Open AccessWildlife Tourism Motivation: A Case for Manyeleti Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga
Author(s) -
tsikelelo O Masina,
Liezel Boshoff,
Portia Pearl Siyanda Sifolo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
african journal of hospitality, tourism and leisure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.232
H-Index - 11
ISSN - 2223-814X
DOI - 10.46222/ajhtl.19770720.170
Subject(s) - wildlife , tourism , wildlife tourism , nature reserve , recreation , adventure , marketing , visitor pattern , game reserve , geography , novelty , business , ecotourism , environmental resource management , psychology , ecology , social psychology , economics , archaeology , computer science , biology , programming language , operating system
This study explores key motivators of wildlife tourism to Manyeleti Game Reserve, a private nature reserve in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The primary objective of the study was to establish what motivates tourists to visit privately owned game lodges in Mpumalanga, and Manyeleti game reserve in particular. The intention was to focus on both the supply and demand perspective of wildlife tourism. The Push and Pull theory was adopted to contextualise its applicability on Manyeleti Nature Reserve. This study is quantitative in nature. Structured questionnaires were used through a convenience sample of 400 visitors to Manyeleti Nature Reserve. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was adopted to identify the fundamental wildlife motivational constructs. Six pull factors were identified as motivators of wildlife tourists (escape, relaxation, social, enriching and learning experiences, novelty, and adventure) as well as four push factors that emerged from the study. Although nature – based parks serve as a key tourist attraction for nature enthusiasts, this study revealed that there is a need for park managers to promote outdoor activities (recreational) and ‘visitors’ learning experiences’ as these were rated highly by the visitors.