Newsletter-

Community Based Tourism 2009

Field research trip to South Africa &
Lesotho
Newsletter #3 10th December 2009

Goodbye from Cape Town

Our travel itinerary:
Today the group arrived at the final destination of this field research trip: Cape Town.
Here we will not only have our final presentation tomorrow, but we will also spend our
final days on the continent.
So this will therefore also be our last newsletter which will be send out to you all. The
group will sum up the main research findings of this trip and our days after leaving
Lesotho and travelling to the southern tip of Africa.
Furthermore we are using this as an opportunity to say a big „thank you‟ to our teacher
Jolanda Broex, who accompanied us for the majority of this trip and also helped us pre-
pare and our tour guide Glenn Jones, who did not only drive us but simply made sure
we will have a lot of memories to bring home with us.

10.12. Cape Town
11.12. Final presentation
research findings
12.12. Cape Town tour
13.12. Leisure time Cape
Town
14.12. Arrival in Amsterdam
In the first edition of our newsletter every member of the group wrote about their first
impressions– so now we will all draw a resume of the trip. The rest we will tell once we
set foot on Dutch ground again.
Enjoy reading this final newsletter!
Best regards,

Evelyn, Inge, Sebastiaan, Kim, Thalita & Silviene

In this issue:

Goodbye from 1
Cape Town

Our main research 2

findings

Our days on the 3

way to Cape Town

Dank je 5
well...dankie

Resumés of the 6
group members

Final fun facts 7

about the group
members

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Our main research findings

In the last newsletter we spoke about
the research we conducted in Ha Lipha-
pang. After being in Ha Liphapang for
two days we went back to Moorosi.
Here we conducted a total number of
seven interviews and gained some in-
teresting information. To have broader
results with a wide area of ideas and
opinions, we held our interviews among
people with different interests and oc-
cupations.
By interviewing we found out that ac-
cording to our interviewees not many
people from Moorosi were interested in
the Moorosi Chalets. Because the cha-
lets are based on small scale tourism,
they do not provide many job opportu-
nities. However the people that cur-
rently work for the chalets see the op-
portunities and possibilities the chalets
offers.
The community members are not really
aware of the possible benefits tourism
has to offer them. We also found out
that locals only get involved with tour-
ists, when they get approached by
them. We noticed a lack of initiatives.
We recommend training and improved
communication with the community to
make them more aware and involved
with tourism in the area.
advisable taking a guide when driving
this road.
From Moorosi we went to the Wildcoast.
We spend two nights in Mbumbi.
Mbumbi is a more developed and or-
ganized lodge like Malealea. The own-
ers of the backpackers also have a trust
called Transcape. This trust is there to
benefit the community. This year Tran-
scape invested more than 400.000 euro
in the community. One of our interview-
ees for example runs his own Kayak
company. He has been able to start this
company with the help of the Tran-
scape trust.
In Mbumbi we conducted four inter-
views. Mbumbi is just like Malealea in a
further stage of development than
Moorosi and Ha Liphapang. We want to
use our findings in both places to give
recommendations helping to improve
the CBT projects in Moorosi and Ha
Liphapang.
Written by: Sebastiaan Poppen

All the interviewees would like to see

more tourists coming to Moorosi, as
this would create more job opportuni-
ties. A greater number of tourists needs
to be considered contradicting an im-
pact on the environment and impact on
local culture. However we think an in-
crease in tourists visiting Moorosi Cha-
lets would rather be a positive than
negative influence.

Our tourguide Glen offers a tour com-

bining Malealea, Ha Liphapang and
Moorosi in one package. Ha Liphapang
is reachable from Moorosi following a
dirt road. Tourists staying in Ha Lipha-
pang could easily have an overnight
stay in Moorosi. As told before the peo-
ple in Ha Liphapang are poorly edu-
cated when it comes to tourism. We
think it would be a very good idea to
offer them on the job training in
Moorosi.

Most interviewees though a better con-

dition of the road and an improved
public transport system will contribute
in an higher number of incoming tour-
ists. The road going from Moorosi to
Ha Liphapang could be considered as
dangerous and an advanced driver driv-
ing the road is appropriated. It is also

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Our days on the way to Cape Town

The Wild Coast

After being in Moorosi, where we did research and give Glenn a successful presentation we took off to the
Wild Coast. We spent almost a full day in the car. From 6.20 am until around 8.20 pm. We could not really
see Mdumbi until the next morning because we arrived when it was dark. It was quite nice what we could
see the next morning: the Indian Ocean.
The project in Mdumbi was different of what we have been seeing until now. This project here is 100%
community owned. 50% of the profit goes directly to the community and the other 50% goes to the trust.
This trust helps the community to set up new projects so indirectly the money goes to the community and
makes it 100% for the community. There were two guys that started the backpack but they do not own it.
They are like part of the community that benefits from it. The village has many little businesses to help the
community. In this community many people try to open a little business to help themselves. Another inter-
esting fact was that primary and secondary school are free.
It was a pity we could not swim in the ocean because the weather was really bad. Because of this bad
weather we only stayed 1 day at Mdumbi and decided to move more to the South, expecting to get more
sun there. I guess we were out of luck.
The next stop was Buckaneers backpackers. This project was also different from all the others we have
seen before. For me it looked more like a place for youngsters up to 35 years to go. This I can say because
the people that were there looked this young and the ambiance was different (loud music all the time).
It was very nice to see the Wild Coast with its relaxed people. Almost as relaxed as in the hippie times or
as relax as surfers could live!
We closed our Wild Coast days with a nice shopping day in the biggest mall in East London. Glenn thanks
for taking us shopping!

Written by: Silviene Minguel

Addo National Park

After our trip to the “Wild Coast” we went to Addo, it was a three hour drive from East London. Addo is
situated in the Eastern Cape Province, only 60 minutes from Port Elizabeth.
During the trip to our hostel, we saw the first zebras, Red Hartebeests and giraffes. We enjoyed it and ex-
pected a lot for the next day.

The next day we went to the Addo Elephant National Park. The park is 164.000 hectares big and includes
over 450 elephants, Lions, Black Rhinos, Buffalos, Leopards, Zebras and a lot more. Glenn was our driver
and a guide from there was going with us, to show us the best places. In the beginning we just saw a few
animals, like the Warthog, the Black-Backed Jackals and the Ostriches, but after a while, a big Buffalo was
standing in front of our vehicle. We have seen a lot of Elephants; they were in groups and standing in front
of our vehicle as well. Beside this we saw many different animals.

Unfortunately we did not see the big five, but we have seen two of them and enough other nice animals
and it was really interesting to see the “real” wild nature, it was a great experience.

Written by: Inge Zuurbier

Port Elizabeth– on the way to Cape Town

Today we started with the final stage of our study trip. It was time to go to Cape Town. But first we had the
first opportunity to really swim in the Indian Ocean! We all have been waiting for a good splash in the wa-
ter, but because we were having bad weather ever since we arrived at the Wild Coast, it was not possible.
Today we had an early drive from Addo to P.E. (Port Elizabeth) and we were at the beach at 10. I was very
keen and excited to finally go into the ocean, but that excitement died very quickly as soon as I got into
the water. It was freezing!! And I know that I can complain about cold weather or water, but this was in-
sane! It was like pins and needles were punched everywhere into my body. And with every wave that came
it fiscally took my breath away. So, I think you all will understand that I was out of the water after only a
few minutes. Even though the sun was not really shining and it was pretty cloudy during the morning, it
was still very hot and some of us even had a nasty sunburn afterwards.

We left the beach around 12.30 to have a good African lunch. We went to The Bush Camp Restaurant were
we could try some African specialties. Glenn told us that one of the items in the buffet was “to die for”. It
was part of the African adventure and we could not leave without tasting it according to him.
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The only thing was, that one of the animals that we saw yesterday in Addo, really had to die for that buffet.
The Kudu‟s that we had admired only a day before was now cooked and prepared in a pie. For me person-
ally, it was a weird idea. I can not even eat venison, because Bambi always keeps on jumping before my
eyes as soon as I try it. So I was very surprised that I tried and tasted the Kudu pie and that I even liked it! I
guess a Kudu is not as cute as Bambi is!

It was important though to get a good lunch, because dinner would not really be an option for us that day.
At 18.30 we would take the nightliner bus to Cape Town. So a restaurant would not be possible, only
greasy fat food from gas stations. And that is another thing I found out, gas stations do not have anything
that could even remotely be considered as healthy. Even granola bars have something of chocolate or cara-
mel (basically sugar and fat) in it, even when it says it is “a healthy choice”.
The trip to Cape Town took us 12 hours! Twelve long and very hot hours! And because of the heat and the
few seating positions that were possible it seemed that the trip would not have an ending. I guess we all
were happy to arrive at Cape Town. Even though we have not seen much yet, the town looks beautiful! I
can not wait to strole around and do as much as Cape Town has to offer. But first we have to work on our
final presentation that we have tomorrow morning. As soon that is done we have 3 days for “ultimate lei-
sure”. For example, Robben Island, Table Mountain, tour of the coast, clubbing and a wine and chocolate
tasting at a beautiful vineyard! I can not wait to see what Cape Town is all about!

Written by: Thalita Dennert

This is what we had for lunch.

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Dank je wel….dankie...thanks

Jolanda, we want to thank you for preparing us for this field trip. We had two
weeks to get to know the group and you were a part of it. For all of us it was
our first time in Africa and we hope you also had such a great time as we
did.
We not only got to know the teacher Jolanda Broex, but also Jolanda, by not
always sticking to school topics during conversations.
Thank you for coming with us, being there for us and also for taking such
good care of us– as if we were one of your own kids.

Glenn, “with two N” thank you for driving us from Bloemfontein, through Lesotho,
the Wild Coast and to Port Elizabeth. You still did not want to quit when it came to
spending more than 10 hours in a bus to Cape Town with us. Now we are on your
„turf‟- the city where you live. We know you will again show us the highlights and
we will be able to ask you anything and always get an answer.
Thank you for watching out for us, for considering the fact that five girls do need to
do some shopping at some point and having some drinks with us even past your
usual bed time.
We wish you all the best for your projects and hope that Malealea Tours will be-
come a success and you get out all of it that you want to be in it for you!

Dear Big Ben. The moment we

saw you we knew we could
always rely on you. Your seats
were comfortable, we had
enough space not only for all
our luggage but also our legs.
Sometimes we did give you a
hard time going up and down
the steep gravel roads, or rac-
ing through rain in the dark (or
misusing you as a drying line
for clothing). You never broke
down and your sound system
was top of the notch.

Thank you and we will from

now on always honk when we
spot one of your kind on the
road to remember you.

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Resumés of the Group members

Evelyn Grunau– Leisure Management, INHolland Amsterdam/ Diemen– 4th year– Project group Leader

I did indeed survive living without internet, no mobile network (most of the time) and also the days
without running water and Electricity. In the end it is amazing how fast you can get used to it– cope
with and adapt to the situation. Survival mode I guess… But once we left Lesotho I think the whole
Group appreciated having the „normal necessities‟ back. Being able to let people at home know we were
ok was the first thing we all did. Now we are nearly at the end of our trip and my head (and camera) are
full with impressions and momentary snapshots. We worked on our research assignment, met interest-
ing people along the way and also had time to not be researchers but simply tourists enjoying the two
countries. We not only bring back some results for our research report, but also memories and stories
to share.

Kim Deelen– Tourism Recreation Management, INHolland Rotterdam, 4th year– Deputy Manager

This trip has been amazing. I have never been to places like South Africa and Lesotho before. It has
been one great adventure and learning experience for me. The tour we made began in Johannesburg
where electricity and warm running water was still available. In Lesotho, Malealea and Moorosi, there
was no electricity, but candles work perfect (or large batteries for the laptops), you can live without
electricity, you just have to go to bed earlier. In Ha Liphapang there was no electricity and no running
water, but again they had a solution. Just make your own shower. How amazing and different these
experiences were, some people live like this every day. It does make you appreciate home more.
The research was interesting as well. We did research in the Netherlands for CBT but in Lesotho it faces
different difficulties. Not everybody could speak English, so we needed a translator. Sometimes you had
to explain things several times before they understood what you meant.
I had a great time in South Africa and Lesotho, the people are nice and the nature is beautiful. I would
like to go back sometime to see whether it has changed or remained the same. But for now I still have a
couple of days left to explore Cape Town.

Inge Zuurbier- Tourism Recreation Management, INHolland Haarlem– 4th year– Secretary

Since I am in South Africa the time flew by. I am here for two and a half week now, the country is really
beautiful. After a few days in South Africa, we went to Lesotho, one of the poorest countries in the
world. We did not have a lot of electricity and in Ha Liphapang we even had not any running water, we
had to make our own shower. Their houses are small and they do not have that much stuff. After being
here and seeing so many things, that make me realize how good I have it back home. We did a lot of
interviews with the locals and learned a lot about the country itself.
After doing some hard work, we will have some free time in Cape Town.
Unfortunately, we are almost at the end of our trip, but I learned a lot and the trip was great!

Silviene Minguel– Tourism Recreation Management, INHolland Rotterdam– 4th year– Communicator

Before coming to South Africa I was really excited even though I had some second thoughts about it.
After spending almost 20 days here I can tell you it has been a real adventure and a great trip. I have
never been so close to the nature as this before in my life. I really connected to some African people
and therefore I got to know their culture and habits better. The first weeks have been weeks of hard
working for the research. But we had some good leisure time at the Wild Coast. The thing I enjoyed the
most of this trip was Addo National parc. It was so amazing to be driving there in your car and see a
buffalo coming your way. Now we will end the trip with some a presentation about our findings but still
we have some leisure time to climb the Table Mountain and visit Robben Island. For me this trip was a
beautiful experience but also a hard one. Doing research in Africa have encouraged me to try and do
my thesis assignment about CBT projects here in Africa. It also made me exited to make my career in
CBT later. I am really glad I had this opportunity. See you all on Monday!

Thalita Dennert– Tourism Recreation Management, INHolland Amsterdam/ Diemen– 4th year– Project
group member

I never thought this trip would go by as fast as it did! When we flew to Jo‟burg I felt it would take ages
before we would go to Cape Town. And during our stay in Lesotho, I really felt I would be surrounded
by bugs, cows, donkeys and goats forever. But I have to say, Lesotho was amazing and truly beautiful!
And maybe because it is a country that I normally would not have paid a visit to, it made it even more
special. Even the “basic-ness” of the country and the accommodations were not that much of an issue
anymore, it was part of the adventure. The villages and its people are still untouched to various ex-
tends and still show an authentic Africa. It was a great experience to see how these people lived and
went on with their daily lives.
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And even though some of the villagers are just getting their feet wet in the big ocean called
tourism, they are always very willing to learn and are thrilled to see new tourists arrive. I
never thought that the people would have such an impact on me as it did. Their happiness
and willingness to grow was inspiring!
But I do have to admit something. I never thought that I would ever miss the sound of a
flushing toilet! The basic facilities were oke for a couple of days. But after going to a smelly
or “authentic” toilet for a while, which was actually a toilet seat above a big smelly hole, you
will start missing plumbing and a sewage system.
So to summarize: It‟s the people, the country, the food, the culture, the history.. so basi-
cally everything which made the trip as good as it was! I laughed, I cried and I got annoyed,
but I guess all of that is part of a study trip. I loved it!

Sebastiaan Poppen– Tourism Recreation Managment, INHolland Haarlem– 4th year– Archivist

Last two and a half weeks in Africa the time flew by and so far it has been an amazing trip. On the other
hand it seems ages ago since we arrived Johannesburg. Every day we wake up early and most days are
quite intensive filled with conducting interviews, preparing presentations, writing newsletters and other
things. This distinguishes this trip from a normal holiday that is just about leisure.
Lesotho as being one of the poorest countries in the world, was in my opinion the best experience we
had so far. Remote places such as Ha Liphapang only see tourists very rarely. Going to such a place and
undergo the authentic culture is an experience that not many people get.
At the moment I am really looking forward to go to Cape town, which is supposed to be a beautiful city.
The fieldtrip ends this Sunday and the others except for myself will fly back to the Netherlands. I will
spend a week longer in Cape town. Here I will be relaxing and also start preparing my thesis.

Final fun facts about the group members

Did you know that…

...the group put their feet in the Indian Ocean– once under a grey rainy sky and then again under
a blue sunny one?

...we had a pet in the van? Lizzy, the lizard– but he had to „leave‟ us (RIP).

...Inge is Evelyn‟s favorite stand up comedian?

...Sebastiaan looks like an egg because of all the eggs he is eating?

...Glenn can draw a map with the same city twice on it?

...Sebastiaan keeps on stepping on Evelyn‟s toes?

...Glenn wants to have an „intermission meeting‟ instead of an „intervision meeting‟?

...Sebastiaan could not open his shower door, so Inge (superwoman) had to help him?

...Sebastiaan was convinced he was eating marzipan candy? After having three pieces he was still
so sure of it that he read the description on the package out loud: „”candy made out of marshmal-
lows” See!...Oh...marshmallows.‟

...Sebastiaan is a fun fact?