Theobald Barber

Would you like to go miles away and feel you are doing something worthwhile at the same time? Here are two journeys with a definite sense of purpose.

In the far north of the Kruger National Park lies a tract of land which was taken away from the Makuleke people by the South Africa National Party government in 1969.

It is a land of dramatic beauty, with yellow fever tree forests, plunging gorges, cresting cliffs and plenty of wild animals. In a groundbreaking settlement the Makuleke people regained their land in 1998.

A tourism partnership with Return Africa safari company means that by choosing to stay here you support one of the few luxury community-based tourism models in South Africa. 90% of the staff are community members.

Additional highlights:

• Jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery;
• Brilliant places to see elephants from April to October;
• Crooks Corner, where you can stand on the threshold of three countries and hear the story of why it is so named;
• Walking safaris;
• FREE return flights from the main Kruger airport if combined with a three-night stay at a gorgeous tented camp called Tanda Tula. (Conditions apply.)

Years ago, an ex-ranger called Brett Gehren was driving along a quiet road in northern KwaZulu Natal when he saw a young man collecting wood by the roadside.

They got chatting and it turned out that Blessing, the young man, was going to make a chicken coop for his grandmother. Brett asked him to help build what was to become Kosi Forest Lodge, not far from the Mozambique border.

Blessing, with help and encouragement, is now the general manager of the lodge. About 90% of the staff at Kosi are from the local community.

Highlights of this natural paradise:

• Its location within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site;
• Four lakes with interconnecting channels and wetlands that gradually reach the Indian Ocean, transmogrifying from freshwater to estuary to seawater;
• Expeditions by canoe, boat or on foot;
• Snorkelling, swimming and fishing;
• A forest of giant raphia palm trees, where the rare (for South Africa) palm nut vulture resides;
• 450 bird species including the Narina trogon and Pel’s fishing owl.
• The opportunity to learn about the Tsonga people and their unique fish traps;
• Hippos, Nile crocodiles and five different species of mangroves;
• Turtle egg-laying from mid-November until mid-January;
• Room rates from about £150 per person per night.