Vision:

Open Africa is a social enterprise with a vision to sustain livelihoods across rural Africa by offering authentic life enriching journeys to all involved – communities, travelers, partners and the Earth.

Open Africa was started in 1995 under the patronage of Nelson Mandela.

Why?

Because all of us have these few things in common.

We worry about and feel guilty about poverty. We care about the environment and extinction. We know we are part of that problem. We relish travel, to enjoy other cultures and places. We love Africa. And all these things are joined by a silver thread.

Communities in Africa’s rural and marginalised areas are the custodians of most of the world’s natural and cultural treasures. They badly need the money we are willing to pay to see and experience these splendours. By attracting travellers to enjoy Africa’s assets we can create jobs, enable livelihoods and enhance conservation across the mother continent, enriching both their lives and ours.

This is why Open Africa is joining these threads, so that you and I can experience the true soul of this magnificent continent while bringing support and nourishment to where it is most needed.

How?

Open Africa works with communities to establish off-the-beaten-track, self-drive travel routes in a network supported by local enterprises, linking and protecting the splendours and knowledge of rural Africa.

Each route clusters travel attractions and services in an area, enabling travellers to tailor their experience according to their interests, time and budget (similar in concept to a wine route). Open Africa connects communities to travellers through this website and other marketing initiatives.

Routes are linked to a flagship plant or animal species, which is monitored, enhancing awareness and conservation in that area.

To date there are 60 travel routes in six countries in southern Africa supporting 2 626 community-based businesses that employ 30 640 people.

Open Africa routes:

• Promote responsible tourism – leave only footprints;
• Offer a refreshingly real African experience;
• Are self-driveable (even without a 4x4 in most areas);
• Are handpicked for unique natural beauty and/or cultural values; and
• Contribute to socio-economic upliftment of rural areas.

Where?

Starting in South Africa and moving northwards, the project is pan-African and intended to cover as much of the continent as is feasibly possible. It is only implemented where communities actually ask for it, to ensure enthusiasm and local commitment to its sustainability.

By whom?

Open Africa is headed up by founder and Ashoka Fellow, Noel de Villiers, and supported by a passionate, focused team and a strong Board of Directors.