Responsible Travel in South Africa: The Fair Trade Travel Pass

The Fair Trade Travel Pass is a travel package which was launched in 2012 aiming to make it as easy as 1,2,3 for conscientious travelers to explore the best bits of South Africa using only Fair Trade travel establishments. The concept of responsible travel is not new to the world but it can be difficult and labor intensive to try to find verified responsible tour operators, accommodation providers and attractions - just at the time when all you really want is to be able to relax and get some much needed head-space. In steps the Fair Trade Travel Pass (FTTP)!

Journeying from Cape Town along the coast to Chintsa and the Wild Coast, on to the Drakensberg and finally to Soweto in Johannesburg, the FTTP explores some of South Africa's most popular destinations; veers off the beaten track on the thoroughly wild Wild Coast, takes in some of the natural wonders of this beautiful country and explores the sights and sounds of our urban townships. A real mix of purely South African experiences. And all stops are at Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) establishments. The Pass is also available in reverse order staring in Jo'burg and ending in Cape Town.



The FTTP is available for either 14 or 21 days and is extremely flexible with the option of flying, driving, bussing or even walking between stops.

The Fair Trade Travel Pass at a Glance...

Cape Town: Stay at the award-winning backpackers The Backpack where stunning views of Table Mountain and fun & funky rooms will have you feeling utterly excitable - all based in the center of South Africa's bustling "big city". While in Cape Town spend one of your days dicing with Great White Sharks with Fair Trade tour operator Marine Dynamics.

The View from Buccaneers down to Chintsa Bay

Chintsa: Stay at the infamous Buccaneers Lodge & Backpackers with it's unbeatable views of the stunning white sandy beach of Chintsa Bay, the warm Indian Ocean and Chintsa lagoon & estuary. With simple airy rooms in little beach cottages, all with a quirky style of their own and amazing views - it will be hard to leave this community involved backpackers.

The Big Green eMachine - a solar powered mobile
computer lab used on the Wild Coast
Schools Project

On the 21 day pass intrepid travelers volunteer on the worlds first Fair Trade in Tourism accredited volunteer project. The Wild Coast Schools Project (run by local volunteer organisation VA32) focuses on delivering computer literacy lessons to children in rural schools and drives community development initiatives in Chintsa including a kids sports initiative, gardening project and work in a local orphanage. This experience is a real highlight for Fair Trade travelers giving the opportunity not only to give a little back but to become a member of the community in Chintsa.

Wild Coast: venturing off the beaten track into the rugged and largely untouched Wild Coast, travelers have the choice of three Fair Trade backpackers along this coastline. Mdumbi Backpackers is a stunning, quiet spot with awesome waves, gorgeous beach and amazing views! You can even check out the local community projects through their non-profit organisation Transcape. Coffee Shack Backpackers is a lively joint which throws an Bulungula Lodge; 40% owned by the community who are intricately involved in the running of the backpackers and tours the community bring an authentic Xhosa environment to the this experience of a life time. The backpackers also aims to have a zero carbon footprint - get stuck in and tackle the rocket showers, solar oven and non-flush loo's! During your time on the pass you can stick to one of these awesome spots or visit all three.

Mdumbi Backpackers - a collection of simple, rustic
rondavels on the peaceful Wild Coast

awesome party! And if you can drag yourself out of bed in the morning why not join one of their famous surf schools or trek along the coast to see the stunning Hole in the Wall - one of South Africa's natural icons. The final choice along the Wild Coast is

Drakensberg: Travel from the Wild Coast to the Drakensberg mountains where Fair Trade travelers stay at Sani Lodge. Nestled in the stunning mountain range this peaceful lodge boasts staff with an intricate knowledge of the area, who will guide you to secret spots in the

The majestic Drakensberg mountains

mountains and take you on a 4x4 trip to the Lesotho mountains and exploring caves in search of San rock art. Don't forget to taste their famous chocolate cake after dinner!

Soweto: Leave the peace of the majestic mountains and travel to Soweto to stay in the colourful, vibey Lebo's Soweto Backpackers. Lebo's is famous for it's position in this colorful urban township which travelers get to explore by bicycle and foot during their stay.

A cycle tour around Soweto

The Logistics

The mode of transport is your choice - fly, drive, bus or even walk! But whatever choice you make, you can be sure that you are supporting establishments who in turn, support their communities.

Find out more about the Fair Trade Travel Pass at www.fairtradetravelpass.com or book your pass now: 14 Day Pass | 21 Day Pass

Travel responsibly - with the Fair Trade Travel Pass it really is a easy as 1,2,3.