Earthfoot is an online organization that advertises independent hosts who provide small scale ecotours to tourists in their area. There is an Earthfoot host in Swaziland named Mxolisi Mdluli who provides ecotours based out of Liphupho Lami Holiday Camp (http://www.earthfoot.org/places/sz001.htm), which is located on a community farm in the hills of Swaziland. Liphupho Lami consists of 4000 acres of farmland belonging to the local community. Tourists come here to get a taste of rural Swazi life and to interact with the locals. As a plus, this ecotour provides the locals with a source of income. Mxolisi Mdluli desires to maintain the natural beauty of the area and has committed to sustain the environment in every way possible. Even the housing is made from traditional material.
Tourists taking part of this ecotour can stay for the day or experience the overnight trip package. They have the opportunity to visit the people's market, shop for vegetables, spend time in a rural village to learn about family life and culture, speak with the locals, spend the night in a traditional hut on grass mats, cattle dip, and visit the local school. Mxolisi Mdluli's goal is to have the tourists get to know the local people and learn what makes them special.
Not only does this ecotour serve to sustain the environment and other resources in Swaziland, but it serves to sustain the most important resource to me and to this blog: people. If tourists can get to know the people and appreciate them, they will be more willing to jump on board to help give these people the health care they deserve. The tourists get to experience first-hand how these people live their lives. They have the opportunity to become a part of the culture without attempting to change it or disrespect it. They follow the "leave no trace" principle as they enjoy the people and the culture of the rural area without destroying it or taking it over. And the best part is that the community benefits from this ecotour! The ecotour itself costs a decently-priced fee that gets donated to the community. Tourists are also encouraged to donate their time to the market and the farm and also small gifts to support the local school. This truly is a great way to walk a mile in these people shoes to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for them. If you spend a few days with the people here, how could you possibly resist taking small steps to fight tuberculosis and save their lives?
Tourists taking part of this ecotour can stay for the day or experience the overnight trip package. They have the opportunity to visit the people's market, shop for vegetables, spend time in a rural village to learn about family life and culture, speak with the locals, spend the night in a traditional hut on grass mats, cattle dip, and visit the local school. Mxolisi Mdluli's goal is to have the tourists get to know the local people and learn what makes them special.
Not only does this ecotour serve to sustain the environment and other resources in Swaziland, but it serves to sustain the most important resource to me and to this blog: people. If tourists can get to know the people and appreciate them, they will be more willing to jump on board to help give these people the health care they deserve. The tourists get to experience first-hand how these people live their lives. They have the opportunity to become a part of the culture without attempting to change it or disrespect it. They follow the "leave no trace" principle as they enjoy the people and the culture of the rural area without destroying it or taking it over. And the best part is that the community benefits from this ecotour! The ecotour itself costs a decently-priced fee that gets donated to the community. Tourists are also encouraged to donate their time to the market and the farm and also small gifts to support the local school. This truly is a great way to walk a mile in these people shoes to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for them. If you spend a few days with the people here, how could you possibly resist taking small steps to fight tuberculosis and save their lives?