Eco-tourism and sustainable tourism are not the same thing, but the two do sit hand in hand. Eco-tourism is focused on minimizing the impact of the travel experience whilst providing travellers with an experience in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Sustainable tourism is to ensure that the travel process is a positive experience for local people, the environment and tourists themselves. Most importantly, the whole process encourages sustainable economic growth and that any impact on the environment is sustainable and low impact. In otherwords, creating an eco-friendly experience, whilst assisting in the development of the local communities.

Africa is a magical place that has been a huge part of the Mud Hut Tribe’s lives. Our directors have spent many months living amongst and exploring the high mountains, the low lying valleys and plains, the tropical beaches and the backwaters.

We want everyone to experience southern Africa. But if we all went to the same beaches, stayed in the same big branded hotel, travelled the same routes, ate at the same globally owned chain and rented the same brand of car, what would southern Africa look like in 10 years time?

Hence we want to preserve the uniqueness, the custom and the diversity of the region.

Mud Hut Travel promotes owner-managed businesses aligned to sustainable tourism in all of our itineraries. This way the money directly spent by you will go into the local communities, and assist in the development of the area.

Thus when you return in ten years time, the same small owner managed lodges will be there – but they will be managed by the son’s and daughters of the previous owners; and there may be another one up the road. Where perhaps last time there was only one dive operator, there will now be three different operations along the coast - all owned by previous employees.

This is the development we support in southern Africa. Sustainable development is not 2 lane highways through the bush, air-con hotels and super fast internet connection; it’s the economic upliftment of the communities where we spend our money and the preservation of the environments we visit.

Through our commitment to the sustainable development of Africa, we have teamed up with Immersion South Africa who give the opportunity for volunteers willing to get involved with community development and to immerse themselves in the rich culture and life that is the Transkei, South East South Africa.