Game Lodges Support Conservation and Surrounding Communities

A few years ago, I wrote an article about the impact of tourism on conservation efforts in South Africa. My last article explored the value that game lodges can provide to local tourists, many of whom are seeking more affordable local vacations instead of costly international travel. These lodges do this by offering excellent all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, travel, entertainment, meals, and other additional expenses.

However, they also provide something far more important especially from a local tourist’s perspective which I promised to elaborate on in this article: the opportunity to contribute to the meaningful conservation efforts and community initiatives supported by game lodges.

This is primarily enabled through the conservation levy guests are asked to pay whenever they enter a wildlife preservation area. While most guests generally accept this as a necessary contribution, some may wonder whether the lodge simply benefits from these fees. That could not be further from the truth. Let’s take a brief look at what these game lodge conservation levies support.

Providing roots for generations to come

It begins with the very important, unique learning experiences about wildlife and conservation that the lodges provide, mostly in the form of fun activities for kids, or, in many cases, for the whole family. In these educational sessions, children and adults alike learn all about their wildlife heritage, its importance, and many fun facts about bush flora and fauna. They are usually ranger-led activities too, so they are safe and expertly guided.

Conserving our wildlife heritage

Game lodges play a significant role in funding wildlife protection and preservation. Lodges directly support anti-poaching initiatives, which, according to experts, “need to include armed patrols, K9 tracking units, and surveillance camera traps to protect endangered species such as rhinos.” Conservation efforts also include reintroducing species into their natural habitats and restoring land affected by alien vegetation, overgrazing, or adverse weather conditions. Finally, there are research and breeding programmes for rare species such as the Southern Ground-Hornbill.

Keeping communities thriving  

Game lodges are also paramount to the support of the communities in the areas that surround them and are essential to their survival. This includes employing local staff and sourcing goods and services from nearby communities, and, very importantly, extends to education and healthcare programs. The employment of locals has long-term benefits too, like the teaching of skills in hospitality, guiding, reserve management, and more.  

Game lodges need support to be supportive

Obviously, this contribution from tourism through game lodges is vital and should never be underestimated. I must, however, return to an article I wrote many years ago in which I said: “The efforts of everyone, from private individuals who can afford a monthly contribution to support conservation efforts and who choose to enjoy a local bush-break vacation, to massive internationally based corporate entities that choose Africa as their annual conference venue and everyone in between all contribute to making a difference.”

Former President Nelson Mandela said at one of the Tourism Indaba conferences: “It is in tourism that nature and humanity meet most equitably and profitably… it provides the resources for the conservation of our natural heritage.” I said it four years ago, and I say it again, as the need is probably greater now than ever: “It may be around the tourism industry that ecotourism turns, but it is only through public, private sector, and government support that your grandchildren will also enjoy our most precious asset, our wildlife.” Do not think that a visit to a game lodge is simply a great vacation. It supports the sustainability of life in all its forms.

Lidia de Olim
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER