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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

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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.