbos prides itself on its conservation of the
luxury of incredible accommodation, sumptuousfynbos growing in the area which is unique to South
cuisine, incredible sights and unforgettableAfrica.
experiences.The Lodge at Grootbos provides the epitome of
In the Western Cape, two notable reserves providingluxury to all guests. The accommodation is exquisite
the ultimate in luxurious accommodation andand available in individual chalets scattered around the
experiences whilst encouraging conservation promain safari lodge, whilst the cuisine encapsulates the
actively are Aquila Private Game Reserve andfinest flavours and local wines. The activities for the
Grootbos Private Game reserve.guests to experience range from horseback safaris
Aquila – Safari Focusthrough the reserve, exploring the caves along the
Aquila Private Game Reserve is situated betweensparkling sea shore and guided safari hikes. The
Touws River and Worcester about three hours driveguests are led by experienced guides through the
from Cape Town and claims its primary purpose is toreserve and informed of the important progressions
provide education regarding the ecosystems andconcerning the wildlife, flora and fauna.
wildlife to guests and locals. The reserve offers fourWildlife
star luxury accommodation in the form of theirThe reserve is situated in one of the world’s
Premier luxury chalets: single chalets set into thebest sites for land based whale watching and
rocky scenery, or luxury chalets: semi detachedobservation during the spring when whales come
chalets made from stone and thatch with attentionclose to the shore to mate and calve. The 1000 year
paid to privacy. Both allow guests to becomeold Milkwood Forests in the reserve are some of the
immersed in the wildlife and surroundings whilst beingoldest in the world.
very private.Helping the Community
WildlifeIn terms of conservation, Grootbos is involved in
In terms of wildlife, Aquila has the Big Five as well asmany activities and plans concerned with the
rare Mountain Leopard, Giraffe, Hippo, Blackrestoration, conservation and promotion of the
Wildebeest, Burchell’s Zebra, Springbok,ecosystems, habitats and cultures in the area. The
Gemsbok, Baboon and much more. The birdlife isGrootbos Foundation runs a programme involving the
plentiful with a natural wetland which contains 172training and education of locals from the nearby
species of birds including the Black Eagle. Yet whilsttownship in the trade of landscaping using Fynbos.
the game reserve is luxurious in all aspects, theThis sustainable development creates jobs and
education of guests and locals and responsibleexperience for locals whilst raising money from sales
tourism is paramount to their mission and goals.of fynbos to help fund the project. Other sustainable
The reserve is host to the Animal Rescue anddevelopment projects include community soccer,
Conservation Centre which is situated on theemployment of locals in the reserve, research on
property and is responsible for the study and care ofwildlife and flora and fauna, partner projects
the animals on the Aquila property. Recently, with thesupporting sustainable development in close by areas.
starvation of the animals and wildlife on RobbenThe partner projects consist of crafts, nest building
Island, food, staff and veterinarians from the centrefor African penguins and alien vegetation clearing
were sent to the island to assist in the disaster.projects, to name but a few.
Whilst also providing necessary food for the animals;Creating a Heritage
the rabbits, which were mostly responsible for theDue to the input of Aquila and Grootbos Private
lack of vegetation and food were caught andNature Reserves and the eco tourism, sustainable
released to a safe environment.development and conservation provided by these
Helping the Communityefforts, a beautiful ecosystem has the chance to
Sustainable development and social responsibilitysurvive, whilst allowing locals to live in harmony with
projects are also encouraged. The town has a 98%nature and benefit from its presence. Tourists and
unemployment rate so the creation of jobs isvisitors are receiving education whilst relaxing and
paramount to the survival of the community.enjoying a holiday.
Approximately 20% of the 7900 people living inThey have provided the opportunity for locals and
Touwsriver benefit from the employment created atvisitors to help the environment, whilst still indulging in
Aquila Private Game reserve. Jobs were created bya bit of luxury with ecotourism. What better way to
building Aquila and jobs remain as Aquila is kept upspend a holiday than by helping conservation efforts?
and running. Through sustainable development, the