Classic South Africa self drive vacation

Environment

There is an opportunity to visit a large number of national parks and reserves: Table Mountain National Reserve Park, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Wilderness National Park, Tsitsikamma National park, The Featherbed Nature Reserve and the Kruger National Park. The majority of the parks and reserves in South Africa run environmental educational programmes, support research projects and many have developed their own environmental projects. For example, The De Hoop Nature Reserve is an associate of the CapeNature organisation, which aims to transform biodiversity conservation into a key component of local economic development through eco-tourism. Your visit to this park will actively support this project. Nottens Lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve is a family run lodge employing local Shangaan staff from the small rural villages outside the Kruger and actively support the local communities. The lodge has no electric lighting and generates its power from natural sources.

The companies we recommend to use for whale watching and the Ocean Safari are also FTTSA-certified for their Responsible Travel work practices. The FTTSA-credited company that we recommend for whale watching is extensively involved in marine conservation, assisting scientific research and supporting several conservation organisations, such as CapeNature. They are also actively involved in the rescue and care of injured birds and seals and the clearing of marine litter in the area. In addition, the company runs educational tours for local school children to expose them to the marine environment and also initiated the Nolwandle Project which takes into consideration the social, economic and environmental impact of the cruises that they operate.

Monkey Land is a rescue centre where primates from zoos and private hands are allowed to return to their natural habitat after time spend in captivity. There are guides to take you on walks through the forested enclosure and introduce you to the monkeys and gibbons now living there.

Community

The property you will stay at for safari is one that has been accredited by Fair Trade and Tourism South Africa (FTTSA). FTTSA awards this status to qualifying guest houses as a way of signifying their commitment to Fair Trade criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair purchasing, fair operations, equitable distribution of benefits and respect for human rights, culture and environment. By electing to stay at an FTTSA-certified establishment, tourists are assured that their travel benefits local communities and economies, and that the business is operated ethically and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

All the other recommended accommodation are all locally owned and employ local staff who are learning the hospitality industry providing them with qualifications for the future. Because they are owner-run the passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for the local area is vast and the staff will sit with you helping you plan your days so you get the most out of this amazing country.