Green Girls in Africa

Hendrik’s velletjie makes him complete

My love for the Kgalagadi Desert runs deep, but for the ǂKhomani San it’s an integral part of their identity. At !Xaus Lodge the ǂKhomani San manage to keep the spirit of their ancient culture alive by combining modern living with a more traditional existence.
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Meeting a Mopedi Nyaka – Traditional Healer

Mokgadi Rasekgokga is a traditional healer with three spirit guides, one female and two male ancestors. We come from opposite ends of the spectrum, but she listens intently and patiently answers the endless questions this inherent scientist throws at her.
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Ribola Art Route – Limpopo

The Ribola Art Route is a vibrant tourism route offering authentic and creative experiences to its visitors, keeping the African tradition of storytelling alive, and empowering both budding and established artists and entrepreneurs.
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Conquering my fear of ladders

The Sentinel Peak Chain Ladder hike in the Drakensberg is a popular walk. The sheer size of this mountainscape creates an air of insignificance, but defeating my fear of ladders made me feel pretty invincible.
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From stony silence to anger – the response to online critical voices

My 2018 new year’s resolution is to not give in to bullying tactics and continue the collective fight for captive wildlife rights and welfare issues. #HandsOffOurWildlife
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To pet or not to pet

I am often asked what is the harm in petting a lion cub or walking with a lion, as this doesn’t seem to harm the animal. Please read on if you want to understand why we say these cute cubs are bred for the bullet.
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Tented Eco Camp – Gondwana Game Reserve

Tented Eco Camp is Gondwana Game Reserve’s new, green kid on the block. The camp offers more down-to-earth accommodation and hands-on and educational activities benefiting conservation.
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Oukraal Hideaway Perfection, Gamkaberg

Nothing had prepared me for the experience we had driving the Gamkaberg grade 3 Zebra Crossing 4×4 route. Oukraal is the ultimate hideaway surrounded by nature in its purest form.
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Off-Grid at Rocherpan Nature Reserve, Velddrift

Rocherpan Nature Reserve had not been on my radar, but after spending just a few days in this small, but unique CapeNature reserve near Velddrift, I’d fallen head over heels.
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Chole Mjini Eco-Lodge

Drinking a cool beer in the Red Herring Bar, I ponder my stay at Chole Mjini, while traditional dhows with their lopsided sails gracefully pass by.
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Compassionate Travel – Understanding Your Animal Footprint

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Leave a comment

It is time for us all to be more compassionate. To take joint responsibility for the welfare of our captive and wild animals. To reduce our animal footprint.

#HandsOffOurWildlife

Cash before Conservation – the commoditisation of our lions

Posted on March 21, 2018 by Dr Louise de Waal Leave a comment

Criminal syndicates may use the legal lion bone trade from captive lions in SA, as a cover for illegal wildlife trade, reveals damning report “Cash before Conservation” from the Born Free Foundation.

Has the Department of Environmental Affairs condoned canned lion hunting?

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Dr Louise de Waal 2 comments

Changes to CITES legislation in 2016 allowing SA to establish annual export quotas for trade in bones for commercial purposes, derived from captive breed lions further legitimise the canned hunting industry.

Cape Town’s Day Zero is Looming

Posted on February 3, 2018 by Dr Louise de Waal 4 comments

While Cape Town’s Day Zero is looming and the City, residents and the tourism industry are working hard to avoid Day Zero, tourists are encouraged to continue travelling to the Western Cape.

Responsible Tourism

Cheetah Outreach: Does the End Justify the Means?

Posted on February 1, 2018 by Dr Louise de Waal 20 comments

How can we justify a self-perpetuating industry that breeds cheetahs in captivity, removes cubs from their mothers, bottle feeds them, and sends them to petting facilities, with no attempts for reintroduction into the wild?

#HandsOffOurWildlife

Captive Bred Cheetahs – an epidemic in South Africa?

Posted on January 18, 2018 by Dr Louise de Waal 5 comments

When we examine the legal trading of cheetah between breeding farms and tourism facilities in South Africa, we start to understand this growing and worrying trend of prolific captive cheetah breeding.

Conservation

The role of ambassador species in wildlife tourism

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Dr Louise de Waal 3 comments

By putting less emphasis on the mere entertainment value of captive wildlife and more on the unique storytelling around the species, we can not only enhance visitor experience, but also improve animal welfare and extend the educational impact of the activity. A win-win for all.

Responsible Tourism

Responsible wildlife volunteering

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Dr Louise de Waal 5 comments

Taking bold steps like WorkingAbroad Projects did takes courage and I applaud them for putting ethics before economics. For doing the right thing. I hope their experience will inspire you to take a similar stance and say NO to all unacceptable wildlife practices.

Responsible Tourism

Thanda Tau: a response to our open letter

Posted on August 24, 2017 by Dr Louise de Waal 2 comments

Thanda Tau responds to our Open Letter, but fails to answer the vital questions on why they offer cub petting and where their lion cubs go when they outgrow petting.