Greater Kruger safari in South Africa

Planet

Many of Africa's protected wildlife areas were once the domain of trophy hunters. Camps and basic infrastructure were set up to accommodate wealthy hunters and the revenue accrued assured that the areas were protected from cattle farming and habituation. Traditionally, trophy hunting was the only means available to acquire the vast sums of money needed to keep the wildlife lands from being developed.

Thankfully, not any more.

Think of safaris today and one conjures up an image of excited khaki-clad tourists in a traditional game vehicle, stopping to photograph animals and learn about the bush from their guide.

Because of the increase in interest from travellers around the world to go on an African safari, far more of the local communities around these wildlife areas are actively involved in the protection of their natural heritage.

Many communities close to wildlife reserves benefit from secondary employment directly from tourism in these protected wildlife areas – souvenir sales, the supply of fresh produce to lodges and camps to name but a few. Instead of trophy hunting keeping reserves open and wildlife able to roam freely, safari tourism is doing this. Safari tourism saves Africa's wildlife by creating much needed local employment and revenue to the extent that governments find these areas worth preserving.

We provide clients with information about environmentally-friendly tourism and choices that can be made while still enjoying a bucket-list holiday – leave sea shells on the beach, don't visit 'petting' parks or go on a shark cage diving. The guides that we work with teach guests the problems associated with feeding wild animals and other important environmental concerns in each specific area of travel.

Pungwe is 'off the grid'. `The fact that we encourage our guests to walk further reduces our impact on the environment. Pungwe sponsors the annual heritage day celebrations. This initiative aimed at creating cultural and natural heritage awareness amongst the youth in surrounding communities, with a major focus on the challenges of Rhino poaching

People

We recognises that employment created through tourism helps to stop poaching, raises education and skill levels, and uplifts local communities in and near the tourism hotspots. Our company policy is to use local suppliers that employ staff directly from the communities around them. We use local guides because they are the most knowledgeable specialists in the area, and by employing them, the local community in turn benefits.

Pungwe is proud of its links to the adjacent communities; all our wonderful staff are from the surrounding villages and are passionate about both the Manyeleti and Pungwe. The camp purchases most of its supplies and services from local businesses and our support of local children at the Thorndale Creche is an ongoing project very close to our hearts. Pungwe provides the main meal each day for the 51 children who attend the creche.

We use Ashton transfers for the road transfer from Johannesburg. They employ local driver / guides for all the transfers.