By: Lolly Mhlongo
“Eco-tourism allows for local communities to have more control over decisions and resources that directly affect their quality of life and environmental wellbeing, which I find extraordinary” Anele Ndodo
This week on local tourism news we sit down with Lusikisiki-born travel agency founder and managing director Anele Ndondo of Mbange Travel and Tours to find out more about the importance of eco-tourism on the rural economy as well as some of those hidden holiday destinations of Pondoland that brings its travellers on their knees resulting in what many calls Pondo Fever.
Mbange travel and tours are a female-owned South African Tour Operators Company specializing in travel to the hidden holiday destinations of southern Africa, from the wild coasts of Lusikisiki’s lush blue seas stretching to Mozambique, Lesotho, Victoria Falls, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar islands to mention just a few. The travel agency offers a variety of services and organises individual, group and business travel packages including hotel bookings and reservations, air flights, transfers on arrival and departure, air flights, business conferences, school excursions and meeting and visa services and information all to make your travelling experience a breeze.
Anele strongly believes that the future of Pondoland Tourism lies within its eco-tourism with its unspoiled landscapes, beaches and rich cultural heritage. When asked on the role of tourism and sustainability the 30year old travel enthusiast replied “eco-tourism allows for local communities to have more control over decisions and resources that directly affect their quality of life and environment wellbeing, which I find extraordinary”.
Born and bred in Pondoland herself Anele understands first-hand the warm hospitality and natural environment her guests get to enjoy boasting that “In Pondoland we place great emphasis on providing our guests with an understanding of the natural environment by providing first-hand experiences such as guided hikes cultural experience tours, wildlife safaris, and expansive waterfalls, the list goes on”. Anele shared with us the significant role tourism
plays in local communities. As tourism helps maintain the heritage and natural resources through homestays, storytelling activities, arts and crafts activities, and village tours which help increase awareness and knowledge of the Mpondo people and their beliefs contributing largely to cultural conservation.
Travelling doesn’t have to be far it can be right in your backyard with endless natural leisure catering to tourists and travellers who wish to experience nature without damaging it. Here are some places Anele suggests for those who wish to explore the best Pondoland has to offer
- Mkhambathi nature reserves
- Magwa falls and tea farm
- Xholobeni
- Hole in the wall
- Wild Coast Sun international casino
- Ntsubane forest (the only forest in SA that has eagles, antelopes amongst others)
- Port St Johns
- Coffee Bay
- The list is endless
For those of you that wish to explore the Pondoland region, here are five travel tips from the travelling expect
- Do your research about your travel destination
- Pack appropriate clothes
- Have your passport with you at all times
- Be open-minded and embrace the bizarre
- Explore Africa
For contact details
Email: mbangetravelandtourism@gmail.com
Instagram @mbanetravelandtourism
Contact details: 071 490 4336
