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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Not such Happy Feet.

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Dr Louise de Waal Leave a comment

The recently opened African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS) had us in awe of what can be achieved when you bring passionate and inspirational people together.

Street Art of Maboneng

Posted on August 15, 2015 by Dr Louise de Waal 2 comments

The word graffiti conjures up a rather negative image and is often associated with vandalism of our urban areas. To me, street art adds personality, colour, and humour to our often bland and grey urban spaces.

Slow Travel

San Rock Art in the Cederberg

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Dr Louise de Waal Leave a comment

San rock paintings in the Cederberg provide us with a glimpse into the lives, the minds, and beliefs of our own ancestors.

Walking with Elephants – yay or nay?

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Dr Louise de Waal 2 comments

A few years ago I was so fortunate to have a truly close-up elephant experience in Botswana, which made me realise that animal interactions can create responsible and positive connections.

Sexual exploitation of children in tourism

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Dr Louise de Waal Leave a comment

Do you know that feeling when a problem seems too horrific for words that you feel like sticking your head in the sand? That is exactly how I felt going into a workshop on child sex in tourism.

Ju’/hoan San People

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Dr Louise de Waal One comment

Turning off the main road between Grootfontein and Rundu, I was feeling rather skeptical. We were heading for the remote NE Namibia and an authentic cultural interaction with the Ju/’hoan San people.

Reflecting on the African Responsible Tourism Awards 2015

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Dr Louise de Waal Leave a comment

The first African Responsible Tourism Awards ceremony was held at WTM Africa in Cape Town in April 2015, where The Good Holiday was awarded Gold for Best Blog.

Chole Mjini Eco-Lodge

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Dr Louise de Waal Leave a comment

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.

Bulungula Lodge

Posted on March 10, 2015 by Dr Louise de Waal Leave a comment

Walking over the last hill and finally glimpsing Bulungula Lodge, sitting on the edge of the world, is breath taking and makes the long and tough journey completely worthwhile.

Augrabies National Park

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Dr Louise de Waal 2 comments

How wrong could I have been, to think that the falls was all Augrabies has to offer? Its ever-changing scenery is mesmerising and awe-inspiringly beautiful.