SUSTAINABLE
TOURISM
TR AVEL GUIDE
ISSUED IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Travel. Enjoy. Respect.
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
IN THIS ISSUE: CONTENTS
SPECIAL EDITION 2020 PUBLISHER D. Langkilde T/A Tourism Tattler PostNet Suite #63, Private Bag X7, 7442 Cape Town, South Africa. Website: www.tourismtattler.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR Des Langkilde Cell: +27 (0)82 374 7260 Fax: +27 (0)86 651 8080 E-mail: editor@tourismtattler.com Skype: tourismtattler
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bev Langkilde Cell: +27 (0)71 224 9971 Fax: +27 (0)86 656 3860 E-mail: bev@tourismtattler.com Skype: bevtourismtattler
As an international resource for global travel & tourism information, TourismTattler.com has joined global media to promote the aims and aspirations of the United Nations 75th Anniversary (#UN75) initiative by publishing a series of features throughout the 2020 year. The aim is to profile case studies on how tourism destinations, products and services have already met, and plan to increase, their contribution to helping the UN attain Sustainable Tourism Development Goals in their business operations by 2030. Read more about this initiative here. This special edition of the Tourism Tattler magazine covers all four quarters of the year i.e instead of publishing a new magazine each quarter, this issue will be updated quarterly.
02 Wine & Food Tourism Conference 04 World Travel Market Africa 05 Unilever Professional 06 Atta’s Sustainable Tourism Charter 07 Unilever Professional • SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES CENTRAL AFRICA 08-11 Rwanda EAST AFRICA 12-13 Asilia Africa SEYCHELLES 14-15 Acajou Beach Resort SOUTH AFRICA Northern Cape 16-17 Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve Eastern Cape 18-19 Grootbos Private Nature Reserve 20-21 Sibuya Game Reserve & Tented Camps 22-23 Safari Lodge at Amakhala 24-25 White Shark Projects 26-27 Tenikwa Wildlife Rehab Centre 28-29 Shamwari Game Reserve Mpumalanga 30-31 Tented Adventures Limpopo 32-33 Karongwe Portfolio North West 34-35 Jaci’s Lodges
Disclaimer: The Tourism Tattler is published by Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd and is the official trade journal of various trade ‘associations’ (see page 02). The Tourism Tattler digital e-zine, is distributed free of charge to bona fide tourism stakeholders. Letters to the Editor are assumed intended for publication in whole or part and may therefore be used for such purpose. The information provided and opinions expressed in this publication are provided in good faith and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd, its ‘Associations’, its staff and its production suppliers. Advice provided herein should not be soley relied upon as each set of circumstances may differ. Professional advice should be sought in each instance. Neither Tourism Tattler (Pty) Ltd, its ‘Associations’, its staff and its production suppliers can be held legally liable in any way for damages of any kind whatsoever arising directly or indirectly from any facts or information provided or omitted in these pages or from any statements made or withheld or from supplied photographs or graphic images reproduced by the publication.
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
YOUTHINK THINK YOU BUSINESS. BUSINESS.
WE THINK CLEAN. First impressions count. Nothing makes a better rst impression First impressions count. Nothing makes a better rst impression your customers than clean floors, sparkling bathrooms, onon your customers than clean floors, sparkling bathrooms, fresh bedrooms and spotless kitchens. fresh bedrooms and spotless kitchens. Increase customer loyalty – and your pro tability with range Increase customer loyalty – and your pro tability with ourour range brands trusted millions clean and ensure highest of of brands trusted byby millions to to clean and ensure thethe highest levels hygiene. levels of of hygiene.
YOUR GUIDE POWERFUL CLEANING. YOUR GUIDE TOTO POWERFUL CLEANING. Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
NEW NEW
AFRICA
Charter for Sustainable Tourism The African Travel and Tourism Association (Atta), as the leading tourism trade body for Africa, recognises the significant responsibility and opportunity to develop and manage tourism in ways which conserve and enhance the wellbeing of Africa’s environments, cultures and local communities, appreciating that these are the essential components of successful, sustainable tourism. Atta recognises tourism’s relevance to all 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which have inspired this Charter. It also endorses the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and recognises the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria as providing the internationally agreed standard for sustainable tourism. Reflecting on the particular context and needs of tourism in Africa, Atta has commited to 10 principles and encourages its members to endorse them and put them into practice. Atta’s charter for sustainable tourism can be views at HERE. These 10 principles draw upon, but are not equivalent to, the full set of Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. Businesses seeking to be identified as pursuing sustainable tourism should apply for certification from a scheme that is GSTC-Accredited or that uses a GSTC-Recognized standard. About: Atta is a member-driven trade association that promotes tourism to Africa from all corners of the world. Recognised as the Voice of African Tourism, Atta serves and supports businesses in Africa representing buyers and suppliers of tourism product across 21 African countries. With over 630 members, Atta acts as Pan-Africa’s largest network of tourism product covering not only accommodation, transport and travel specialists in Africa, but a formidable selection of tour operators, representation and PR companies worldwide promoting tourism to Africa. The Atta brand is recognised throughout the industry as the definitive authority on all matters concerning tourism to Africa. Our members proudly display the internationally recognised Atta logo, showing their commitment to African tourism. For more information visit atta.travel Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
NEW
WE THINK CLEAN. Owning a business, especially during a worldwide pandemic is not easy. It takes unbreakable character and unrelenting support. As you prepare to reopen, make sure that clean is at the forefront and you have a partner in clean to support you and your team. Unilever Professional is a range made for your business and we are here to help – with a range of products you already know and trust. There are a lot of elements to consider as you and your staff prepare to open in what has come to be known as the ‘new normal’. Unilever Professional has a product for every business, and every need. First impressions count and an easy way to care for your high-contact surfaces is with a powerful product. Domestos Multipurpose Thick Bleach, now conveniently
available in 3 L, is safe to use on most of your business’s surfaces and kills 99.9% of all germs. A common issue in many businesses, is the misunderstanding of what products to use where and it is amplied with everyone currently concerned about hygiene. But with Unilever Professional, your staff have used these products for years and know when, how and where to use them. With every new move you and your business take, be assured that we are with you as you adapt. Together, we can create a cleaner world! Let’s make sure your business’s rst impression counts and guests have a memorable experience with you and Unilever Professional products. Trust Unilever Professional. After all you think business, we think clean.
Now available at Makro. For more information, please visit www.unileverprofessional.co.za
YOUR GUIDE TO POWERFUL CLEANING. Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
RWANDA - CENTRAL AFRICA
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Supporting
Sustainable Tourism in Rwanda
Rwanda is well-known for its mountain gorillas, with gorilla trekking being its main tourist attraction. This endangered species has made a significant contribution to the nation’s travel and tourism industry thanks to events such as the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony and the conservation efforts of the Rwandan government, which seeks to ensure the safety and long-term sustainability of its gorilla population in order to maintain the constant flow of tourists to the country. Overtourism - a phrase that refers to the negative impact that hosting too many tourists simultaneously can have on a destination’s natural assets - is a valid concern. Perhaps then it is understandable that as custodians, the Rwanda Development Board increased the price of gorilla permits from US$ 750 to US $1,500 for all visitors in May 2017. Tourists who visit other national parks (Nyungwe and Akagera) for a minimum of three days, in addition to gorilla trekking, receive a discount of 30%. Similarly, conference tourists, who stay pre or post conference dates to see gorillas are eligible for a 15% discount. In line with Rwanda’s high-end tourism strategy, the gorilla permits aim to strengthen conservation efforts and contribute more to the development of communities living around the Volcanoes National Park. Along with the tariff, the tourism revenue sharing rate for communities adjacent to the park, increased from 5% to 10% in 2017, which effectively quadrupled the absolute revenues received by communities. Over the years, more than 400 community projects have been completed including hospitals, schools, business development Tourism Tattler
centers and water supply systems to facilitate access to clean water. These projects directly benefit the people living around the parks. Commenting on the gorilla permit prices, Ms. Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer at Rwanda Development Board said: “Gorilla trekking is a highly unique experience. The permits help to ensure sustainability of conservation initiatives and enhance visitors’ experience. We also want to make sure that the communities living near the park area receive a bigger share of tourism revenues to fund development projects and empower them economically.” New, high-end lodges are opening in Musanze and plans are underway to improve visitors’ experience at Kinigi, including renovation of the information center to equip it with modern offices and tourism services such as conservation education, children’s learning space as well as digital facilities. In terms of tourism attractions, Rwanda is not just about tracking for gorillas, which too many visitors fly in to see then leave, missing out on this countries many treasures, such as: Primates. Rwanda is home to one fifth of the primate species in Africa. These include the golden monkeys, chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys and many more. Avitourim: Rwanda boasts one of the highest concentrations of birds in Africa, with over 700 species of bird, 27 of which are endemic to the Albertine rift. Forests: Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest mountain rainforests staying green even through the ice age which explains its biodiversity. Special Issue 2020
RWANDA - CENTRAL AFRICA
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species with only around 880 remaining in the world. Of those in in the Virunga Massif, Rwanda accounts for 62% of the gorilla population. Stringent conservation measures have significantly contributed to a rise in gorilla numbers. There are currently 20 families habituated for tourism and research in Rwanda, up from just 9 families in 2010.
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Volcanoes: Hiking to the craters atop the countries stunning mountain volcanoes is exhilarating; the highest point is 4,507m on Karisimbi. The views are just as stunning from the base of these majesticvolcanoes at the park office of Kinigi. Safari Tourism. Akagera National Park, just two hours from Kigali is home to big game such as elephant,buffalo, leopard, hippo, zebra and giraffe. Lions and Black Rhino have been reintroduced. Agritourism: Tea is Rwanda’s largest export product and these stunning rich green plantations can be seen throughout the country. These ‘tours for the senses’ take you to tea and coffee plantations and factories where you can sleep, pick, process and taste you morning cuppa. Historical Tourism: The genocide museum in Kigali gives a look into Rwanda’s painful past which has labelled the country for years. The incredibly positive outlook and warm hospitality of this young nation is an impressive turnaround one which has turned them into an inspiration among other African nations. Beach Tourism: Just one hour drive from the Gorillas are tropical beaches on the shores of lake Kivu where you can relax and unwind or enjoy water sports or boat rides on the lake. Cultural Tourism: Traditional Intore dancers are a true spectacle to see as they perform their warlike dances with spears and shield. Once only performed for the royal court, this energetic dance can be seen throughout the country. Tourism Tattler
City Tourism. Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda is one of the cleanest most modern cities in Africa with lots of new developments and smart buildings. Roads and pavements are spotless and plastic bags are banned. It is mandatory that everyone participates in acommunity clean up day (Umuganda) on the last Saturday of every month. Business Tourism. Did you know that the Kigali Convention Centre can seat 2600 delegates, is just 10 minutes from the Kigali International Airport and has 1000 high-end rooms in close proximity? Rwanda is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for international conferences and event organisers. Rwanda is also the first country in East, Central and North Africa to become a member of the highly prestigious International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) – a global alliance of responsible destination cooperation and marketing in tourism. It promotes best practices and being on its list is considered a sign of excellence. Conclusion Tourism is a key pillar in the country’s Vision 2020 as the top foreign exchange earner and the country’s largest employer, but Rwanda still needs revenue from permits and levys to implement its sustainable tourism projects – and that’s where your help is invaluable. For more information visit www.rwandatourism.com and www.rdb.rw Special Issue 2020
EAST AFRICA
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Asilia Africa Founded in 2004, Asilia is a fast-growing, leading travel brand in East Africa with a footprint of 19 camps and lodges in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Asilia offers guests a genuine African safari through rich, meaningful and immersive wildlife experiences. As new opportunities emerge, Asilia continues to evolve, but will always be rooted in one fundamental principle: to offer genuine safaris that make a genuine difference and empower the crucial wilderness areas in East Africa to thrive, benefitting people and nature alike. Asilia’s model of sustainable tourism employs large numbers of rural dwellers where few other opportunities exist. With over 900 continental citizens on its payroll, it is a growing employer generating sizeable revenues to national governments in the form of fees, levies and taxes – approximately US$7.8 million in 2016/17. In addition, Asilia raised a further $236,000 for conservation and social development projects in the areas where it operates. Direct contributions from the company to the same projects amounted to $137,000, over and above this. The extra $370,000 was donated to effective and vetted partners in East Africa. For more information on Asilia’s partners and their projects visit: Asiliagiving.org. This sense of making a difference to real people and places is an attraction to international tourists. It also helps ensure the sustainability of the wild areas where Asilia operates. Asilia’s portfolio of camps include: In Tanzania: Sayari, Dunia, Namiri Plains, Olakira, Kimondo, Ubuntu, The Highlands, Oliver’s, Little Oliver’s, Kwihala, Jabali Ridge, Jabali Private House, Roho ya Selous, and Rubondo Island Camp. On Zanzibar: Matemwe Lodge, Matemwe Retreat, and Matemwe Beach House. In Kenya: Mara Bush Houses, Rekero, Naboisho, Encounter Mara and Ol Pejeta Bush Camp. Tourism Tattler
QUICK LINKS: +27 21 418 0468 www.asiliaafrica.com asiliaafrica Special Issue 2020
reservations@asiliaafrica.com @AsiliaAfrica Asilia Africa
@AsiliaAfrica Asilia
SEYCHELLES
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Dating back to its opening in 1996, the Acajou Beach Resort has had ecology at the heart of its ethos. The hotel is named after the French word for ‘mahogany’ in reference to the natural timber-themed design of its construction, using wood specifically cultivated in an environmentally friendly manner. In keeping with this commitment to the environment, the resort and its 52 rooms were refurbished utilising modern technology to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint. The installation of a photovoltaic solar panel system resulted in 50 percent of the resort’s lighting and airconditioning needs being powered by the sun - a major long-term investment for a locally owned hotel. To further reduce energy consumption, Acajou installed an energy management system (EMS) and efficient LED lighting in every room. The EMS features sensors that detect when doors to a room are open or ajar and automatically switches off the air-conditioning unit after several minutes if not closed. A waste management system and sewage treatment plant were also installed to limit the impact of waste that the resort generates in its operations. Acajou also embarked on a composting project for the landscaped gardens and for its own subsistence produce, in the form of vegetables, fruits and spices that are grown on site. Acajou’s environmental policy also extends to its stretch of pristine Côte d’Or beachfront where the thick shrubs known in Creole as vouloutier (scaevola taccada - an excellent antidiabetic & antiinfiamatory remedy) are left untouched to avoid beach erosion, just as nature intended. This policy has recently attracted Hawksbill sea turtles, which prefer to nest under the coastal vegetation. QUICK LINKS: +248 438 5300 Tourism Tattler
acajou@seychelles.net
Special Issue 2020
www.acajouseychelles.com
SOUTH AFRICA - NORTHERN CAPE
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve Tswalu is a vast, magical land of infinite possibility, with sweeping vistas and a liberating sense of space. The green Kalahari is Nature at its most diverse and surprising, and to spend time here is to be touched by exuberant, soulful beauty. Considered important for thousands of years, we’re now striving to conserve this breath-taking landscape for future generations. Tswalu offers a vision of hope that brings together conservation, research and an unrivalled safari experience. Everything we do is centred around our creed: To leave our world better than how we found it. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is primarily a conservation area, which has developed into a vast area of unique biodiversity and natural beauty which offers safe haven to a number of rare and endangered species. Expect sightings of some of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife including Kalahari black-maned lions, wild dogs buffalo, giraffe, cheetah and leopard and many varieties of antelope, as well as some of the rarest wildlife in Africa, such as pangolin, aardvark, and aardwolf. Besides the 80 species of mammals there are some 240 species of birds. With your own dedicated guide and vehicle (always a private vehicle, guide and tracker per booking), you can experience Tswalu exactly the way you want to - there are no fixed schedules or time limits at special sightings. Tswalu only accommodates a maximum of 28 adults, is the largest private game reserve in South Africa, and is malaria free. During your stay, the dunes and grasslands are yours to explore the way you want to, and each wildlife encounter can unfold at its own pace. No two Tswalu experiences are the same. That’s because the way you see and touch this magical place will be shaped by your particular interests and will happen at your own pace. QUICK LINKS: www.tswalu.com res@tswalukalahari.com
+27 (0)53 781 9331
@TswaluKalahari / @Tswalu Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN CAPE
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a five-star premium eco-luxury lodge, is set in a pristine Milkwood forest overlooking Walker Bay in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. Beyond a luxury experience, progressive tourism is incorporated into every level of the operation and is in the very DNA at Grootbos. Since inception, the reserve has had conservation and community at its core and this is driven by the Grootbos Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. The vision of the Grootbos Foundation is summarised as the conservation of the Cape Floral Kingdom and the upliftment of the community therein. The Grootbos Foundation now works to conserve over 20 000 hectares of fynbos, beyond the Grootbos boundaries, across the regional Walker Bay Fynbos Conservancy (WBFC) and reaches over 11 000 beneficiaries through ecotourism, sport for development, support for early learning centres and entrepreneurship community programmes. Grootbos is a National Geographic Unique Lodge member and is a GER (Global Ecosphere Retreat) of The Long Run. The GER standard is one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in the tourism industry and was recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in 2015. The GER is only awarded to organisations that demonstrate a holistic balance of the ‘4Cs (Conservation, Community, Culture, Commerce), excel in conserving nature and improve the wellbeing of the communities they belong to. QUICK LINKS: bookings@grootbos.co.za www.grootbos.com
+27 (0) 28 384 8008 @Grootbos
GrootbosReserve Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN CAPE
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Sibuya Game Reserve, Tented Camps & Lodge Located on the coast at Kenton on Sea in the Eastern Cape and spanning the magnificent Kariega Estuary on its course to meet the warm Indian Ocean, the malaria-free Sibuya Game Reserve is South Africa’s only Big 5 game reserve accessed solely by boat. Sibuya provides a personalised African bush experience that is acknowledged as being ecologically, socially and financially sustainable. A few of the myriad ways that Sibuya maintains its lowimpact, sustainable tourism reputation as a Big-5 safari destination include:
• Providing guests with still-water decanters and re-usable water bottles (Sibuya recently installed a desalination plant to produce their own prepared water for decanters and ice). • Regular river clean ups.
• Recruiting and training staff from the local community;
The list is extensive and includes ongoing environmental rehabilitation of purchased farmland surrounding the reserve.
• Purchasing goods and services locally, on-site recycling and composting;
For more information, browse through the links below, or better yet, make a booking.
• Restricting energy consumption to solar power, • Using low-energy light bulbs and slow-burning lanterns; Using CFC-free refrigeration and gas grillers and hobs for cooking; Tourism Tattler
res2@sibuya.co.za www.sibuya.co.za Special Issue 2020
QUICK LINKS: +27 (0)46 648 1040 @SibuyaGameRes
SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN CAPE
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Safari Lodge at Amakhala Game Reserve African tribal design-inspired owners and artists, Mike and Justine Weeks’ meticulous attention to detail is refiected in the fine African beadwork and handcrafted designs that are evident throughout the prestigious Safari Lodge on the northern boundary of Amakhala Game Reserve. But Amakhala Safari Lodge is more than just a celebration of tribal culture. Through the Amakhala Foundation, founded in 2009 and funded through guest bed levies and donations, Safari Lodge contributes significantly to local community education, training, HIV/AIDS awareness and support, and income generation through the Amakhala Craft Centre. In addition, the Conservation Centre established in 2013 provides support for research and monitoring, environmental education, and conservation initiatives. Read more about the work of the Amakhala Foundation HERE. Amakhala Safari Lodge’s responsible tourism and Ecotourism initiatives focus on six guiding principles, namely; (1) Minimising environmental impact, (2) Building cultural awareness and respect, (3) Providing positive experiences for both visitors and hosts, (4) Ensuring direct financial benefits for conservation and (5) for local people, and (6) Raising sensitivity to South Africa’s political, environmental and social climate. Read more HERE. QUICK LINKS:
Tourism Tattler
+27 (0)82 659 1796
@amakhalareserve
safari@amakhala.co.za
@amakhala
www.amakhala.co.za
Amakhala Volunteers
Special Issue 2020
SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN CAPE
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
White Shark Projects Fair Trade certified, White Shark Projects (WSP) is about more than shark diving South Africa. Their 21 staff members have a range of qualifications that enables them, as a team, to effectively co-ordinate activities around Great White Sharks which include: Service delivery, Conservation, Education and Research. Sustainable development is as important to WSP as conserving the sharks, for without healthy development in local communities, their business is neither responsible nor sustainable. White Shark Projects’ commitment to sustainable tourism goes further than providing equitable employment; it extends into the social fabric of the local Masakhane community. Projects and initiatives include: RECYCLE SWOP SHOP PROJECT Through the recycle swop shop project, WSP provides the local Masakhane community equitable employment and social support at grass roots level. CONSERVATION PROJECT WSP creates awareness of shark conservation by encourage clients to spread the message, and make a difference through their ‘21 Days of the Ocean’ and ‘Ocean Defenders’ initiatives. VOLUNTEER PROJECT WSP trains volunteers in White Shark biology, research, behaviour, conservation, shark attacks and basic seamanship including anchoring positions, wind directions and shark tourism. REFUSE SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PROJECT WSP encourages the public at large to Take the Pledge and refuse single-use plastics. QUICK LINKS: +27 (0)76-2455-880
bookings@whitesharkprojects.co.za www.whitesharkprojects.co.za @ wsprojects
@SharkCageDivingSouthAfrica
whitesharkprojects
WhiteSharkMovies Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN CAPE
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Fair Trade Tourism certified Tenikwa, a non-profit organisation located close to Plettenberg Bay, uses tourism as a platform to raise awareness about threats facing South Africa’s indigenous wild cats, using the funds it generates from tourism for a wildlife rehabilitation programme that caters for marine and terrestrial species. Tenikwa is the first wildlife facility to be certified against the new captive wildlife criteria introduced by Fair Trade Tourism in 2016. Tenikwa’s rehabilitation facilities admit over 250 injured or abandoned wild animals annually and wherever possible these animals are released back into the wild. Tenikwa’s sustainability programme includes using collected rainwater for drinking and channelling run-off water into dams that support waterfowl and a wetland eco-system. Tenikwa supports local suppliers that are environmentally friendly and ethical, while its community initiatives include supporting a local community gardening club to utilise environmentallyfriendly gardening techniques. Tenikwa is one of few tourism businesses to publish an annual sustainability report. Visitors to Tenikwa are educated on non-lethal methods of predator management, environmentally-friendly and technosavvy farming practices, how to co-exist with wildlife and the illegal wildlife trade. Interest-specific programmes are offered, such as the Private Photographic Tour and EcoKidz Family Challenge. Tenikwa also offers a learning experience for veterinary students wishing to gain expertise in the wildlife rehabilitation field. In the broader community, Tenikwa runs workshops on handling dangerous animals as well as how to deal with injured wildlife out in the field. QUICK LINKS: +27 (0)44 534 8170
marketing@tenikwa.co.za
www.tenikwa.com Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN CAPE
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Shamwari Game Reserve Shamwari Game Reserve, the pride of the Eastern Cape, is one of the largest malaria-free Big-5 private game reserves in the region, offering seven individual 5-star lodges, an Explorer Camp and three different education and rehabilitation facilities. The seasonal Explorer Camp offers a two-day walking safari in tented accommodation. With pioneering safaris, conservation, and 5-star hospitality, Shamwari welcomes guests looking for genuine sustainable tourism experiences. Shamwari is a proud member of Fair Trade Tourism and employs over 325 local staff. Shamwari is home to five of South Africa’s seven biomes, making it a destination unlike any other. But it wasn’t always an award-winning piece of protected land or a pioneer in environmental education. Since its founding in 1990, the small 1,200-hectare farm has expanded to a total of 7,000 hectares and over the years has been actively restoring both the wildlife and flora, eradicating alien vegetation and striving to create an atmosphere where nature can flourish. Today, guests can learn about conservation at the Shamwari Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, and the Born Free Foundation, whilst budding photographers can take advantage of a Photographic Safari to perfect their skills. In addition to being passionate about nature conservation, Shamwari believes in educating and inspiring children, so younger guests can enjoy the Kids on Safari programme. So whether it is the call of the African bush to embrace the phenomenal flora and fauna that only Africa offers or you’re in search of a family get-away or even a romantic Bush Wedding, Shamwari is waiting for you to help conserve a vanishing way of life! QUICK LINKS: +27 (0)42 203 1111 www.shamwari.com @ShamwariSafari
reservations@shamwari.com shamwari.com/blog shamwari_game_reserve
@shamwarisafari TheGamereserve Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SOUTH AFRICA - MPUMALANGA
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Commited to low impact environmental and eco-friendly accommodation, the award winning Tented Adventures’camps (based in Manyane Resort in the Pilanesberg National Park and Pretoriuskop Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park) are perfectly positioned with minimal permanent structures within their respective campgrounds. The ‘Glamping’ experience is comprised of snug twin-beds or large queen bed accommodation in sturdy canvas constructed tents. Ablutions are close to the site and house all the necessities. Each camp site only has around 10 tents, making it unique and allowing a comfortable intimate and personalised experience. Guests will enjoy a camp fire braai dinner catering for all dietary requirements, as well as full breakfast the next morning. Both meals are prepared by the camp host who is always on site and guests have the added benefit of staff who see all visitors as part of the family. Both Tented Adventures sites are housed within greater camp sites and offer additional facilities. Swimming pools, play areas, restaurant and bar which are far enough not to spoil the experience, but close enough for comfort and ease. Included in the stay are the early morning and late afternoon open vehicle game drives with the qualified safari guides who are well equipped and informed to help spot game, as well as educate while taking guests back to the basics of the bush. In-between hours can be spent relaxing, sleeping, enjoying the surroundings and generally indulging in the bush senses. And ‘Glamping’ doesn’t mean you have to be an experienced camper. You don’t have to pitch your own tent, rough a rainy night or suffer backache from sleeping on the hard ground. You can still enjoy all the benefits of a luxury African safari experience, while minimizing your impact on the environment. QUICK LINKS: +27 (0)76 146 1468
bookings@tentedadventures.com
www.tentedadventures.com
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SOUTH AFRICA - LIMPOPO
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Karongwe Portfolio Karongwe Portfolio consists of six luxury lodges set in the 9000-hectare Karongwe Private Game Reserve, bordering the Makutsi, Lourene, and Greater Makalali game reserves near Tzaneen in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. What sets Karongwe apart from similar properties in the province is its commitment to working hand in hand in uplifting surrounding communities both in terms of employment and wildlife conservation. The environment is both honoured and preserved, with all six lodges in the reserve having been carefully built around preexisting trees to secure as small a footprint as possible. In addition to the close relationship with the local community regarding the awareness of conservation; Karongwe Portfolio places great emphasis on the youth in terms of education. Karongwe’s involvement with local schools and an orphanage has been a rewarding experience for all involved. Furthermore, the Portfolio has embarked on a successful training program for unemployed adults in the area in various departments of the hospitality industry to assist them in gaining the necessary skills to find employment. Karongwe remains dedicated to this fruitful relationship. Community staff are also trained at the Karongwe Portfolio Spa, which uses the heavenly aromas and herbal purity of the unique Thera Naka body range to create a mesmerising and innovative body and sense-soothing safari, replicating the earthy scents and the awe-inspiring wonder of this most profound continent. Overall, the Karongwe Portfolio meets the sustainable tourism expectations of the most discerning of ecotourists. QUICK LINKS: reservations@karongweportfolio.com www.karongweportfolio.com @KarongweBig5 Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
+27 11 817 5560
@KarongwePortfolio
Karongwe Portfolio
Karongwe Portfolio
SOUTH AFRICA - NORTH WEST
Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLACES
Jaci’s Lodges Jaci’s Lodges is the epitome of eco-friendly luxury safaris in South Africa’s Big-5 Madikwe Game Reserve. Jaci’s promises an authentic, friendly and welcoming safari experience for eco-conscious guests. Jaci’s Lodges takes its commitment to sustainable tourism to heart. Aside from the Jaci’s staff trust, which empowers staff with shareholding in the business, Jaci’s is involved in a number of conservation and eco-friendly community projects. These include: • Nature and wildlife conservation (including rhino anti-poaching) • Community support and upliftment projects • Use of non-toxic cleaning products and amenities • Waste reduction (bulk amenities rather than single packaging) • Waste recycling (community operated Collect-a-Can project) • Community employment (staff and delivery of firewood) • Water Conservation (grey water recycling & towel/linen re-use). Jaci’s Lodges is an ideal destination for honeymoons, intimate weddings, amateur and professional photographers, birding safaris, family getaways and that much needed bush escape! For more information connect via the links below: QUICK LINKS: reservations@jacislodges.co.za www.jacislodges.co.za Midikwe
JacisLodges
+27 (0)83 700 2071
@JacisLodges jacislodges
@jacislodges Jaci’s Lodges - Madikwe Tourism Tattler
Special Issue 2020
Tourism Tattler Atta A4 Full Page Ad MDA 2019.indd 3
Special Issue 2020 2019/11/14 09:16