Sustainable Travel in Africa with Cedarberg Africa
Sustainable Travel that cares for people, wildlife and wild places
At Cedarberg Africa, we believe travel should do more than create wonderful memories. At its best, it also supports the people, wildlife and landscapes that make the destination so special.
This has been part of our thinking since the beginning. Cedarberg Africa was founded in 1995, shortly after South Africa’s first democratic elections, at a time when the country was looking ahead with hope. But also facing huge social and economic challenges.
Kate was living in the Cederberg Mountains, and wanted to build a business that was rooted in South Africa and useful to its people.
Travel felt like a natural fit. It creates skilled and semi-skilled employment. It gives rural areas a reason to protect their wildlife and landscapes. And, when done well, it can bring real income to communities that might otherwise have few opportunities.
These often conflicting themes of employment, development and preservation could both be met within tourism. Of course, tourism also has an impact. Long-haul flights, lodge development, water use and pressure on fragile environments all need to be taken seriously. We do not pretend that travel is impact-free. But we do believe that thoughtful, well-planned travel can be a force for good
Our Approach
We focus on practical, long-term actions rather than grand claims. That means working with carefully chosen lodges, camps and ground handlers; supporting local conservation and community projects; and helping our clients make informed choices about where they stay and how they travel.
Over the years, our support has centred on four areas close to home and close to our hearts:
Community – Lemoenland Pre-School
Twenty year ago, we have set up and continue to support Lemoenland Pre-School in the Cederberg Mountains, which gives young children from local farming communities a stronger educational start in life. Learn more about our mission involving LemoenlandΒ HERE.
Wildlife – Cape Leopard Trust
We support the Cape Leopard Trust, whose work helps protect the elusive leopards of the Cape mountains and the wild landscapes they depend on.
Learn more about how we support those conserving the animals living in our local regions HERE.
Environment – Greenpop
Greenpop is on a mission to plant trees and green communities across Southern Africa. Through Greenpop, we plant a tree for every Cedarberg Africa booking, supporting reforestation, biodiversity and environmental education.
Learn more about how we are getting our hands dirty with Greenpop HERE.
Positive Impact – Responsible Travel is a Journey
We are also looking more closely at the sustainability practices of our accommodation and activity partners. This is not about ticking boxes or claiming perfection. It is about asking better questions, sharing better information, and encouraging our clients towards travel choices that feel good in every sense.
Some of the most inspiring safari camps and lodges in Africa are deeply involved in conservation, community employment, anti-poaching, habitat restoration and education. Others are still developing their approach. Our role is to understand the difference and guide you honestly.
When you travel with Cedarberg Africa, you are not only booking a holiday. You are also supporting a business that has been rooted in rural South Africa for 30 years, and that continues to care about the places we sell.
Learn more about how we are trying to have a positive impact HERE
