Wildlife tourism: creating memorable and differentiated experiences

Abstract

The purpose of the study reported here was to investigate whether wildlife viewing at privately-owned game reserves in South Africa creates memorable and differentiated experiences capable of extending the lifecycle of the wildlife industry. Various qualitative methods were used; 68 visitors who spent a total of 267 bed nights at various lodges adjacent to the Kruger National Park were interviewed, along with 50 influencers and role-players. Upon departure visitors were ecstatic, as the experience had been unique. They had lived in a fantasy world of the past and shared the animals’environment for a while. The visit had satisfied their spirit of adventure, as well as their long-term fascination with seeing animals in a genuine wilderness.