For some, it is not about the how it is about the why.

Every once in awhile an opportunity will arise and you will chance to meet or talk to an individual who effects your life in a positive way. James Haigh, Sales and Marketing Manger for Singita Grumeti Reserves, East Africa is one such person. From the moment that I spoke to him, I could sense how passionate he was about his life, job and future prospects. The message he wanted to send was loud and clear; travel is not about the how, it is about the why.

Why? Because we can and we should. Travel gives us luxury, freedom, knowledge and individual growth opportunities. Singita Game Reserves are model examples of how combining travel with social conscience can and does effect the environment in a positive way.

This positive influence is achieved by providing the locals in the community with small business opportunities, training, education and jobs. James was quick to mention that Singita does not super impose western ideologies into the community but rather works with the local community leaders to adapt a mutual plan of action and understanding.

He explained it like this; humans have a tendency in the middle of a crisis to want to protect and feed their young and will often neglect themselves in an effort to do so. Most often, the animal kingdom does the complete opposite. They rely on Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” principle. If the young animal is strong enough it will survive on its’ own and sadly, if not it will die. The adults make sure they remain strong and take care of themselves first. When the crisis has ended they will once again proliferate the species and take care of the next generation.

Understanding this principle, Singita has taken on a project to feed and educate the children of Africa so that parents can work on taking care and feeding themselves. Parents who do not have to constantly worry about their young can concentrate their efforts on learning how to become more self sufficient.

This is a much more effective way to help. We have been conditioned to think that we can help other countries by simply providing food. It is not that simple. In fact, the food tthat is provided is most often given to the young while the adults in the community are becoming weaker and less capable of taking care of the young. This not only effects the current generation but it effects generations to come. It is about looking at the world with a different set of glasses and caring enough to consider how one simple idea can have an impact on the local community and its entire ecosystem. Singita looks at the world through the eyes of the local community and this makes all the difference.

It is hard to imagine how a land mass the size of half of the state of Delaware has such limited accommodations. The entire 340000 acres of land in Tanzania provides only 74 beds. But as James points out, it is not about the how it is about the why.

Singita Game Reserve is:

• A belief in the concept that “fewer beds in larger areas” has less impact on the land and its fauna and flora .
• Learning about a country as a complete ecosystem rather than just a place to visit.
• It is about seeing the world from a different perspective.
• It is about using proceeds from luxury travel to positively effect the world and giving something back to the community.
• It is about taking indulgence and luxury and turning it into something meaningful and productive through a not for profit movement towards social change.

James Haigh and others like him have taken a passion for travel and turned it into a life long commitment to effecting social change. What can your travel dollars do for you?  Why not consider doing something special the next time you plan a luxury travel vacation and do something that will not only change the world, but will  change how you and your family view the world.

Make no mistake, although Singita may be an ecological sanctuary, it is still one of the finest luxury travel destinations in the entire world. It has some of the best locally grown gourmet fare and the seafood is an absolute delight.  Relaxation mixed with African wildlife provides the most exquisite adventure travel and not to mention, Singita has an incredible Africa wine collection.

James does not hesitate to boast that there is currently 4 and a half tons of wines in storage.  Singita’s unique luxurious accommodations are set in one of the most scenic environments on the planet.  Suffice to say, you may even capture a rare glimpse of one of the “Big 5” animals on the planet.

Let our expert luxury travel agents at Luxe Travel Deals help you plan your next vacation to Singita Game Reserves so that you can experience the true meaning of live well and travel more. For more information email us at concierge@luxetraveldeals.com or call us at 1-866-365-8747.

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