End of an era – A new chapter for Somkhanda Community Game Reserve Tourism
After nearly three years of operating on Somkhanda Community Game Reserve, Wild Connection, an adventure tourism operator, will hand over tourism operations to the local community. During their time at Somkhanda, Wild Connection did an incredible job of building the reserve into a premier community-based tourism destination, and in training and capacitating local tourism and hospitality staff. Their departure is testimony to the amazing work done in skills transfer and the empowerment of local business. Wild Connection will cease operations on reserve on the 31st of July 2021 and move to a new destination. We wish them all the best and thank them for the amazing work done on Somkhanda.
In preparation for the community to take over tourism operations, all facilities will be closed during August 2021. Please keep an eye on our socials for news on the newly established Somkhanda Tourism and Hospitality Pty (Ltd) that will re-launch in August with some exciting news and specials. The local Gumbi community is extremely excited to play a larger role in managing tourism on the reserve and look forward to hosting you in our unique community-owned Big 5 Game Reserve. We are extremely grateful for the continued support from our NGO partners who believe in our vision and continue to support conservation and community development.
“This is truly the fulfilment of a shared vision, to see the community not just passively benefitting from the biodiversity economy but taking the lead and actively managing their resources for the greater benefit of society. We hope the Gumbi people will inspire many more communities across the country to follow their example,” says Dr Roelie Kloppers, WILDTRUST CEO.
