While playing football might not seem, at first glance, as worthwhile as flying an endangered rhino between South Africa and Botswana to save it from poachers, it is a vital lifeline for local youths and is an opportunity to educate and empower.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, on South Africa’s ‘Whale Coast’, is an example of local accommodations taking their community responsibility seriously. They have a Football Foundation which is part funded by the English Premier League. This facility engages approximately 2,000 locals every week. It also runs programmes based on HIV education, female empowerment, environmental education and proper nutrition.

Another way that locals are benefitting from tourism is by learning new skills, bringing much enhanced employment opportunities. The Okavango Guiding School, who offer international visitors the chance to train to be a guide in the bush, is a perfect illustration. A 7-day course teaches participants about the local biodiversity, how to track animals, how to drive a game vehicle and even a few survival skills. Longer courses can lead to an official guiding qualification if you fancy a change of career.

So, how does that help the local community? Well, the school offer a free place for a local citizen on every course they run. They hand-pick sponsorship candidates, ones who they feel have the “core skills” to one day be a great guide. Many have gone on to have successful careers in eco-tourism.

The benefits of responsible tourism can have a huge positive, local impact and, here at Knighton Reeve, we are particularly keen that we not only enhance the client’s experience of Africa, but that wherever possible local communities, local economies and the environment also benefit. We work closely with our travel partners to make sure each holiday we design offers a luxurious experience while limiting any negative impact.