Every year thousands of local and foreign tourists answer the call of the wild and visit South African game reserves and national parks. There is nothing like going on safari - whether you’re roughing it in some remote camp or enjoying the comforts of a private game reserve.
Seeing animals in their natural environment, both large and small, is a thrilling experience and tourists travel great distances every year for the chance to do so. Recently announced tourism figures indicate a 10.2% increase in foreign arrivals for the period January until October 2012, outstripping the global rate of about 4% as estimated by the UN World Tourism Organisation. The numbers also affirm the South Africa’s reputation as a wildlife destination.
At the same time the challenges of protecting our wildlife are an everyday reality. The slaughter of rhinos makes nearly daily news while the African wild dog and Mountain Zebra are just two of the various species currently on the endangered list. Several existing projects dedicated to the conservation of indigenous species, habitat protection, research, breeding and rehabilitation need ongoing financial support. The sustainability of wildlife tourism pivots around the continued conservation of our natural heritage.
Fortunately, through the MyPlanet programme, South Africans have the opportunity to contribute to the protection and conservation of our wildlife without it taking any of their time or costing a cent.
Simply sign up for your free MyPlanet card, select a wildlife cause as beneficiary and get involved today by swiping your card every time you shop at a participating retailer. A number of beneficiaries engaged in protecting our natural heritage form part of the MyPlanet programme:
- Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Rhino Fund
- African Raptor Trust
- SANParks Honorary Rangers
- The Ajubatus Foundation
- BirdLife SA
- The Centre of Rehabilitation of Wildlife
- FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
- CROW (Centre of Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
- Wildlife ACT.
The MyPlanet card can be swiped when purchasing at Woolworths, Engen Food stops and Quick Shops, Toys R Us, Waltons, Reggie’s and selected Supa Quick, Jack’s Paint & Hardware stores, Altech Netstar and on-line at kalahari.com. It is the most convenient way to support a cause you care about. With every swipe of the card a portion of the transaction value is allocated to the beneficiaries of your choice and up to three can be added.
Give real meaning to your love of the wild by using the power in your pocket to actively support wildlife conservation. And when you’ve signed up your MyPlanet cardand/or wildlife beneficiary, encourage others to do the same when you next post your safari images by joining our conversation on Facebook.com/MySchoolSA and Twitter @MySchoolSA.
You can sign up for a MyPlanet card at any Woolworths store or for more info or online applications visit www.myschool.co.za or call 0860 100 445.
Luxury South African Safari
Portfolio Collection boasts a wonderful selection of luxury South African safari accommodation on private game reserves.
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Pakamisa Private Game Reserve in KZN, for example.
Pakamisa offers panoramic views over the malaria-free 2 500-hectare private bushveld estate. Colonial Spanish style buildings with a collection of African art. Spacious and luxury bedrooms have sitting areas and each has a private balcony with sweeping views. Meals are served in the elegant dining room, or enjoy a bush dinner à la “Out of Africa” under the stars. A superb Arabian stud offers a unique equestrian experience, view wildlife and explore the African bush from a well-trained horse. Swimming pool. Tailor-made activities include horseback safaris, game drives, bush walks, birding, botanical trails, archery, clay target and pellet gun shooting.