Responsible tourism in SANParks

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ourism and our National Parks go right back to the inception of the Parks. It can even be said that one of the reasons that the National Parks still exist is because of tourism. How could that be, you may ask. Contents TWell, there are two key reasons. Firstly, if people were not part of the National Park ‘ecosystem’, they would not have formed the strong bonds that they have with our National Parks – emotional bonds that echo those between parents and children. 04 Like bringing up children, managing the Parks is a long and unpredictable Way, way back process that does not come with a fail-safe manual. You make mistakes. You learn lessons. You adapt. And so you make progress on your journey through life ... one step at a time. 06 This adaptive process has, over the lifetime of the National Parks, shaped the steep inclines decisions taken by those entrusted with the running of the Parks. Some decisions have been good. Others, with the benefit of hindsight, not so good. However, in the main, our National Parks have become an international success story, an example of how a system can adapt to changes in society and its demands. 08 Remaining relevant and evolving with society is the key to the Parks’ future exploring new success. That means we as the current custodians need to keep adapting in order horizons to ensure the survival of our precious National Parks. Secondly it all boils down to funding. Conservation is an expensive business, and if it were not for tourists like us paying for the privilege to visit the National Parks 10 and taking part in the various activities on offer, there would not be enough money towards 2022: to run and maintain the integrity of the National Parks system. a road map Currently it costs over a billion rand annually to run the National Parks effectively, and over 80% of the funding is self-generated. Land under the management of South African National Parks (SANParks) continues to grow and with that growth 12 comes significant costs. It is estimated that by 2022, tourism profits will exceed looking with R800 million, but the expected cost of operations will exceed R1,4 billion. A mas- fresh eyes sive gap indeed. It is with this in mind that SANParks has adopted the 2022 Responsible Tourism Strategy that lays a sustainable foundation for the next part of the National Parks Tourism Journey – one which seeks to connect with a broader South African society 14 in order to grow the number of citizens who will not only support, but protect our TO THE sky AND BEYOND natural heritage.

Managing Executive: Tourism Development and Marketing Responsible Responsible 04 TOURISM 05 TOURISM Way, way back ourism has been an intrinsic part of tourists who were not genuine nature lovers”. our National Parks right from the In the early days of Kruger visitors had to be beginning. Almost a century ago it completely self-reliant, to the extent of taking Talready became clear that visitors were criti- their own rifle, and they had a limited variety A Few Hints to Visitors cal to the continued existence of our natural of 4x4s: oxen, horses and pack donkeys. in 1936 heritage. A visionary 1918 report concluded Enter the motor car and the scene changed Don’t fire at any that wildlife conservation was as important dramatically: visitors started arriving in animal in the to animals as to people’s experience of it. droves, ‘rubbernecking’, demanding better park. Remember Finding the balance had its rocky patches. roads, better facilities, putting ever more your weapon is Over the decades visitors’ expectations have pressure on infrastructure. In 1927, three cars for self-protection also changed dramatically. Even as late as the a day were recorded; in 1953, no fewer than only. Don’t molest 1950s management (and visitors!) thought 5 000 visitors stayed in the camps at night or frighten the animals you see a bed, clean ablution blocks and a campfire during the short open season (due to the along the road by were enough to fulfill everyone’s “cultural threat of malaria) between June and October. chasing them with and spiritual needs”. In fact, management Then, as now, the pull of the wild proved just your motor car. hoped that “simple facilities would discourage too strong for people to resist.

Don’t become alarmed if lions stand and stare at your car. They have probably not seen one before, and are naturally over- whelmed with _ astonishment.

Like nature, tourism also moves in cycles. happens: A little-known destination is “dis- Conflicting views about tourism and amenities are nothing Cycles There are times of drought and times of covered”. The first eager explorers go there, new. In the first few decades of Kruger’s history, issues now in paradise abundance. Economic ups and downs, wars, brave the lack of facilities and rave about the regarded as beneficial to conservation and essential for terrorism and political changes all influence unspoilt natural beauty. Word spreads and Debates visitors often triggered heated debate. the number of visitors and the attitudes more and more people start going there. To of society. cope with this wave, amenities are increased Tarred roads. Proposals to tar the roads Hotels. The first request for hotels in Kruger After decades of virtual exclusion from our and improved. Then busloads of visitors start were resisted till the 1960s when manage- was rejected in 1927, then in 1930 and again National Parks, black visitors are now slowly arriving and if tourism activities aren’t man- ment finally accepted that upkeep of the in 1934. The would not discovering the joy of being welcomed into aged, paradise soon begins to fade. The cycle roads was becoming expensive, while the realise its potential with the embargo on hotels, the Parks. Where previously only the barest from exploration to development, to maintain- dust was detrimental to plants and wildlife. wrote The Star in a leading article during this amenities, mostly tents, were provided for ing capacity and then to stagnation can be RAND Daily MAIL The first road was tarred in 1961 – a stretch of time. Seven decades later, in 2001, the first pri- “Our object should them, black tourists can now enjoy the kind surprisingly short. Johannesburg 22 May 1953 one mile from Skukuza rest camp. vate lodge, Jock Safari Lodge, opened in Kruger. be to create an of experience that most appeals to them. The question for those Parks which may atmosphere wherein From being told in the sixties that Balule was have reached capacity is: decline or rejuvena- Electricity. Even this was rejected as a bad Baths with hot water in ablution the people will “reserved exclusively for Non-Europeans”, tion? SANParks has decided to rejuvenate and idea for some time. “In the Park people must blocks. These were another “unnecessary feel that the KNP the preferences of the emerging market to thrive with the aid of responsible tourism, sit outside and chat or sit at a fire and dream luxury”, according to management reports. [Kruger National are now actively taken into account when becoming the first country to adopt that as rather than lie in bed and read.” (Knobel, 1961) Punda Maria and Letaba grudgingly got four Park] is not only planning new accommodation in the Parks. a national strategy. “Responsible Tourism – Eskom power first came to Pretoriuskop and baths each in 1939 – and only because visitors a sanctuary for And among all segments of society there is based on sustainability and the integration of Numbi in 1963. had to travel far on dusty roads. increased acceptance of the Parks as part of tourism with the environment, the economy wildlife, but also a the entire nation’s heritage. and the local population – is destined to take sanctuary for them.” On top of political, societal and economical us into a new era of growth,” says Glenn Col. JAP Sandenberg, changes, there is also the inbuilt lifecycle of Phillips, SANPark’s managing executive of NOTHING NEW As long as visitors have gone to the Parks, new developments have sparked KNP Warden, report debates. Go to www.wildcard.co.za and search for ‘newspaper clippings’ to read more. to the Board, 1947 any paradise found ... and lost. This is how it tourism development and marketing. Responsible Responsible 06 TOURISM 07 TOURISM Land claims Land claims on significant parts of various National Steep inclines ahead Parks are challenging SAN- Parks management to find outh Africa’s National Parks are inter- sustainability of our National Parks and the ways of redress to communi- nationally regarded as irreplaceable upliftment of local communities. The Parks ties that were removed when the Parks were created. treasures, luring tourists from near and currently have 10 400 people coming to work A GRAND TOTAL OF Sfar. But even success comes with a price tag. every day. Of these 3 658 are permanent, 1 378 356 bed nights were The fact is, the National Parks face a chal- the rest employed in government supported occupied in Kruger lenging road. Expansion of facilities has been projects, often providing a livelihood to com- (2009/2010) impressive, but has brought significant costs munities in remote rural areas. in its wake. Also, tougher economic condi- As part of a concerted effort to break down tions have seen a decline in the number of fences and to connect to the broader South international visitors over the past two years. African society, SANParks is broadening its Natural disasters like fire and floods have product offering to appeal to the emerging 22National parks under SANPArks wreaked havoc and contributed to the bleak market too, be relevant and grow its appeal to management overall picture of escalating costs. the entire nation as nearly 80% of all visitors The scope of SANParks’ responsibilities is still come from . ONLY staggering. Apart from the conservation aspect In a ground-breaking move the SANParks National parks and ongoing research, there are, for instance, Board adopted the Principles and Minimum Tourism revenue make a 4 223 kilometres of tourist roads that have Standards of Nature-Based Responsible Tour- has grown by profit 5 to be maintained. SANParks already gener- ism in October 2011 as the foundation for ates 85% of its own revenue. As changing how tourism in National Parks will be run, 235% national priorities keep shrinking what the measured and developed. The 2022 SANParks over the past 10 years 558 000 State contributes, Parks will increasingly have Responsible Tourism Strategy also incorpo- to be self-reliant. In 2000, the tourism division rates the aims of the National Tourism Sector OPERATIONAL COSTS INCREASED hectares BY AN ESTIMATED KRUGER UNDER CLAIM land placed under was formally established as one of the core Strategy (launched in March 2012) that aims This map from 2008 the custodianship functions of SANParks and revenue from to position South Africa as one of the top 20 of SANParks since shows the disputed land tourism destinations globally. claim areas in green. the year 2000 tourism has been contributing greatly to the 229% Five more Parks face OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS similar claims.

Proclamation dates

1926 Kruger National Park (first pro- 1961 1979 1987 1998 2005 Bird Island claimed in 1898, as Sabi and 1963 Golden Gate Highlands 1985 1991 Richtersveld National Park, (Vhembe/Dongola) (now part of Addo) Singwitsi Game Reserves) National Park 1985 Knysna National now |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld 1998 Cape Peninsula National 2008 1931 Kalahari Gemsbok National 1964 Tsitsikamma National Park Lake Area Transfrontier Park Park (now Table Mountain (replaced Vaalbos) Park, now Kgalagadi Trans- 1966 Augrabies Waterfall 1987 Vaalbos National Park 1991 Suurberg National Park National Park) 2009 Garden Route National Park frontier Park National Park (replaced by Mokala) (now part of Addo) 1999 Agulhas National Park (consolidated Tsitsikamma, 1931 Addo Elephant National Park 1968 Groenkloof National Park 1987 Tankwa Karoo 1991 2001 Namakwa National Park Wilderness, Knysna Lakes 1937 Mountain Zebra National Park 1977 Wilderness National Lake Area National Park (previously Kransberg) 2005 and Forest Areas) Responsible Responsible 08 TOURISM 09 TOURISM

The change strategy will be well researched with the help of universities, and implemented in a way that will still make visitors with a long tradition of coming to parks feel at home, and without compromising conservation. – Glenn Phillips

What does responsible the focus tourism mean? Exploring new horizons for the future Scanning the landscape for a glimpse of the future: service excellence teamed This is how responsible tourism will show Responsible tourism respects the with a broad range of services and price options will develop our National the way forward, with SANParks saying: natural and cultural environment and contributes to local economic develop- Parks into ever more welcoming destinations for every­one, catering for many We’re listening to you Visitors to the ment in an ethical manner. It helps different tastes and preferences. National Parks want to connect with nature conserve fragile cultures, habitats and in an even more meaningful way. SANParks is species by maximising the benefits he next 10 years will see SANParks from game lodges and holiday resorts. going to expand the experiential offering to cre- to local communities and minimis- Responsible doing things differently. Not only Using responsible tourism as a compass, ate new possibilities for visitors to enjoy them- ing negative social or environmental have visitors’ needs and expectations new cultural, spiritual and recreational selves. Each Park has its own attributes that impacts. tourism In addition to its core mandate Tchanged, but government funding for the connections will be created and visitors will appeal to different people, enabling SANParks leads to offer a variety of experiences and broaden which is conservation, SANParks also Parks has also changed. be able to experience the National Parks as the demographics of visitors to the Parks. has an obligation to create destina- the way Government is moving away from day-to- never before. tions for nature-based tourism. Ac- day operational funding into once-off, project- SANParks is paying close attention to what We’re connecting to communities cording to the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act based grant funding. This means that the gov- visitors say they want, while making sure that SANParks wants our natural heritage to pro- vide real and tangible benefits to communities (Act 57 of 2003), this includes edu- ernment invests in projects that then have to new developments stay in line with the tried- around our Parks, ensuring that these commu- cational, recreational, spiritual and be self-sustaining in terms of operational costs, and-trusted values of the National Parks. nities also share in the benefits of growth and scientific opportunities that aren’t and long-term maintenance and upgrading. There will still be the silent contempla- socio-economic development. harmful to the environment. This brings with it very real challenges that tion and spiritual renewal in the pervading We’re trying harder SANParks is aware require responsible, sound, business-minded silence of the more remote Parks, as well as that it doesn’t always deliver the kind of service and long-term decision-making. the conviviality of Kruger’s main camps or visitors expect and is determined to change The green bottom line still remains con- the adrenalin-fuelled activities of the Garden that. All visitors receive feedback forms and servation, and thanks to SANParks’ clever Route. There’s a Park for every season, every management take recommendations and criti- cisms seriously. Staff are trained at the customer- responsible tourism management it is still possible to do re- reason. Yes, some camps will have more will ensure search and protect threatened species. This popular appeal – but others will retain their care training facility and SANParks adheres to the standards of responsible tourism through more activities and experiences in will always differentiate our National Parks wild identity. the National Parks formal participation in an accredited and effec- tive rating system. tourist camps as destinations in Helping tourism work harder Some of the notable achievements of their own right, also as venues for the tourism division during the last decade include the implementation of: We’re becoming all ‘eco-nomic’ conferences and weddings A new daily conservation fee structure A web-based customer feedback SANParks is starting to exploit the eco-advan- more engagement with communi- The Wild Card access and loyalty mechanism tages and inherent commercial opportunities to ties outside the National Parks programme Successful private lodges in Parks generate income for the Parks. This can include better management of congestion A real-time web reservation system differential pricing for different Parks, branding and merchandising – whole new ways on the roads inside the Parks. with RoomSeeker and local and international visitors. of generating income. Responsible Responsible 10 TOURISM 11 TOURISM

Tourism is a lifeline for conservation in South Africa. It’s also known as doing good while having the time of your life. Enjoy these snapshots from the future!

business-minded existing restaurants in the Parks. The menus Business tourism brings a whole range of will have a local flavour and reflect regional opportunities for meetings, incentives, specialities. TOWARDS 2022: a road map conventions, exhibitions, product launches, scientific conferences and team building. Good neighbours Conference facilities are a valuable revenue Creative thinking is helping SANParks to The visitors of the future to our National Parks stream (R12 million in 2011). Such facilities connect to local communities, allowing them will be different to those of yesteryear. are being built and upgraded, offering time to benefit from the Parks instead of regard- for creative thinking as well as for just being. ing them as detracting from their livelihood. It’s also a way for the Parks to host corporate Some examples include the harvesting of They will still respond to the lure of the The beauty of the National Parks is and government participants, getting them medicinal plants in various Parks, of timber in wilderness, but they want to do more than that there is room for every yearning; the to fall under the spell of the bush, and be the Garden Route National Park, the collec- drive around in their car, hoping for a glimpse strength of responsible tourism is that it inspired to return later with their families. tion of sour figs in Agulhas National Park and of the Big Five. They want to be out in the balances the needs of visitors to the parks mopane worms and thatching grass in Kruger. veld, hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, with the need for conservation and the More wilderness experiences The creation of buffer and peripheral zones Music to the ears of nature lovers! SAN- just outside and inside the National Parks will beachcombing, mountaineering, dining under aspirations of local communities, making Parks will be developing more walking trails also aid biodiversity conservation and the the stars. They expect more than a rondavel, sure that all are sustainable. and overnight camps, even in parks like socio-economic upliftment of communities in a clean ablution block and a communal In a comprehensive 10-year plan for Addo (away from the areas with lions and the regions. fire. They don’t necessarily want to rough it; responsible tourism, SANParks is embark- elephants), and bush braais under the stars. the quality of the facilities should equal the ing on the next phase of the journey that Special routes for history and art have been BENEFICIAL partnerships beauty of the surroundings. There’s still magic started at the beginning of the 20th century created, allowing you to walk in ancient foot- Partnering with public concerns is already in listening to the howling of a jackal under a when the first visitors turned up at the steps at Thulamela in Kruger or climb to the bearing fruit in the form of successful private site of the lost kingdom of Mapungubwe. lodges such as Singita Lebombo in Kruger, full moon, but they want to do it while enjoy- National Parks. Marataba Safari Company in Marakele, and ing good food and wine on the deck of a great The next pages offer you a glimpse of Taste the exclusive !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi. restaurant. Of course, there will always be all the special experiences our National Better – much better! – food is on the menu. These partnerships also give diverse mem- visitors who yearn for the simple life: a tent, a Parks have in store for you now and in Owner-run branded franchises known for bers of the community effective participation fire, the great silence of the bush. the future. their high standards will be replacing the and a stake in the Parks.

Wilder at heart Adventure enthusiasts can expect more thrills. How much more exhilarating can it get than paragliding in the wilderness sec- tion of the Garden Route National Park, river rafting in the Ai-Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, climbing Table Mountain, canoeing, mountain biking, tackling a de- manding eco-route in your 4x4?

Greener than ever Less congestion New facilities will be subject to stringent More widespread use of game-viewing environmental impact assessment, while vehicles, especially by visitors staying at existing amenities will be switched to the new lodges, will lead to fewer cars on greener technologies like solar power and the roads. heat pumps. Responsible Responsible 12 TOURISM 13 TOURISM

Looking with fresh eyes More visitors are central to the Parks’ survival, as are more WORK OF and varied attractions. It’s time to think out of the box. NATURE

Tiny tourism ur Parks are a rich resource for man and each day. If it’s not mainstream tourism that turers go, the rest of us will soon follow. combination of forests, dunes and , South African footprints National Parks Obeast. This is where we go to find our- tickles your fancy, how about adventure Our wildlife adventurers crave interac- mountains with a variety of cliffs, the break- currently selves and to recharge. This is where we study tourism. Or the novelty of fringe activities? tion with nature or with culture, linked to a ers from two massive oceans, rivers ... receive our treasured natural kingdom and ensure the physical activity. An example of an adventure The list of activities envisaged is both million Mainstream tourism trip is to combine hiking, bird-watching and exciting and challenging. Some of these hectares survival of all species through the knowledge 4,5 2Size of the Kruger gained. This is where we conserve our cultural These visitors are the lifeblood of our Parks. a visit to cultural history sites. prospective special interest activities (several National Park (roughly heritage and make it relevant for everyone. South Africans are outdoor enthusiasts, and will be privately operated) are bound to ap- MILLION the size of Israel) VISITORS But to do this, funds are needed. To with some effort a recreational culture (a way Fringe activities peal to you. PER ANNUM manage the financial shortfall without of life that includes holidays) can be fostered The vitality of this sector stems from people But after all the activity, rest assured: 6 285 compromising conservation, the focus will across the board among the middle class. and businesses who want to try new activi- all new activities will comply with any HECTARES increasingly be on responsible tourism. ties. It means taking people to new places, neccesary planning requirements and 78% USED FOR coming from ECOTOURISM While SANParks will therefore encourage Adventure tourism and implementing new technologies. This stringent zoning. South Africa. and develop facilities for tourism, the con- South Africa’s varied natural environments is cutting edge tourism! You will find these The zones (see below) determine the The occupancy % cepts of ‘responsible’ and ‘sustainable’ are create excellent adventure opportunities in visitors on top of mountains, white-water kind of activities that will be allowed in the of rest camps is 69.2% and 0.3 not negotiable. Yet you can start counting our Parks year-round, and adventure tour- rafting, rock climbing, caving, paragliding ... Parks in a particular zone. This means that campsites 46% of Kruger used and know there’s more to come: currently ism is growing even in difficult economic you won’t find rest camps in wilderness or – excellent figures by for ecotourism the menu of activities offered by SANParks times as more and more people are looking GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE remote areas while other zones will offer The international guideline industry for ecotourism is 10%. amounts to no fewer than 1 780 options for a rare experience. Where these adven- Where else in the world will you find this modern amenities. standards.

Zoom in on zoning: The different zones and what they mean

Wilderness / Remote Primitive Quiet Low-Intensity Leisure High-Intensity Leisure Buffer These areas are essentially undevel- An almost completely natural state General natural state to be main- Small to medium-sized camps High-density tourism develop- Land adjacent to national-/ oped and without roads. to be maintained; development foot- tained. Only non-motorised ac- with basic facilities. Infrastructure ment node with concentrated hu- contractual Parks. Activities Controlled access: only visitors on prints an absolute minimum. cess, but access not specifically should be minimised in order to man activities. High-volume roads, with which SANParks is comfort- foot. Could have footpaths where Controlled access: 4x4s, horserid- controlled. Ablution facilities can maintain natural state. Motorised high-density camps with modern able to be associated with and erosion is a problem. ing. Small basic overnight facilities. be allowed. self-drive access. amenities. will promote.

Responsible 14 TOURISM

“Any nation with wildlife sanctuaries To the sky and beyond! should realise that it is an absolute Helping to fund our Parks by visiting them is an investment in sacred trust given our past and our future, our culture and our knowledge base. to them ...” Your support is central to the Parks’ survival and that of our rich wildlife. SANParks is offering you more and varied attrac- – Dr TG Nel, biologist, tions. What fun to explore them all! recommendation to Photos by: Ed Babb, Peter Chadwick, Manie Combrink, Kate Collins, Collins, Kate Chadwick, Manie Combrink, Peter Babb, Ed by: Photos Slabber, Lee Schermbrucker, Karin iStockphoto, Cunliffe, Stephen the Board, 1956 Riaan Vermeulen Marius Swart, Joep Stevens,

Adrenalin rush Adrenalin junkies may be What YOU tempted to participate in bungee jumping, base can do as a jumping, abseiling and bouldering. responsible Learn & live tourist Child’s play Parents and grandparents will be Training courses will cover topics like nature photo- thrilled with the plans to keep little naturalists enter- graphy, birding, game capture, botany, bush/tracking Be a trail-blazer – go to Parks in the tained. Think children’s game drives, children’s encoun- skills, guide/ranger training, first aid, astronomy, na- development stage, and revel in ter zones and limited animal interaction activities. ture-based hospitality training, off-road driving skills, being a pioneer in paradise. survival skills, even scubadiving in coastal Parks. Look at the Parks with new eyes. Try new activities at camps you’ve romantic souls always visited. Have your wedding, Soft adventure What could be more milestone birthday or family reunion romantic than floating at a camp with special memories over a pristine landscape and create even more memorable in a hot-air balloon? moments. The bush also makes an Kruger National | The 1936. Stevenson-Hamilton, J. Kruger National Park. | The 2010. Self-published, Pienaar, de V. U. unforgettable venue for Open yourself up to new experiences. marriage vows. Try hiking a long trail, overnight in the veld. Take your mountain bike along with the biltong and rusks and get even closer to nature. If you’re not wildly adventurous, you can still A touch of class scale heights with tree-top tours through the For a touch of glamour, retro style, how about forest canopy. Or sign up for adventure arriving in a Park on an overnight train ride? Become an ambassador for our racing (orienteering), quad biking or archery. Parks, share your experiences on Facebook, tell your friends, mail your The whole of the moon For a holistic mind-body- best pictures to family and friends A delight of (night) owls soul approach to your holiday, imagine wellness cen- here and abroad. Self-drive night drives are definitely tres, gymnasiums, health spas and courses on bush on the cards at selected Parks. homeopathy. None of these activities is inappropriate Support local communities by visit- , Volumes 1,11, 111. S. Joubert, High Branching, Joubert, High Branching, 111. S. 1,11, , Volumes A History Kruger National Park. | The Strategy. Sector National Tourism strategy, 2022 to 2012 in SANParks’. Tourism : ‘Responsible ources S – 1991, 1947 die Nasionale Krugerwildtuin van Die verhaal | Goue Jare. 2007. for a holiday in a National Park. ing and learning about their cultures. 1995. Press, Natal of University , Jane Carruthers, History and Political A Social Park.

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