Adventure tourism in South Africa: Challenges and prospects

There is great potential for the development of adventure tourism in Southern Africa for a number of reasons. One is the variety of landscapes provided by South Africa's natural environment that are suitable for adventure tourism activities, many of which remain relatively pristine. In addition, the development of adventure tourism has significant potential to uplift local communities through local economic development strategies due to the relatively low capital needed to establish many activities considered adventure tourism. However, very little research exists on this important industry in the South African context. This research note, therefore, highlights three important aspects of adventure tourism development in South Africa. First, the challenges facing the adventure tourism industry are addressed. Three of the most significant challenges to its development are the need for specific skills among staff, the use of adventure tourism as a pro-poor development strategy, and environmental management concerns associated with adventure tourism. Next, an overview of existing research is given, much of which has focused on specific adventure activities and destinations in South Africa. Finally, and most importantly, a detailed outline is offered of further research that would assist in the management and development of adventure tourism in South Africa in the future.