In the heart of South Africa, where the golden savannah stretches on, spotted through with baobab trees, communities are struggling to break out of the poverty cycle. With limited access to education and economic opportunities, hope comes in the form of wildlife tourism
Game reserves have grown significantly since their first implementation. Wildlife in the 20th Century had virtually no economic value, competing with cattle for space and being slaughtered by the hundreds as they were classified as vermin. Eventually national parks were established and commercial wildlife ranching was recognised. Now a couple centuries later, much of the biodiversity has returned to private and public game reserves and has become a key part of South Africa’s GDP and tourism.
Nestled against the backdrop of the iconic Drakensberg Mountains, these villages have become unlikely beneficiaries of the burgeoning wildlife tourism industry. Traditionally, the people of these communities relied on subsistence farming and small-scale agriculture to make ends meet. However, the shift towards sustainable and responsible animal tourism has opened up new avenues for employment and skill development, bringing about a positive change in the lives of the locals. South Africa now reports 10,000 private game reserves spanning 20 million hectares of land, of which hire three times as many employees as traditional livestock farms. Over 140,000 people have jobs within private game reserves, these reserves not only create jobs, but importantly skilled labor jobs training populations, educating and strengthening the rural workforce while allowing villagers to stay close to home, rather than move away to bigger cities in search of economic opportunity.
One of the driving forces behind this change is the growing interest of eco-conscious travelers seeking authentic and ethical wildlife experiences. Game drives have grown dramatically in popularity as the world searches for real tangible experiences following the isolation of COVID-19. Rather than supporting exploitative practices, these tourists are drawn to initiatives that prioritize conservation and community development. As a result, numerous wildlife reserves and conservation areas in rural South Africa have become magnets for those looking to witness the Big Five – elephants, lions, leopards, rhinoceros and buffaloes – in their natural habitats.
These reserves, once isolated, are working to create larger partnerships and corridors, transferring and supporting wild game populations, while continuing biodiversity and protecting endangered species. Neighboring villages are now playing a pivotal role in this transformation, benefiting from employment opportunities and skilled labour trainings that extend beyond the traditional roles of farming. Many have found work as bush guides, caretakers, and hospitality staff, enabling them to support their families and improve their overall quality of life without leaving to live in a far away city. There are now options for the individual that did not exist previously, helping both the South African communities and the wildlife animal population, uplifting each other in a positive cycle..
The impact of animal tourism goes beyond mere employment. Recognizing the importance of preserving their natural heritage, community members are being trained in various skilled labor roles related to conservation and tourism. Sustainable self farming programs have been established nationwide and aided by many associations and reserves. The biodiversity of crops and nature are just as important as animals to a thriving landscape. Private Game Reserves and animal tourism can play a huge role in the preservation, educations and conservation of South Africa’s natural resources and native populations.
To appreciate the landscape and animals, we must appreciate the people who nurture it and call it their home.
By: Melanie Ghesquiere