Frequently Asked Questions
What is a route?
A route is a destination-level partnership clustering travel attractions (accommodation suppliers, tour operators, transport operators, local artisans, guides, food suppliers, other tourism entrepreneurs and local government). It brings people together from all levels of community in promoting travel to their area. A route can be any length, covering varied attractions and can be traversed by any means. You select what interests you on a route and make your own itinerary.
Can routes cross borders?
Certainly. As long as travellers can traverse them freely, there are no restrictions to the length and scope of routes.
Who pays for the establishment of a route?
Finance sources vary from government, development, and aid agencies, to sponsors and benefactors.
How much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation costs vary from route to route, but they are generally reasonably priced.
How do I make bookings?
Make an enquiry via the specific section on the website through the contact details provided.
How much profit does Open Africa make?
None. Open Africa is a non-profit organization and every cent that goes into it is ploughed back into the activities it undertakes to benefit the marginalised and rural communities in Africa.
Do you offer tours?
Open Africa itself doesn’t, but many route participants do. You make reservations directly with the operators themselves via the website.
How is the website kept up to date?
Participants are responsible for informing Open Africa of any changes, which are effected instantly.
What do routes do for conservation?
They focus the attention of communities on the value of their nature and cultural resources as future wealth creators and provide reasons to protect them.
What is the footprint icon?
The footprint icon you see at the top of this page, and everywhere Open Africa has routes, has a story attached to it. This icon was originally based on the fossilised footprints found across the continent that prove Africa to be the birthplace of humankind. Rick Gore of National Geographic wrote the following about these footprints found at Langebaan, echoing the yearning of people everywhere to reconnect with the earth and with their roots:
“We cover the prints with sand and head back down the beach. I turn and conjure a parting image of that lone figure standing atop the dune, hair blowing in the breeze, dark skin aglow in the sunset. In my mind she will forever be Eve. I know that’s romantic, but I’m a modern human, and I need my symbols and stories to make sense of this world. I imagine her taking that first step down the dune. It’s a small and tentative step, latent with curiosity, and 117 000 years later we still don’t know where it will ultimately lead.”
The footprint icon was recently updated to communicate a fresher, more contemporary feel that is distinguishably Open Africa, while still retaining authenticity.
Are there any other organisations similar to Open Africa?
Open Africa is the only organisation we are aware of operating in rural Africa with an over-arching vision and model of creating jobs and enhancing conservation through tourism.
How can I get involved?
If you are inspired by what you see or experience, please contact us to discuss how you might get involved.
If you have any other questions or queries please contact us.