Classic South Africa self drive vacation

Planet

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 Lalibela Private Game Reserve. 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.

People

The property you will stay at for safari strives to support local communities, with any surpluses generated being allocated back to support the conservation of the land and wider community. The lodge strives to support their surrounding community and environment by working towards a plastic-free pledge, removing invasive species, supporting anti-poaching teams, purifying water, runs soup kitchens, and supplies local healthcare facilities among many other initiatives.

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.