South Africa in 60 seconds
Author: Hannah Green, Creative Copywriter
Read time: 1 minute
Flooglebinder are travel experts and a certified B Corporation with tour experience in over 75 countries. We curate sustainable bespoke adventures that incorporate sustainability, conservation and wellness. As a BCorp organisation we use business as a force for good, meet the highest standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency, whilst tracking and monitoring our social and environmental impact.
This week, we hear from Ian about the new ‘Back to Nature’ programme in South Africa.
Why did you choose South Africa?
Our first ever project. But ultimately because of the nature immersion aspect and being taught how to live off the land. There is nowhere else like it.
What is so special about the projects you’re involved with?
This is all about reconnecting with nature and disconnecting from technology. A time to refocus and repurpose.
How did you ensure that everything on the trip relates back to your content pillars: sustainability, conservation, personal development and mental health?
The sustainability element is never easy but we had an advantage with this one because this camp is one of the first to practice repeat methodology. Using animal trails as paths, using the same campsite instead of creating new ones. Not laying concrete down but instead using nature to influence camp design and of course living off the land. From a conservation perspective this programme provides an understanding of wildlife management strategies through animal behaviour monitoring.
It was actually this project that opened our eyes to the possibility of integrating the mental health pillar. One of our amazing students emailed us after the programme telling us that from her experiences on site she felt she was able to come off of her medication.... and has done so ever since.
Who are the people behind the trip to South Africa that make this all happen?
This is down to one guy. The same guy that trained me to become a field guide back in 2008. We share a vision for connecting people with nature and he has been exercising sustainable practises before sustainable development was even invented.
What was your favourite experience?
I love so many different elements of this project so it's very difficult to pin down one experience because everytime I have gone back I've seen something different. Other than coming face to face with a Rhino its got to be talking around the campfire, beer in hand and listening to lions roaring in the distance...
