Volume 11

Page 48

adventures

Become an Ecoteer Neil McIver There are many different kinds of travellers – some people enjoy exotic island holidays while others get a kick out of shopping malls, glitz and glamour. The outdoor and 4x4 communities of South Africa, however, have a different set of thrills that they seek when they go on a self-drive tour. In my experience, avid 4x4 adventurers want their holidays to be full of enlightening cultural experiences, fresh air and new discoveries. In the world of outdoor adventures, safaris and 4x4 routes, people want to spend time with people whose company they enjoy and learn about the untapped beauty of Africa, its people, its wildlife and its cultures. Over the past few years, these groups of people have become particularly aware of how their holidays impact the areas they visit. These areas – and the people that live there, often don’t have flashy websites, PR representatives and tourism departments who promote their rights and sustainability. There are various different aspects of responsible tourism, ranging from calculating your carbon footprint and supporting local projects to simple things like making sure your camp grounds are clean after you have left. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind with regards to responsible tourism:

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Vol 11 2013

www.africanadventures.co.za


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