The end of traditional tourism is here, say good-bye to huge resources draining all-inclusive resorts. World-wide lodges, hostels and hotels are turning more eco-friendly, and some even go beyond not changing the used towels you hang up. Worldwide new trends in tourism are developing, from eco-tourism to poverty tourism to agro-tourism, but one of the most promising is perhaps the increasingly popularity of sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism, developing the tourism industry in a way that it enhances the traditional culture and environment instead of tearing it down. We’ve been lucky enough to see true sustainable tourism twice on our trip- once in Nicaragua and once in Lesotho.
The Malealea Lodge in Malealea, Lesotho is written up in all the guidebooks as a must-do. Although they give a vague description on the lodge, its activities and the associated Malealea Development Trust, no guidebook can express the atmosphere of a place like the Malealea Lodge. Seven kilometers of dirt road through a pass known as the “gates of paradise” takes you a world away from the paved road you left. Immediately life looks more pastoral over the pass and it doesn’t take long to encounter a local on the road. Greetings take on an importance in Lesotho that they have lost in the West, and every single person we met on the road greeted us with a genuine smile and lumela (hello).
Like other parts of the world, tourism means money, and so generally the locals are happy to see you, and then again just as happy to see you go. Malealea Lodge and its Development Trust ensure that when you go, that core feeling you have that your life has changed is also the same feeling the surrounding community has. Through trial and error, the owners of Malealea have developed sustainable tourism programs to benefit the entire community. Through financial, professional and volunteer donations, the Lodge and Trust have made themselves they keystone of a thriving Basotho community where traditional customs are maintained and will continue to be preserved.
As we hiked through the surrounding countryside we saw small subtle hints of Malealea’s impact. Clean water taps to outlying villages, a reclaimed donga, a traditional handi-craft center giving local woman a fair income for their work, and even tables made from tin cans, the examples of the positive impact of tourists in the community are never too far. The hands of tourists have built the community a pre-school, a primary school, and set up a fund to subsidize school fees and uniforms. Short-term tourists turn into long-term visitors, teaching English, computer skills, moderating HIV/AIDS awareness projects, eventually passing these jobs on to locals. Tourism dollars support small business loans that help entrepreneurs build their first mill, buy their first shoe leather and set up a successful shop. The repayment of these loans helps goes back in the pool to be loaned to others. Perhaps the most positive impact of a place like Malealea is that it teaches both tourists and locals how to interact with each other in a way that isn’t disruptive but rather inter-dependent.
It’s easy to say I want to help those around me, especially in Africa where there are so many people living in sub-standard conditions, but like all aid, we struggle to balance a hand out with a hand up. The extra pocket change you give as a tip to your hiking guide or pony guide can translate to jealousy in a local community, and may not reach its intended purpose. Aid can sometimes be like a chess game, what impact does this small seemingly insignificant gesture or project have on the local community? That’s why projects like those at Malealea are so important. As a tourist we paid the same money, perhaps even less, than we would have at a traditional lodge, and not only got an authentic cultural experience, but also supported the community in such a way that in 20 years it will still remain intact.
Malealea had a very deep and profound impact on me, one that deepens every day. The owners set out just to have a small lodge, not a community supporting development project, but through their work and that of their clients they’ve positively impacted the lives of everyone in that valley. It’s leadership like theirs, which inspires us to have an impact and to think about our travel decisions which will help change the world, not just the little sign reminding us to hang up our used towels to be used again tomorrow.
Dad McKnight says
If was great to read about your visit to the Malealea Lodge. Good to see you and Danny are taking the time to visit such designations. I recall having conversations with your sister about Tourism and Sustainable Development. After reading your Blog, I plan on doing some independent research on the concept. Thanks for writing about this important topic.
Dad McKnight
Jillian says
@Dad- Really enjoyed the feel of Malealea, reminded us that even as two independent travelers we can make a huge difference. 🙂
ponch says
🙂 Just added Lesotho to my list.
Jillian says
@Ponch- short list, huh? :)https://ishouldlogoff.wpengine.com/wp-admin/#
Sarah Martens says
Great post! I forwarded to my husband who works for an organization called Sustainable Travel International. It’s great to read about a lodge in a teeny, tiny country that embraces a concept that few do well. I’ve been following your blog for months now as we eagerly plan for our RTW trip later this year. It has been a monumental source of help. A HUGE thank you. Safe travels! I look forward to seeing where you go next…
Jillian says
@ Sarah- Thanks for checking our blog, glad you enjoyed the post! I think I met your husband at an adventure travel fair last year, glad to hear you guys are still planning to travel. Let us know if we can be any help as you prepare! Cheers!
Martha says
Hi!
That’s so amazing, i heard there are some proyects like that for la Sierra, here in Chihuahua, but they are still in the planning process, hopefully they’ll be ready soon.
BTW i got my postcard! thank you so much!!!
hugs, kisses and blessings!
Jillian says
@Martha- Glad to hear from you! Besos!
Cousin Lee says
WOW that’s amazing! I could definitely see Becka running a place like that 😉