Eco-tourism has a critical role to play in maintaining important areas of biodiversity. Through eco-tourism people have the opportunity to access and enjoy South Africa’s natural heritage.
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve in the Western Cape has been named one of the top 50 most sustainable and responsible tourist destinations in the continent.
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve is situated within the Cape Floral Kingdom, which hosts one of the richest floras on earth. The reserve’s award winning Eco camp is a perfect example of how to “tread the earth lightly”.
It is designed and built to have minimal visual and physical impact on the sensitive environment.
Marketing and Eco-Tourism Sheraaz Ismail says: “Gamkaberg was acknowledged for its outstanding conservation work. Also its community outreach program and its projects as well as the utilization of renewable energies and lastly also the treatment of waste and waste disposal.”
The fact that the camps make use of solar energy and tented accommodation does not take away any luxuries or creature comforts.
It is only aimed at enhancing visitors experience to be as close to nature as possible.
Gamkaberg reserve manager Tom Barry says:”I think people come for the peace and quiet. We don’t have the big five but we do have Leopard, Zebra and Kudu.”
If you do decide to hike to Oudekraal, which is situated on the highest point in the Reserve, you will be awarded with a 360 degree view of wild mountainous landscapes.
And an evening spent under the stars around the campfire.
On foot you also stand a chance to see the small but very important, genetically diverse group of endangered Cape Mountain Zebras of Gamkaberg.
