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Experiencing Natural Wonders with Ecotourism
Ecotourism
Coined by Héctor Ceballos-Lascuràin in 1983 the term Ecotourism
was used to describe nature centric travel to relatively
undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education. Today
ecotourism consists of cultural tourism, nature tourism, leisure
tourism and a good dose of adventure. Sound ecotourism involves
travel to natural destinations, minimizes impact, builds
environmental awareness, provides direct financial benefits for
conservation, provides financial benefits and empowerment for
local people, respects local culture, and supports human rights
and not exploitation. It is an enlightening, participatory
travel experience to environments, both natural and cultural
which produces viable economic opportunities for the tourism
industry and host communities, and makes the use of these
resources through conservation beneficial to all tourism role
players.
Global Ecotourism
According to the World Tourism Organisation Ecotourism is the
fastest growing market within the ever expanding global tourism
industry. Eco-travel is a serious player within the global
tourism market and is fast becoming the preferred option in
vacationing. We are a society trademarked by a heightened
environmental consciousness not known in past eras. This
combined with easy accessibility to exotic locations is what has
drawn so many to eco-travel. Countries have begun to promote
their natural resources, unique locals and tourism facilities in
a bid to capture the interest of intrepid eco-travellers.
Businesses are constructing camps and lodges and trails and
tours are being designed to facilitate the wants and needs of
the eco-tourists.
Ecotourism in Africa
Africa is synonymous with the concept of ecotourism, its
multitude of game parks and reserves conserve some of the
world's most magnificent creatures. The bird life throughout the
continent is remarkable, natural wonders are scattered
throughout the continent and the cultures and traditions of past
eras mystically intertwine with modern day. Each country on this
diverse continent offers its own unique appeal to eco-travellers
and no eco-traveller would be complete without a trip to Africa.
A Jewel at the Tip of Africa
When the path of tourism began to diverge to ecotourism; nature,
heritage and recreational destinations became more important
than before and South Africa is a haven for these three
cornerstones of eco-tourism. Lying at the very tip of Africa,
South Africa is home to some of the most magnificent vistas,
sunsets and natural resources one could hope to encounter. It is
near impossible to separate SA from a nature experience and the
strongest
motivations for overseas travellers seem to be the
scenic beauty and rich wildlife.
SA Ecotourism Highlights
There are a never ending abundance of activities to keep
eco-travellers busy on their journey through South Africa. One
of the biggest draw cards are the impressive wildlife reserves
scattered throughout the country. The Kruger National Park, by
far South Africa's most internationally acclaimed, was
established in 1898 to protect South African wildlife and is
today an unrivalled leader in biodiversity and environmental
management. Each park and reserve offers its visitors a unique
experience. Watching a herd of elephants cooling off at a
waterhole or a lioness and her cubs playfully taunting one
another are truly some of the most amazing sights anyone can
behold. The parks are extremely large which allows the wildlife
to roam free and exist as they were created to without borders
or unnatural threats. A safari drive is one of the best ways to
experience nature up close and personal and it is highly
recommended for any one interested in eco-travel.
It is not only the impressive wildlife on the ground that
attracts visitors to South Africa; the marine life is
spectacularly diverse. From Southern-Right Whale watching in
Hermanus and watching schools of dolphins gliding through the
waters on a boat trip to exploring the ecosystems in the rock
pools along the coastline and scuba diving amongst various
marine creatures.
South African is home to some of the most dramatic mountains and
mountain ranges. Table Mountain, the Magaliesberg and the
Drakensburg Mountain range offer amazing flora and fauna as well
as some of the world's best hiking trails and breathtaking
vistas. The various botanical gardens that are scattered
throughout the country are home to hundreds of indigenous plants
and the countries numerous forest regions are much celebrated by
eco-enthusiasts.
The traditional villages are a highlight amongst eco-travellers
to South Africa who have the opportunity to experience what life
was like in years gone by. Apart from partaking in traditional
customs such as meals and games visitors gain an insight as to
how the tribes lived off and existed in harmony with nature.
Africa is a treasure trove of natural wonders and the jewel at
the tip, South Africa, is a slice of paradise for anyone
interested in ecotourism.
About the author:
Oasis Overland Adventure
Travel is an overland adventure travel company offering
unforgettable, once in a lifetime overland tours to some of the
world's most fascinating cultural landscapes. Experience the
natural wonders of South Africa with Oasis Overland.
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