G Trek for Good funds will support Botswana tourism project

Proceeds from the G Trek for Good that took place ahead of the Travel Convention in Morocco last month will support the indigenous San community in Botswana.

The trek saw 32 members of the UK travel industry reach the top of North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal, to raise money for Planeterra and Abta LifeLine.

It was the second G Trek for Good, an initiative developed by adventure operator G Adventures in 2019.

The trekkers raised more than £30,000, with 50% of the funds being allocated to Planeterra to help support communities at risk round the world.

More: G Adventures climbers raise £30k for Abta LifeLine and Planeterra

The funds raised for Planeterra will support the San community in Botswana, as it was badly hit by the downturn in tourism in the pandemic.

The money will help restore a community-run campsite, enabling them to host travellers and generate much-needed income.

Evie Ndhlovu, Planeterra’s EMEA regional programme manager, said: “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.

“The money they used to earn through tourism was vital in paying for schooling and medical checks in a community where HIV is very prevalent and, without any income, all of this has stopped.

“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.”

Following the restoration of the campsite, G Adventures will include an overnight camping stay and San-led bushwalk experiences in its 18-to-Thirtysomethings itineraries from March 2023.