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)
Is it only about “the Big 5″? February 17, 2008
Posted by Ralph Pina in : Conservation, Tourism, ecotourism , 1 comment so far
Every once in a while I trawl through the research output of academia, specifically in the fields of ecotourism, sustainable tourism and ecotourism certification. The other day I came across the following article in the Journal of Ecotourism (vol 6, no. 1, 2007) entitled “Wildlife viewing preferences of visitors to protected areas in South Africa: Implications for the role of ecotourism in conservation“.
The article’s conclusions are particularly interesting, given the prevailing wisdom in the tourism industry that tourists to Africa are only interested in seeing the “Big 5″ - leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Just recently we have been debating this issue in ecoAfrica, so the research is timeous and topical for us. I for one have always been loathe to accept that only the Big 5 holds any attraction to travellers to our continent. (more…)
Carbon offsets: should you buy absolution? December 19, 2007
Posted by Ralph Pina in : Climate Change, ecotourism , 2comments
Some critics liken carbon offsetting - paying for emission reductions elsewhere instead of reducing one’s own carbon emissions - to “buying pardons from the Catholic church in 16th century Europe” [1]. Absolution. Guilt-free flying.
And yes, there are various, related ethical issues that you must resolve for yourself. If you’re not sure what I am writing about, take a look at CheatNeutral for amusing satirical commentary on the practice of offsetting your “sins”. However, if you are thinking that I am simply about to dismiss carbon offsetting as an immoral or impractical practice, please read on.
Meeting the Meerkats December 19, 2007
Posted by Clarissa Hughes in : Animals, ecotourism , add a comment
Meerkats (or suricates) are one of those species that deserve Walt Disney full-feature attention. They are cute-looking, live in communes and are jam-packed with character. All kinds of “wickedness” (in the form of raptors and poisonous snakes) lurk at every turn. I should think they are manna- from- heaven for Hollywood directors.
Jack’s Camp, on the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana has started interactive safaris with these endearing little creatures.
For a complete photo-journey through the lives of meerkats we recommend Alain Degre & Sylvie Robert’s coffee table book “Meerkat Valley”. The Degres are also known as the parents of Tippi whose adventures are well documented in “Tippi of Africa”.
The Kalahari: A Queen of a Desert December 6, 2007
Posted by Salomi in : News, Safari , add a comment
If you love nature, traditional South African food, and a good and funny host, this Kalahari Tour is for you!
I arrived at Upington at 08h00 and we set off immediately to the Kgalagadi National Park - a dream came true! I had wanted to visit the Kalahari since I was 14 years old.
Manyara, Maasai & Marriage: a personal view of northern Tanzania November 12, 2007
Posted by Julia in : African Peoples, Conservation, Safari, ecotourism , 1 comment so far
Finally, my bags were packed and I was holding electronic air tickets to fly to a land I dreamed of visiting for a very long time!
Flying from Cape Town, I flew into the gateway city for most safari expeditions (Johannesburg) and spent a night at a lovely little guesthouse. Outlook Lodge was a welcoming overnight stop after leaving the comforts of my own home. On the following day, a quick transfer to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport where I met the rest of the group.
Unfortunately after a 3 hour delay we finally arrived at 22:45 at Kilimanjaro Airport. It was interesting to discover the journey took us from Johannesburg to Dar Es Salaam (4 hours), then from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar (a whole 10 minutes airborne!!) and lastly a flight from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro (40 minutes) – Jambo!
The thing about African wilderness trails November 10, 2007
Posted by Ralph Pina in : Safari, ecotourism , 5comments
Walking on a wilderness trail is the only way to feel the pulse of the African “bush”. That is what I believe anyway. I have experienced my fair share of the African safari concept: vehicle-based photographic safaris, 
game drives and stays in high-end and exotic game lodges, and even canoe safaris down the wild Lower Zambezi. But none of this compares to following a game trail on foot: listening for a warning call, watching the reactions of the tracker, sniffing the breeze, or simply existing in your immediate sphere. Nothing compares - except perhaps for the canoe safari. (more…)
Why community-based tourism is so important October 23, 2007
Posted by Clarissa Hughes in : Community, ecotourism , add a comment
The concept of the Peace Parks is gaining recognition for the vision that it is. I have written about it many times before as a model that shows the way forward for people and the planet. The embracing symbolism of transfrontier conservation areas cannot be overstated because it will only be by a process of inclusion and integration that humans will continue to exist as a species. If we fail to acknowledge and sanction the right-to-life of all of creation we will be left with a denuded and over-used earth unable to support humans.
We have a choice and the time for making that choice is now. We cannot afford to put it off.
One idea that is gaining ground in Africa is that of community-based tourism. (more…)
Circles in the Bush October 21, 2007
Posted by Ralph Pina in : Safari, ecotourism , add a comment
(With apologies to Dalene Matthee…)
Machampane Wilderness Camp in Limpopo National Park, Mozambique, shares the western bank of the Machampane River with tall fever trees at a pool called Xisivene - which apparently means “deep pool”.
The wilderness trail experience that runs out of the camp is similarly structured to the iconic trails that operate in the Kruger National Park across the border. Machampane’s accommodation is a tad more luxurious though - large walk-in tents on stilts with en suite bathrooms.
Download the Google Earth track of Machampane wilderness trails.
Book the Machampane wilderness trail.
The Soul of the Wilderness September 12, 2007
Posted by Lizanne in : News , add a comment
Ever since I’ve come to know about Dr Ian Player’s Wilderness Trails and the very positive effect those few days in wild nature had on the human psyche, I decided to delve a bit deeper into the concept of ecological spirituality. I came upon some thought provoking insights, but also found that there are quite a few different views and opinions regarding this matter. The ones that caught my attention were ideas on eco-therapy and the mystic experiences of nature. (more…)
