Bridging the tourism-conservation gap
Mike Lawrie • February 6, 2020
Have you ever wondered what a safari lodge actually does? Granted, lodges and camps like Sausage Tree Safari Camp provide accommodation and services to the world's tourists, welcoming people from all over the world, looking after them and making sure they have a great holiday. But there's so much more to a lodge than just provifing a nice place to stay in the bush.
Most importantly, a safari lodge is a critical bridge between tourism and conservation and has an invaluable role to play in helping to educate guests from across the world on the challenges and issues being faced in protecting wilderness areas and key species across Africa. Our guests become ambassadors not just for a destination, but for the wild flora and fauna they see every day during their stay with us. So it's absolutely imperative that we take our role as custodians and teachers seriously.
Safari lodges have an obligation to share knowledge, experience and understanding with guests, to make them aware of the precarious position many species find themselves in and give advice as to what they can do to help.
While they may not be scientists or academics pioneering the way forward, safari lodges and camps are "in the field" every single day and often assist in valuable research that is changing the way the world thinks about conservation and the management of wilderness areas. Our collective "voice" is taken seriously because we see the effects of climate change, human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss first-hand.
Many of us also work hand-in-hand with conservation programmes to help improve the understanding of what is happening and how better to reduce the pressure on key species and fragile environments. We do this by working with communities, ensuring that game reserves are not just the playgrounds of the wealthy but have real and meaningful benefit for those who live on their periphery, creating a tangible value for wildlife and protected areas.
In many respects, lodges across Africa are the frontline of conservation, where guests come into physical contact with places they have only ever seen on a television screen or a YouTube video. It's usually a powerful impact and leaves a lasting, if not lifelong impression. So the onus on us is to get the message out, to educate and inform and express the need to conserve Africa's wilderness areas for generations yet to come without our guests feeling like they are being bludgeoned!
Lodges invariably do this by giving our guests incomparible wildlife experiences, showing them what "wild Africa" is all about and gently explaining to them how important it is that what we have now is still here in 100 years or more.
Ultimately, it all boils down to passion, and making the most of it by sharing it with guests. It's about where we are and what we do, and no matter whether it's a basic bush camp or a luxurious 5-star retreat, a safari lodge is a conduit to the wilderness and has to make sure that it provides a voice for those who have none - the countless species of animals and plants whose existence is in our hands.
Learn how multilingual guides at tented camps like Sausage Tree bridge language barriers for Spanish, Dutch, French, and German guests.
Discover how tented camps in private reserves like Olifants West provide unmatched wildlife encounters and solitude in Greater Kruger.
Kruger Tented Safaris: Unforgettable Luxury & Immersive Bush Experiences Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the African bush? Discover luxury tented safari packages in Kruger National Park and experience the ultimate immersion in nature, combined with the comforts of luxury accommodations. Overview of Tented Safari Packages in Kruger National Park Sausage Tree Safari Camp offers a variety of tented safari packages, catering to different preferences and durations. Whether you're seeking a 3-day adventurer getaway, a 4-day exploration, or a nature discovery and luxury tented safari, there's an option to suit every adventurer. 3 Day Adventurer Getaway Embark on a thrilling 3-day adventure that includes an immersive itinerary, travel details, and exhilarating game drives. Get ready to witness the wonders of the African wilderness up close. 4 Day Explore Kruger For those seeking an extended exploration, the 4-day safari offers unique wildlife encounters and an in-depth experience of the diverse landscapes within the greater Kruger National Park. 3 Day Nature Discovery & Luxury Tented Safari Indulge in a mix of comfortable luxury and nature immersion with a 3-day safari that promises a truly unforgettable experience. Day-by-Day Itinerary and Safari Highlights Each day of your safari promises new adventures, from game drives to experiential moments within the park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the African bush and witness the incredible wildlife that calls Kruger National Park home. What’s Included & Not Included Our tented safari packages come with a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience. From luxury accommodations to guided game drives, we have everything covered to make your safari unforgettable. Exclusive Tented Camp Experiences Explore the unique features of our exclusive tented camp by booking the whole camp, with only 5 tented suites we can offer an unrivalled safari experience exclusively for your group. Why Choose a Tented Safari? Discover the benefits of choosing a tented safari, from immersion in nature and luxury comforts to sustainable practices and flexible itineraries. Experience the African bush in a way that's both authentic and luxurious. Booking Your Kruger Tented Safari Ready to embark on your adventure? Our clear CTAs and detailed booking process will guide you through planning the perfect safari, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. Frequently Asked Questions Is Kruger the best safari? The greater Kruger National Park offers diverse wildlife, expansive landscapes, and a range of accommodation options, making it an excellent choice for a classic African safari experience. How many days safari Kruger? Ideal safari durations range from 3-4 days for first-timers, 5-7 days for a comprehensive experience, and 8+ days for deep immersion and dedicated wildlife tracking.
Experience luxury safari glamping in Kruger National Park with our exclusive tents, offering comfort, style, and Big 5 game viewing.
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Solid advice based on us being mostly the slowest species in the bush and we frequently remind guests of this here at Sausage Tree Safari Camp.
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