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Community
Our local operator has spent significant time training your guides on responsible tourism issues. This means that your leader will be informed of the different ways in which you will be able to contribute to local economic development and conservation matters. The leader on this trip is a local South African from the Kwa Zulu Natal area. We also employ local leaders in the nature reserves to conduct the walks. We always use local leaders and guides and in so doing contributing directly to the local communities.
The hotel accommodation used is all locally owned and run. This we believe contributes directly to the local community as local staff are employed and locally produced goods are used in the accommodation. Towels are not washed every day unless clients request it and there are signs in all of the bathrooms indicating the hotel policy.
Environment
The maximum number we take is limited to 12 on this trip. This we believe reduces the impact on the community and environment. On this trip we spend two nights in indigenous forest at Magoebaskloof, by staying here we directly contribute to the long-term management and sustainability of this indigenous forest. The trip spends seven nights in Nature Reserves (Kruger National Park, Malolotja Nature Reserve, Mkuzi Game Reserve and Edeni Game Reserve) where the fees paid go directly towards conservation. In addition, we make day trips to the Royal Natal National Park where the entry fees paid go directly towards the conservation of this park. We also visit, and therefore support, a local reptile conservation park and the Blyde River Canyon conservation area.
We have at our offices worked to reduce our carbon footprint through a reduction of energy use and energy conservation measures. We also actively reduce the waste produced by having active reduction and recycling policies in place. We run regular staff workshops on responsible tourism. Global warming is a reality and to help you make a difference by reducing the carbon dioxide that is produced when you travel we offer a chance to carbon balance your flights. We encourage all our clients to do this and do so for all our staff travel.
This tour operator was the first to get access to China over 30 years ago and the first to take a truck to Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side. They have since expanded into 91 countries. Their product is driven by their clients because they listen to feedback and have to constantly evolve to provide a greater experience and better value. The exclusive centres they use have been grown organically and are often owned by ex-leaders. The holidays remain innovative, though you will now be travelling in a Mercedes 16-seater sprinter coach rather than a rusty old Bedford overland truck.
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