Eco-travel in Africa makes a difference May 13, 2008
Posted by Ralph Pina in : Community, Sustainability, Tourism, ecotourism , 1 comment so far
The title of this post is also ecoAfrica’s slogan, and one of the questions it immediately raises is: what sort of a difference? Another would be: what is “eco-travel”? These questions - and their answers - go to the heart of what ecotourism really is.
Let’s take the second question first: what is eco-travel? Without entering into a debate about eco-travel - or ecotourism - definitions, it is worth pointing out that ecotourism represents a travel ethic rather than a market segment or type of tourism. It is purposeful travel, where the salient purpose, besides experiencing Nature, is the preservation of Nature.
Two generally accepted definitions of ecotourism are:
Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.
Ecotourism Association of Australia
Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)
Camping under the stars in the Okavango June 6, 2007
Posted by Shurene in : Safari , add a comment
Camp under the stars, get soaked by the spray of the spectacular Victoria Falls, Sunset on the Zambezi River, Hippos yawning & Elephants swimming in Chobe, A mokoro trip on the Okavango Delta and wild camping – with the cry of the Fish Eagle giving you goose bumps.
Just a few of the sights & sounds that greeted me on my recent 10 day Okavango Experience. Camping is the true way to find your soul in Africa. We had the wonderful opportunity to meet & spend time with the locals from Zambia & Botswana.
In Livingstone ( Zambia) we participated in a local community initiative – a guided cycle ride through the local village. This was an initiative from one of the locals, who used the income earned from the USD25 participants paid, to establish a local school. Our guide – Oliver – was one of the local teachers, who showed us the traditional ways – from building to beer drinking.
