Mbotyi Campsite Social & Environment Initiatives

Social & Environment Initiatives

River Rangers Programme – Eastern Cape

“Eyes & Ears of the River”

This programme makes use of the estuaries along the wild coast for the purpose of fly-fishing guiding, birding, boating and in general taking the tourist to the upper parts of these lovely water systems. The programme also introduces the awareness of conservation to the community and teaches them the values they have in these estuaries. The programme has since expanded into the fresh water systems.

The programme has been developed by B2 Marketing (Pty) Ltd to serve local communities living near a river or estuarine system. In essence, the project is aimed at the rehabilitation of a river system while teaching the community to derive an income from it, once they have assisted in its restoration. After one year, trainees are equipped with a whole host of new skills such as guiding, birding, fly-fishing, fly-tying, water testing and dealing with the tourist on all matters in and around their particular environment. From these new skills the River Rangers can derive an income from a river or estuary as well as maintain a high quality level of the water, as it is fundamental to their future income.

Part of the community buy-in is to have the leaders select people from their community for the purpose of training. This selection must include both sexes but preferable female, as they are usually the ones that have to carry the financial burden of bringing up children.

Training commences with the cleaning and clearing of the river. Trainees are taught to measure water quality, namely pH, temperature, DO and OD. These figures are recorded and kept for comparison later. In addition, they are to keep records for the future and in this way monitor the water quality. In event of any adverse change the source of pollution is to be found and terminated.

Part of the fund raising for the project is used to pay salaries and purchase items such as overalls, boots, torches, sleeping bags, uniforms, caps, binoculars and a bird book on Southern Africa, fly-fishing equipment and tools.
These are distributed during the training period and remain with them for the future.

As work progresses, they are trained in the use of the binoculars and the recording of the different species of birds that can be found in the area. They are taught to understand the value of these birds and that instead of destroying them, they “sell” them to the tourist by guiding the tourist along the waters and pointing out some of the natural beauty found along the river. This rule applies for all species including fish, insects and even snakes.

Their boats are exceptionally stable and are perfectly suited for photography as well.
Bookings are made at Reception and payment must be made directly to the River Ranger. Prices on request from Reception. A session is approximately 3 hours, either morning, midmorning or afternoon.