Africa

Great beaches are the main draw for many visitors to the Gambia. However, there are many other places worth a visit, such as the small capital of Banjul with its unique mixture of shanty buildings, colonial buildings and modern offices, Kiang West National Park for over 300 species of birds, Baboon Island – home of the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Trust or Makasutu Palm Forest on the banks of a beautiful tributary of the River Gambia. Unfortunately, many of the economic benefits of tourism have not found their way to the local people of the Gambia. A number of eco-tourism ventures are trying to reverse the negative efects of tourism by supporting local communities at the same time as conserving their natural environment.

Kenya has endless possibilities and for this reason is one of East Africa’s top destinations. It is perhaps most well-known for safaris, with some of the best stocked game parks in Africa. Other attractions include palm-fringed white sandy beaches, coral reefs and ancient Swahili cities. Kenya is also popular for climbing and hiking, with the second highest mountain in Africa - Mt.Kenya - situated here. Eco projects in Kenya attempt to ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt by the local communities, and work on educating locals and visitors in conservation to preserve the natural beauty of the land.

Beautiful sandy beaches, tropical islands, crystal clear waters and pristine coral reefs make Mozambique the perfect holiday destination, and after years of civil war (which ended in 1992), Mozambique is slowly but surely returning to its former popularity. The beaches aren’t the only attraction in this country, where many of the towns, such as the busy capital of Maputo, have kept the Mediterranean influences from their colonial days. Mozambique is one of the poorer countries in Africa, eco-tourism projects aim to distribute income from tourism to local communities.

The vast and geographically diverse country of South Africa has much to offer, with its temperate climates, abundant wildlife and scenic landscapes. Home to the world famous Kruger National Park, where you could be lucky enough to see the ‘Big Five’, and the Garden Route, an area of spectacular natural beauty along the Western Cape coastline, South Africa has become a popular place to visit. There’s also Cape Town, with its abundance of nearby attractions such as Table Mountain, Cape Point and the Cape Winelands. As tourism in South Africa revolves around nature, eco-tourism is essential here to prevent the destruction of the environment.

Often described as ‘the warm heart of Africa’ Malawi is dominated by the spectacular Lake Malawi, a vast freshwater lake fringed with beautiful beaches and traditional fishing villages. Visitors to this diverse land will also find national parks, game reserves and great opportunities for trekking. Although impoverished, this small country is home to some of the friendliest people you’re likely to meet. Eco-lodges and hotels in this area aim to support their local communities at the same time as conserving their natural surroundings.

Morocco has so much to offer. From the Imperial Cities such as Marrakech, where you can take in the sights and sounds of the Djemaa el Fna and shop in the souks for textiles and pottery, and Fes, where you can experience the traditional way of life in the old town, to the beautiful natural scenery – the Sahara desert, the Atlas mountains and the sandy beaches. Leave the city for the rural areas and you will find the Berber people with their own language, customs and culture. Eco-tourism projects in Morocco work to preserve this cultural heritage.

The Seychelles, made up of over 100 islands, is a tropical island paradise. Here you will find soft, white sandy beaches and tropical green vegetation set against the blues and turquoise of the Indian Ocean. Crystal clear waters and coral reefs make this the ideal place for diving and other water sports. In this fragile ecosystem, eco-tourism projects are involved in the monitoring and protection of the local wildlife. Projects also work to support local communities and keep traditions alive.

Called ‘Al Huthera,’ meaning ‘The Green Island’ by early Arab sailors, Pemba Island’s terrain is hilly, fertile and heavily vegetated. Clove crops, along with other agricultural products, cattle farming and fishing are important sources of livelihood. Pemba is also rich in history and traditions and is renowned for its voodoo and traditional healers. In addition to this, Pemba has a wealth of natural attractions ranging from beaches to mangrove ecosystems to natural forests. Eco-friendly hotels on Pemba work to protect these natural habitats and the traditions and culture of the local people.