A common question regarding luxury holidays in Africa is, ""Is going on a Safari an environmentally responsible thing to do?""
We say: ""Yes!""
Is going on safari in South Africa an environmentally responsible thing to do?
Whether you have never discovered the joy of a safari or have been on many a trip, there is one thing that I am sure plays on many people's minds: the question, 'Is going on safari an environmentally responsible thing to do?'
We say: absolutely, yes!
When done properly, a safari can be as rewarding for the animals as it is for those seeing them, not least because it brings much needed tourism and therefore money into areas which really need it. This money can then be put towards things such as efficient reserve management and censoring, as well as capture and relocation of the wildlife where it is needed. This is hugely beneficial to wildlife numbers, as well as improving habitat conditions and helping to combat illegal poaching.
One such property that is focused on going one step further - actually involving its guests in this important cycle - is the Ant Collection, a magnificent private game reserve located in the malaria-free Waterberg region of the Limpopo province in South Africa. Here, guests are always invited to take part in the conservation for themselves. This could involve anything from helping to track a wounded Eland and administering it with antibiotics to tracking a young bull rhino which needs to be relocated. As well as this, once a year, Ant's also organise what's known as 'Game Census and Capture week' from September 9 to 16, which is guaranteed to give you the most hands on safari and wildlife experience ever.
Overview of the week:
Guests arrive at leisure and engage in an activity of their choice in the afternoon. You'll then enjoy sun downers while listening to a brief presentation by one of the guides on the census and relocation of the game species. You'll also hear information on nature conservation and an overview of what you can expect from the week.
The first day will be spent doing helping out with either game capture or relocation. During the course of the week, there will be a number of special guest speakers including, Dr Philip Calcott, who will be conducting a night sky safari, a wine tasting evening with some of the most amazing South African wines, and a themed bush dinner. The following days will involve the game census, with guests divided into about eight groups of approximately two to three guests and staff in each. This will be done in either game drive vehicles or on horseback.
Afternoons can be spent at leisure doing the activity of your choice, including game drives, walking, riding, mountain biking or just relaxing in the lovely gardens next to the pool. There will be additional activities such as a cultural farm tour, as well as a Big Five game drive, which will be on offer for one of the leisure afternoons.