ECO - TOURISM IN THE GARDEN ROUTE - ACCOMMODATION

ECO FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION

Fern Gully - Knysna
Fern Gully is a small working farm, in a rural area 18kms outside Knysna on the Rheenendal road to the historical Millwood Goldmine and the Goudveld indigenous forest. Fern Gully is within easy access to Knysna and Sedgefield and all the scenic and recreational activities they have to offer..... see more

ECO FRIENDLY - THINGS TO DO

Mountain Biking
The Garden Route has a great selection of Mountain Biking trails.... see more

Bird Watching
Due to the diverse habitat of the region you can watch sea birds, rocky-cliff water birds, freshwater birds and birds that enjoy forest vegetation. Nearly 300 species of birdlife are to be found in a variety of habitats ranging from fynbos to forest to wetland. Ten nature reserves embrace the varied eco systems of the area and 30 bird species are endemic to the Southern Cape. see more

Indigenous plants
This region boasts more than 6500 indigenous plant species and many bird and wildlife species offering the visitor a memory of a lifetime. The Garden Route's indigenous plants are a unique mixture of Cape Fynbos and Forest Species and offer a range of eco-tourism activities in the way of hiking, bird watching etc. see more

Hiking Trails
Some of the well know trails in the Garden Route include the Otter trail, The Tsitsikamma Hiking trail, Outeniqua trail and Natures valley trail.see more

ECO - FRIENDLY BUSINESSES IN THE GARDEN ROUTE

Green Leaf Magazine
Green Leaf Magazine provides an opportunity for businesses to market to a green audience ........ see more

It is almost impossible to separate a tourism experience in South Africa from a nature experience and specifically to this area. So rich is the Garden Route & Klein Karoo in scenic beauty and wildlife, that these facets remain the strongest motivation for overseas tourists to visit this region.

As an eco-destination, South Africa has an enormous responsibility. The international definition of the word eco-tourism implies far more than merely a nature-experience. The word environment in its broader context has come to include the diverse community activities and cultures of a country’s inhabitants, as well as its scarce and sensitive natural resources.

Eco-tourism implies tourism practices that would benefit all concerned parties rather than benefit some concerns and neglect others. The term “eco-tourism” has therefore come to include concepts such as planning before development, sustainability of resources, economic viability of a tourism product, no negative impact on either the environment and local communities, responsibility for the environment from developers, the tourism industry and tourism, environmentally friendly practices by all parties concerned and economic benefits flowing to local communities.

The naturally diverse Garden Route and Klein Karoo are fantastic destinations for the keen eco-tourist to explore. With ever growing numbers of “eco-options” available, visitors can enjoy a wonderful holiday, whilst helping to ensure the sustainability of the local environment and communities, always making sure to travel the true eco-way and “Take only pictures, leave only footprints”.

With stunning natural landscapes and an abundance of uniquely African wildlife, it is no wonder that several “Eco-Lodges” have sprung up around South Africa’s Garden Route and Klein Karoo to accommodate the responsible eco-tourist.

Another important facet to the eco-tourist’s holiday is ensuring that the effect on nature’s creatures is kept to a minimum. Once again the Garden route and Klein Karoo provide plenty of options for wildlife viewing with minimal impact. With wildlife safaris proving to be one of the most popular activities here, several operators in this malaria-free area offer guests safaris in reserves where conservation and ensuring the way of life for the magnificent animals of the African veld are a top priority.

Eco-tourism is not only about watching the wildlife, it's also about giving a little something back to the local environment and community. On offer in the Garden Route and Klein Karoo are a range of tours and activities where travellers are given plenty of opportunity to help boost the local economy and contribute to conservation efforts. A tour of a local township is a great way to experience how daily life is for many millions of South Africans, and gives visitors the chance to see and contribute to the many vital community projects that are bringing about a real positive change.