The African continent has a wealth of landscapes, wildlife and ecosystems. Some of nature's most prolific animals including leopards, elephants and lions roam freely on its timeless plains. Culture and tradition is equally enduring there, with rural villages carrying out age-old traditions as the world shifts around them. Ecotourism, with its commitment to cultural development and natural sustainability, is one of the best ways to experience, and preserve, all that Africa has to offer.
While ecotourism isn't particularly new to Africa, its development has expanded considerably. In Kenya, Maasai tribes work with conservation programs to help stabilize lion populations. In Uganda and Rwanda, funding for gorilla research has been bolstered by new permit regulations, habitat protection and the reintroduction of old territories lost during the turbulent 1990s. Such stability also brings better funding for rangers in national parks. With advanced GPS systems and reliable communications, game drives have taken on new levels of excitement, as park rangers coordinate wildlife sightings. And for those wanting to sleep under the African sky, well maintained and secure camping sites have cropped up in parks across the continent.
Most ecotourism in North Africa focuses on the harsh beauty of the region. Recently, new government initiatives in Morocco's Talassemtane National Park and Tunisia's Jbel Zaghouan National Park have sparked a surge in responsible travel. Talassemtane Park offers extended treks, camping, hiking and climbing across the rugged Rif Mountains of northern Morocco. Jbel Zaghouan, Tunisia's highest peak, lets visitors explore cliffs, caves, and old Roman temples residing on its slopes. Vacationers can be confident that tour guides operating in the parks must adhere to strict new practices deemed friendly to both the land and the surrounding cultures.
Between July and October, the great wildebeest migration in Kenya stands out as one of the biggest natural events in the world. More than a million wildebeest make the long trek from Tanzania's Serengeti to Kenya's Maasai Mara. Daring encounters unfold as they battle through rough terrain filled with natural predators. To witness this spectacular event in a way that respects both the land and the Maasai people who live there, Maasai Mara Conservancies has united development projects and tour operators to help keep tourist density low and ensure environmental protection during game viewing. Their partners range from intimate bush camps to boutique lodges, all of which abide by sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
Ghana, one of the most friendly and welcoming countries in Africa, shines just as bright when it comes to ecotourism. The Volta region in eastern Ghana features the highest concentration of community-based ecotourism in the country. Home to Kyabobo National Park, the waterfalls of Amedzofe and the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, this area is filled with waterways, mountains and over 720 species of birds. Hiking, canoeing and biking are common in national parks and sanctuaries, with numerous eco-friendly, and even vegan, lodging throughout the area.
The first country in the world to make responsible travel a governmental policy, South Africa has some excellent ecotourism opportunities. The Cape Floral Kingdom in particular stands out as having the highest concentration of non-tropical plants in the world. Walking tours, hiking and nature drives reign supreme in this UNESCO Heritage Site. Also home to a number of sustainable wineries, tours sampling some of South Africa's best collections has become a popular way to spend the day. Numerous bed and breakfasts dot the area and carry a fair trade tourism accreditation, or FTT, for their commitment to sustainable practices.
The African continent has seen remarkable growth in stability the past few years, but there are still some areas worth avoiding. A look at the State Department's travel warnings section will keep you abreast of any instability. It's also important to research necessary vaccinations, as some countries demand proof of these upon arrival. Africa is a generally friendly place, however muggings in urban areas are the most common concern. To mitigate this, avoid wearing flashy jewellery and keep only small amounts of cash in your pockets when going out. When researching tour companies that specialize in ecotourism, verify that they are approved by local conservancies and environmental boards. Such accreditation varies by country, but most display national and international approval badges on their websites and in their literature.
