South African businessman leads the way in eco-friendly tourism

 

Peter Hayward, CEO and founder of Hayward’s Grand Safari Events and Expeditions, is passionate about causes such as combating rhino poaching in southern Africa, sustaining African culture and lifestyle in rural settings and improving the socio-economic status of ordinary South Africans. Hayward’s safaris are held throughout the African continent and expose global business leaders, celebrities and politicians to the sustainable lifestyles of the African people, as well as the beauty of the African continent, in order to inspire a positive change of thinking towards sustainability.

Involved in rhino preservation since the early 90’s as chairman of the Breeding Endangered Species Trust, Hayward was instrumental in influencing several rhino breeding programs by creating unique awareness and fund raising campaigns. Rhino preservation forms an integral part of his safari programs with illustrious groups of opinion leaders and decision makers being taken to rhino preservation projects around southern Africa to experience rhino in their natural habitat and what it takes to protect this beast from extinction. Whilst on such expeditions to secret locations, guests are also invited to work hand in hand with officially appointed veterinary surgeons to assist in procedures such as applying tracking devices or obtaining blood for DNA testing. Hayward believes that educating business leaders as to the plight of the rhino is key to ensuring its survival, as commerce and trade are the root cause of its dwindling numbers.

Sharing a deep love for the African continent and its people, Hayward believes Africa has a vital role to play in humanity’s future. Despite being plagued by greed, war mongering and ethnic tensions (not unique to Africa), Africans show a resilience and versatility to even the most abject conditions and all the while remain positive throughout. Communities in rural Africa live completely “off the grid” and are wholly sustainable, starkly contrasting the overcrowded and unsustainable urban communities of the west. Given the respect and recognition they deserve, Hayward is of the opinion that these rural communities could provide valuable insight into sustainable living and long term survival. Hayward’s safaris invite their VIP groups to experience firsthand the compassion and tolerance that the people living in these communities possess in order to learn from them. By bringing urban opinion leaders into contact with rural communities, Hayward provides a bridge to lessen the gap and foster a greater understanding of one another’s role and importance in humanity’s future.

Hayward’s family heritage has played an important role in the foundation of Hayward’s Grand Safari Events and Expeditions with his ancestors having first set foot on Africa in the 1820’s and becoming true pioneers of African travel. Maintaining this legacy of exploration and adventure, Hayward may now claim the title of the world’s grandest mobile safari tented camp which accommodates guests throughout Africa in 5 star camps that are completely eco-friendly and sustainable.

Through his company, Hayward’s Grand Safari Events and Expeditions, Hayward has managed to successfully blend tourism with education. His safaris provide not only an authentically African experience, but also encourage thought leaders to learn from the people of Africa, taking heed of their sustainable practices and resource management. Furthermore, by experiencing the beauty of the continent and it’s animals firsthand, Hayward aims to stress the importance of animal preservation so that they may be enjoyed by generations to come.