Tourism Month is the perfect time to reflect on how tourism can uplift and empower rural and cultural communities, especially when approached with sustainability and community development at its core. This year, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on one of our key partners in this journey – Nourish Eco Village. Over the years, their efforts have transformed not only the landscape of ecotourism but also the lives of many in our surrounding communities.
Nourish Eco Village has been doing well in the local ecotourism space, and their latest expansion into Makrepene, near Gowrie Gate at the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, marks an exciting new chapter. Building on the success of their original site at Sigagule, Nourish Eco Village 2 Makrepene will be home to several critical programmes. These initiatives focus on food security, enterprise development, education, youth employment and early childhood development, key drivers for empowering the local communities.
But what truly sets Nourish apart is its dedication to fostering cultural tourism. For our lodge guests, Nourish offers immersive experiences that go beyond wildlife viewing. Through carefully curated cultural tours, visitors gain an authentic glimpse into the local traditions, daily life, and heritage of the communities. These experiences not only enhance the visitor’s understanding but also foster meaningful connections with the people who call this region home.
Last September, the first phase of the Makrepene hub was launched with great success. This phase focused on two essential pillars: Food security and the Green Kidz Club. The Green Kidz initiative has been instrumental in bringing environmental education to local schools, while the food security programme now includes an on-site farm growing spinach, beetroot, onions, okra, green peppers, and chillies. The programme also incorporates a feeding scheme to provide nutritious meals to children visiting the hub, ensuring they have access to healthy food options. This initiative plays a key role in addressing both hunger and malnutrition within the local community.
In addition to these programmes, new infrastructure was developed in Phase 1, including a Green Kidz library , clubhouse, outdoor classrooms, and Grannies’ Kitchen. These spaces now support 250 children who visit the hub daily after school, providing them with a safe, educational environment that nurtures both their minds and bodies.
With Phase 1 completed, Phase 2 of the Makrepene hub has recently been finalised, and it is even more ambitious. This phase focuses on developing tourism and social enterprises for community members, creating new opportunities for local people to engage with the tourism industry in a meaningful way. The hospitality training programmes, facilitated by guests eager to give back, will offer valuable hands-on experience to local individuals, preparing them for roles within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Phase 2 also brings exciting new facilities to the community, including a computer lab and IT centre, which will provide crucial digital literacy and access to technology, enabling local residents to improve their skills and expand their opportunities. Additionally, a craft and information centre will showcase local artisans, allowing guests to purchase handmade goods, support local enterprise, and learn more about the culture and history of the area.
And for those seeking a taste of local hospitality, the newly completed bakery /café will serve as a gathering place for both visitors and community members. This space will not only offer delicious, locally produced food but will also serve as a hub for social interaction and community building, further integrating the local economy with the tourism sector.
We’re eagerly anticipating the official launch of Phase 2, which promises to deepen the connection between sustainable tourism and community development . With the completion of this phase, Nourish Eco Village will further solidify its role as a leader in ecotourism, offering a model of how tourism can not only support conservation but also empower and enrich the lives of local communities.
Email: info@nourishecovillage.com
Website: www.nourishecovillage.com
NPO nr: 090-810-NPO
PBO nr : 930037455
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