9 ways to travel sustainably in South Africa

Hey there! Are you excited about exploring the beautiful country of South Africa? I sure am! Let’s talk about how we can do it sustainably. Here are 9 awesome ways for you to travel while taking care of the environment:

1. Ride a bike or walk whenever you can. Not only is this good exercise, but it also reduces your carbon footprint. Plus, you get to take in all the stunning scenery up close!
2. Use public transportation like buses and trains. They are a great way to get around while minimizing pollution. Plus, you get to interact with locals and immerse yourself in the culture.
3. Support eco-friendly accommodations. Look for places that have implemented sustainable practices, like using renewable energy and recycling. This way, you can relax knowing that your stay is helping the planet.
4. Eat local and organic food. By choosing locally sourced ingredients, you support local farmers and reduce the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation. It’s a win-win!
5. Avoid single-use plastics. Bring your own reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils. Say no to straws and plastic bags. Every small action counts!
6. Join a community cleanup or conservation project. Not only will you be helping to preserve the natural beauty of South Africa, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and make a positive impact.
7. Respect nature and wildlife. Keep a safe distance, don’t disturb the animals, and never buy products made from endangered species. Let’s protect and appreciate the incredible biodiversity South Africa has to offer.
8. Support local businesses and artisans. By buying locally made souvenirs and supporting small businesses, you contribute to the local economy and help create sustainable livelihoods for the people of South Africa.
9. Learn from the locals. Engage in cultural exchanges and respect the traditions and customs of the communities you visit. This will not only enrich your experience but also foster understanding and appreciation between different cultures.

Remember, each of us has the power to make a difference. By traveling sustainably in South Africa, we can protect its natural wonders for future generations to enjoy. So pack your bags, be mindful of the environment, and let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure!

These days, more and more people who travel and the places they stay are thinking about responsible and sustainable travel. They want to be careful about how they affect the environment and do more to support local communities.

I’m going to tell you about some ways that you can travel in a sustainable way. But first, let’s talk about what happened to tourism during the Covid pandemic and what’s happening now.

Getting back to travel

When the Covid pandemic hit, not many people were traveling. But now, things are starting to change. People are getting excited to go on trips again and visit faraway places.

This is great for businesses and the people who work in the tourism industry. But it might not be so great for the Earth.

Have you ever thought about the impact of overcrowding on historical sites and the environment? It’s a real concern, as it can lead to damage and pollution. For example, when tourists visit beautiful coral reefs, they often unknowingly harm the fragile coral with their sunscreen. And with more and more people wanting to hike to the top of Mount Everest, pollution has become a serious problem.

But don’t worry, it’s not all bad news. The United Nations (UN) has come up with 12 travel tips to help you minimize your impact when visiting your favorite places. While it won’t completely solve the problem, it’s a step in the right direction.

Understanding the concept of ‘sustainable travel’

Hey, let’s talk about sustainable travel! It’s a pretty cool concept, and it’s all about three important things:

1. First, we’ve got practicing environmentally friendly stuff like reducing waste, reusing things, and recycling. You know, taking care of our planet!

2. Then, there’s protecting cultural heritage, which means preserving old buildings and saving endangered species. We don’t want to lose all the cool stuff from the past!

3. Finally, we should make sure our travels benefit local communities. That means supporting the rights of indigenous peoples and making sure they get fair wages. It’s all about being fair and respectful!

Why does it matter?

Well, you see, sometimes travel can cause problems for the environment and the people who live in the places we visit. It can lead to things like pollution, overcrowding, and locals not being able to afford to live in their own homes anymore! Yikes!

But don’t worry! You can help!

Wow, can you believe that South Africa attracts over 10 million tourists every year? That’s a lot of people exploring this amazing country! But with so many visitors, it’s important for us to be mindful of how our travels impact the environment.

Whether you’re a local or a foreigner, we all need to be responsible tourists and practice sustainable travel. Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to do that, though. I’m here to help! Here are nine tips to help you travel more sustainably in South Africa this summer.

1. Support local businesses

Welcome to the Mojo Market in Sea Point, Cape Town!

Put those blinkers on and forget about the big chains. Let’s make a pledge to support local businesses.

When you make a conscious choice to spend your money locally, you’re actually helping to redistribute wealth from developed countries to those that are still developing. And you know what? That has a big impact on helping to reduce poverty.

Now, I have to be honest with you. There are two sides to this coin. Tourism can have some negative effects too. It can lead to money leaving local economies and it can even contribute to human rights violations. Imagine that!

For example, those all-inclusive travel packages may seem like a great deal, but they often keep tourists away from local communities. And that means fewer opportunities for the locals to benefit from tourism.

So, let’s be mindful of where we spend our money. Let’s make sure that our purchases benefit the local community. Here’s how:

• Eat at local restaurants that use ingredients from the area.

When I travel, I like to support the local community in any way I can. This not only helps the local economy but also allows me to have a more authentic experience. Here are some ways you can do the same:

1. Explore the Local Market: Instead of shopping at big chain stores, take a stroll through the local market. Here, you can find unique products while supporting small, local vendors.

2. Buy Locally and Sustainably: Look for products that are made locally and produced using sustainable methods. This not only helps the environment but also supports businesses that prioritize sustainability.

3. Support Local Artisans: When buying souvenirs, opt for items made by local artisans. By doing so, you not only get a one-of-a-kind product but also contribute to the preservation of their cultural heritage.

4. Treat Locals with Respect: It’s important to be mindful of your actions and treat locals with respect. This means keeping your commitments, such as not canceling bookings at the last minute, and being polite and considerate during your interactions.

5. Take Local Tours: Instead of joining big tour groups, consider hiring a local guide. They have firsthand knowledge of the area and can provide a more authentic and personalized experience.

By following these simple steps, you can make a positive impact on the local community and contribute towards conservation. So, the next time you travel, remember to support the locals and make choices that empower the community.

Hey there! I want to talk to you about wildlife tourism in Africa. It’s actually a really big deal, according to UNWTO. Africa relies heavily on wildlife and eco-tourism to protect its natural treasures, like elephants and rhinos. These amazing animals are in danger from poaching and other threats.

When you support wildlife establishments, like game reserves and nature parks, you’re making a difference. You’re showing that nature is valuable, and you’re helping to finance its protection. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

And don’t forget about places like Kruger and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi! They need our help too, especially since rhinos are being poached so much. When you visit these areas and support eco-tourism, a big chunk of the money goes towards keeping the park safe.

3. Let’s explore the road less travelled together

Check out this vibrant image by Tyson Jopson!

When we limit ourselves to the usual all-inclusive resorts and crowded tourist spots, we miss out on the little things that make a place truly special. Plus, we put unnecessary strain on popular destinations.

Instead of sticking to the beaten tourist track, why not step out of the norm and embrace the excitement?

By choosing experiences that offer genuine connections with locals, authentic culture, and meaningful memories, we not only lessen the burden on local environments and infrastructure but also support the local communities we visit (after all, isn’t that why we travel in the first place?).

But if you still have your heart set on visiting a popular site, consider planning your trip during the off-peak season.

4. Love the environment, leave nothing behind

You know, South Africa is an awesome place for people who love hiking. It’s got so many walking trails all over the country, and you can find hundreds, maybe even thousands, of them. It’s a really diverse place, with lots of different kinds of plants and animals.

When you’re out hiking, remember to take care of the environment. Bring a little bag with you so you can pick up any trash you find along the way. It’s a good idea to do this when you’re walking on the beach, too.

It’s also important to stay on the designated paths. They were put there for a reason, you know. If you go wandering off, the plants and animals in the area could be affected. And please, don’t pick any of the flowers you see. It might seem like a small thing, but it can mess up the whole ecosystem.

5. Be careful around wildlife

Hey there! So, you know how in South Africa, there are tons of animal encounters that you can do? They’ve got cheetah walks, swimming with whales and dolphins, and even cage diving with crocs! It sounds pretty cool, right? But here’s the thing – those experiences might not be as great as they seem.

See, even though they’re advertised as conservation initiatives, they actually do more harm than good. Take captive-bred predators, for example. These poor animals are either used to breed cute little cubs for people to pet, or they end up being hunted and their heads are hung up on a wall. It’s so sad!

Jeremy Smith, the dude who started the Fair Game tourism initiative, says that real walking safaris in the bush are amazing. But he warns everyone to stay away from trips that let you walk and pet tame animals. It’s just not a good idea.

You ever think about diving with sharks? It’s crazy, right? But did you know it can be kind of controversial? Yeah, there’s this thing called shark diving where they lure the sharks in with chum – that’s just dead fish, guts, and blood – and it’s seen as pretty irresponsible because it messes with the sharks’ natural behavior.

6. Start Saving Water

When you’re traveling, try to use as little water as possible. Tourists tend to use a lot more water than the local residents in the places they visit. This can be a problem because many areas are already facing water scarcity. But you can make a difference by making some simple choices.

Here are some ways you can help:

• Reuse your towels and bedding instead of asking for fresh ones every day.
• Try to flush the toilet less often, as a single flush can use up to 14 liters of water!
• Limit your shower time to just two minutes.
• If you notice any leaking taps or toilets, report them so they can be fixed promptly.
• When washing your dishes, use a dishwasher if available, and make sure to run it only when it’s full.

7. Travel with reusables

Did you know that in South Africa, a staggering 84% of plastic waste ends up in the ocean or overflowing landfills? It’s a massive problem, and one that we need to address urgently.

When it comes to travel, we often don’t realize how much plastic we use and dispose of along the way. That’s why it’s important to be conscious of our choices and find ways to minimize our plastic footprint.

So, what can you do to make a difference? Here are some simple steps you can take:

1. Bring your own reusable items

When I travel, I always make sure to pack a reusable water bottle, a travel mug, and a foldable or cloth shopping bag. These items are lightweight and easy to carry, and they can help reduce your reliance on disposable plastic.

2. Say no to plastic packaging

Another way to reduce your plastic waste is by choosing products that come in plastic-free packaging. Look for items packaged in glass or tin, and try to avoid cling wrap whenever possible.

3. Choose gum alternatives

Did you know that chewing gum is actually made of plastic? Instead of reaching for a pack of gum, consider alternatives like mints or natural chewing gum that are free from plastic.

By making these small changes in your travel habits, you can make a big difference in the fight against plastic pollution. Let’s work together to protect our planet and keep our oceans clean.

8. Support responsible township tourism

In the bustling streets of Swartbooi Street, I met Mamma Swartbooi, a warm and welcoming woman who graciously invited me into her humble home. Meanwhile, in the vibrant community of Kayamandi, Thembi Koli chatted with a friend at a local hair salon. These are the faces that make township tourism come alive.

Unfortunately, township tourism has earned itself a bad reputation. It has become synonymous with a quick drive-by experience, where tourists snap photos of the poverty-stricken locals without truly engaging or giving anything back.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. When done responsibly and with respect, a township tour can open your eyes to the challenges and triumphs of a community. It provides an opportunity for the locals to proudly showcase their heritage, support their families, and drive positive change through community initiatives.

If you’re considering adding a township tour to your travel plans, there are some important questions to ask:

• Are the guides from the township?
• Will part of the fee go back to the community?
• Will you make a stop along the way?
• Can you spend money during the trip?

If you’re looking for a true cultural exchange and a chance to learn, I suggest taking a walking or cycling tour.

9. Get acquainted with the history of South Africa

Hey there! If you’re a responsible tourist like me, then you know that understanding the past is key to being present.

Let’s take a journey through South African history together! We can start by visiting the Apartheid Museum, a place that was created for the community to learn, remember, and heal. It’s a peaceful and transformative experience. We can also explore the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, dive into the story of Cape Town’s District Six, or stroll through the vibrant Boo Kaap district with a local guide.

Now, I know that delving into South Africa’s history may not be the most cheerful adventure, but it’s an important one. By understanding the past, we get a deeper appreciation for South African society and how far the country has come. So let’s dive in and embrace the journey!

If we start considering our impact when we travel, it can have a significant positive effect on tourism in South Africa. So, let’s be more mindful! It’s essential to stay informed and make sustainable choices during our trips. By doing so, we can make a big difference.

Remember, being a conscious traveler doesn’t mean sacrificing enjoyment. On the contrary, it allows us to fully experience and appreciate the beauty of South Africa while preserving it for future generations.

With this new perspective, we can elevate the meaning of tourism in South Africa. It’s a double-edged sword that, when wielded responsibly, can regenerate a positive response.

So, if you’re planning a trip, keep these factors in mind. Choose the right accommodation that follows sustainable practices. Understand and respect the local culture and traditions. Support local businesses and communities. And, most importantly, leave only footprints and take beautiful memories with you.

By following these simple guidelines, you can have an unforgettable South African experience and contribute to the long-term preservation of this incredible destination.

So, let’s be sustainable travelers and make a collective difference.

Featured image: Tim Johnson/Unsplash

ALSO READ