G partnered with Abta LifeLine in September to take 32 UK travel industry members to the summit of North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal.
The expedition raised £30,000, with money split between LifeLine and G’s non-profit Planeterra, which helps support at-risk communities around the world.
Planeterra will use the funds to aid the San community in Botswana, who it said had been hit hard due to the tourism drought caused by the pandemic.
The money will go directly to helping the community to restore its campsite, helping locals to host travellers and provide much-needed income.
Having welcomed travellers pre-pandemic at the Dqae Qare San Lodge, the loss of tourism meant the community had to disperse and resort to living off the land and relying on small government handouts for survival. The lodge facilities fell into disrepair.
Following the restoration of the campsite, G Adventures has committed to include an overnight camping stay and San-led bushwalk experiences in its 18-to-Thirtysomethings itineraries from March 2023.
“The story of the San community is a very sad one, and unfortunately is just one of many we are hearing about as we start to fully understand the devastating effects the pandemic has had on micro enterprises and vulnerable communities,” said Evie Ndhlovu, Planeterra’s regional programme manager EMEA.
“The funds from the G Trek for Good couldn’t have come at a better time, and will allow us to make huge strides in helping the community to get back on their feet. We will begin with restoring the campsite, installing water pumps to bring clean running water to the community and training the San so they can welcome travellers and begin to earn income.”
