Local community participation in tourism in the case of the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Ecotourism in the Manyeleti Game Reserve is intended to be a community-based ecotourism project. The frontline communities are supposed to be actively participating in the current ecotourism operation in this reserve. However, eight years down the line community-based ecotourism practice in the Manyeleti Game Reserve by the African Ivory Route seemingly does not provide any tangible benefits to the frontline communities or to the local communities adjacent to the reserve. These communities' participation in ecotourism operations is also inadequate. The only members of the local communities who are benefiting from such activities in the reserve are its current employees.