About ecoAfrica travel

History

Back in 1995 when ecoAfrica Travel was launched, Green wasn’t just a phase for us; it was a live choice. With the founding members deeply participating in the study and practice of Environmental Ethics, the company was build on the ideals of preserving nature, educating people and providing a personal authentic safari experience. With these goals in mind, ecoAfrica had to go through numerous safari offerings and select the ones that shared our ideals. What you see on this website, is the result of those choices and it will be refined and expanded just like any living organic process.

What is the Rhinometer?

Community Contribute to sustainable economic and community development.	Conservation Contribute to meaningful environmental research or nature conservation.
Education Come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the continent’s unique natural and cultural environment.	Empowerment Enjoy hosts who practice local citizen empowerment.
Ethics Not be promoting the luring, taming or killing of wildlife for entertainment.	Footprint Support low impact, ecologically sensitive facilities and services.
Nature Experience the authentic Africa, its wildlife and wilderness.

1% for the planet

To be perfectly honest, it’s not about us. It’s about businesses recognizing that industry and ecology are inherently connected. It’s about realizing the positive effects of connecting businesses, consumers and nonprofits through philanthropy.

And it’s about understanding that the true cost of doing business can be mitigated by a simple pledge to the planet. Since 2002, 1% for the Planet has inspired members of the business community to contribute 1% of sales to environmental groups around the world. In return, this growing alliance of companies is given the opportunity not only to see their self-worth rise, but their net worth climb as well.

Other great causes

World Wide Fund for Nature

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Affiliations

Meet the team

Jonathan Weltman position: Chief Executive Officer After studying Aeronautical Engineering, Jono became a career entrepreneur. He has founded and managed numerous businesses, and has consulted to blue-chip companies. In the nineties Jono was the CEO of the company that developed the first official website for Cape Town, and he has been involved in online tourism and tourism businesses ever since. Jono became a director of ecoAfrica in February 2009.	Paul Tredoux position: Chief Operating Officer Paul qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1995. In 1997 he joined Leisureplanet, a global online tourism business, as Financial Director. Since then he has gained extensive experience as an executive in different industries, including 6 years in the tourism industry. Paul became a director of ecoAfrica in February 2009.
Ralph Pina position: Founder A founding member of ecoAfrica.com and its travel operation in 1995, Ralph holds a B.Eng (Electronic Engineering), an MBA and an M.Phil in Environmental Management (his research application dealt with ecolabelling in ecotourism), all from Stellenbosch University. Ralph is employed by Stellenbosch University's IT Division as Director: eBusiness.	Sias Mostert position: Founder A founding member of ecoAfrica.com and its travel operation in 1995, Sias is also Associate Professor in Computer & Control Systems at Stellenbosch University.
Gavin Bell position: Marketing Consultant Gavin, our keen runner completed his first Two Oceans Marathon in 2011, started at ecoAfrica in October 2010 has adapted his life to living a better eco-friendly lifestyle and is a firm believer of recycling.	Marisa Salvarto position: Reservations Manager Marisa grew up in Cape Town and after doing her Hospitality Operations Management Diploma in 1998, lived and traveled abroad for 8 years. Marisa is passionate about the industry and really can't think of a better job to be doing or a better team to be doing it with!
Julia Hayes position: Senior Travel Consultant Julia grew up in Cape Town. It was a childhood dream to be involved in the tourism industry so she did her travel diploma at Travel Training Institute in 1997. She has been actively involved in arranging holidays for online travellers for the past 11 years.	Elsabe Jooste position: Senior Travel Consultant Elsabe (our Comrades Ultra Marathon athlete) made the move from librarian to travel consultant 10 years ago, so not only is she well-read, but has vast experience in travel and tourism too.