Welcome to another edition of Responsible Traveller.
In this edition we explore beyond South Africa’s borders… we spend time in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, enjoying some of the wonderful experiences on offer and connecting with old friends and making new ones. We continue our Southern African explorations into Botswana to experience Chobe National Park with andBeyond Chobe Under Canvas, pop across the Chobe River into Namibia for some magnificent birding at Chobe Ichingo River Lodge and to Serondela Lodge to experience how conservation and community benefit when tourism is done right. And we celebrate the winners of the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards.
Back in South Africa we discover sustainability in action at Hotel Verde in Cape Town, and what the Berg Rivier Region offers for families. We escape the ordinary at Brahman Hills in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and head into the wilderness on a primitive trail in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in Zululand, and if that’s not enough, we learn about conservation in the Northern Drakensberg, and how the Caring4Girls initiative aims to end period poverty. Add to that some wonderful conservation and community success stories to inspire as well as interesting people to ‘meet’…
But as always, the responsibility of being a responsible traveller lies ultimately with the person travelling and the choices they make. Remember to stay, shop, experience and eat ‘local’ and to search for off the beaten track experiences – many small businesses depend on you. This all goes a long way in helping to provide employment, contributing to the local economy, and making a difference in people’s lives.
Enjoy the read… and be the difference.
