Frequently Asked Questions
What is Afrikatourism?
A brand of tourism coined by Open Africa based on the attractions, strengths and experiences that are unique to Africa, understanding that tourism in Africa is inherently related to environmental and cultural contexts. This says what the product is, where it is, and that it is exclusive to Africa.
Why Afrikatourism?
Everybody is familiar with ecotourism, which relates to nature-based travel and is the fastest growing segment of the tourism market. Africa however is the custodian of most of the world’s animal and plant species and moreover the birthplace of humankind ie, the place where all culture began and ultimately the ancestral home of all the world’s people. Afrikatourism therefore is the pinnacle of ecotourism – our own special niche, exclusive to this continent.
Why is Afrikatourism spelt with a 'k'?
The word Afrikatourism is deliberately spelt with a ‘k’ for distinction and to accord with the way most African indigenous languages spell the name.
What is a route?
A route is a destination-level partnership clustering tourism 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 tourism 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 profit does Open Africa make?
Nothing. Open Africa is a non-profit organization and every cent that goes into it is ploughed back into the activities it undertakes. Its employees do get paid salaries however.
Do you offer tours?
Open Africa itself doesn’t, but many of its route participants do so. You make reservation 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 and provide reasons to protect them.
What is the Footprint Icon?
The emblem you see at the top of this page, and everywhere Open Africa has routes, has a story attached to it. This icon is based on the fossilised footprints found across the continent that prove Africa to be the birthplace of humankind and about which Rick Gore of National Geographic wrote the following concerning those 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.”
If you have any other questions or queries please contact us.