Shandor Larenty Roars About True Impact of Tourism in South Africa

Tourism is one of South Africa’s most powerful industries, fuelling economic growth, creating jobs, and sustaining conservation efforts that protect the country’s unique natural heritage. This Tourism Month, the spotlight falls on the crucial role attractions like the Lion & Safari Park play in showcasing South Africa’s wildlife to the world, while also making it accessible to local communities. 

Shandor Larenty, Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager at the Lion & Safari Park, reflects on why tourism matters so deeply to South Africa and how the park is helping position Johannesburg as a must-visit destination where culture, conservation, and unforgettable experiences intersect.

What does Tourism Month mean to you, and why is it significant for South Africa?

Tourism Month is a reminder of how important travel and experiences are, not only for the economy but also for cultural exchange. For South Africa, it’s a chance to highlight our diversity, whether it’s wildlife, landscapes, or communities, and to remind people that tourism here supports conservation, creates jobs, and sustains entire industries.

How do you think the perception of South Africa as a travel destination has changed in recent years?

There’s been a shift towards authentic, experience-driven travel. South Africa is no longer seen as just a safari stop; people are realising it’s a destination where wildlife, culture, food, and modern city life all come together. With more focus on safety and conservation, travellers are beginning to see South Africa as a place where they can have world-class experiences that also make a positive impact.

What role do wildlife attractions like Lion & Safari Park play in encouraging both domestic and international tourism?

They serve as an accessible gateway to wildlife and to our country’s special natural heritage. For many international visitors, it’s their first real introduction to Africa’s animals, and for locals, it’s an easy way to reconnect with nature without needing to travel far. Parks like ours make wildlife tourism possible for a broader audience, while also educating people about conservation and the realities of protecting these species. This is equally important for the domestic market. Over 60% of the 30,000 school children we bring in every year are from disadvantaged communities who would otherwise never have the means to visit our national parks or private game reserves. Through our programmes, we’re able to give them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about and experience the magical wildlife that call our country home.

How does Lion & Safari Park balance tourism with wildlife conservation?

We do it by ensuring the animals’ welfare always comes first. Every tourism activity is designed around what’s best for the wildlife, from enclosure design to feeding practices and veterinary oversight. Conservation is built into our model, by attracting visitors, we generate funds that go directly back into animal care, habitat maintenance, and broader conservation projects.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions tourists have about wildlife tourism in South Africa?

One of the main ones is that animals are always easy to spot or predictable, when in reality, wildlife operates on its own terms. Another misconception is that conservation ends with seeing the animals; in truth, it’s about the unseen work: nutrition management, veterinary care, anti-poaching measures, and habitat protection, that sustains wildlife long-term.

Johannesburg isn’t always the first city tourists think of when it comes to wildlife experiences. How does the Lion & Safari Park change that?

We break that perception by offering a genuine safari experience only minutes from the city. It means tourists don’t need to travel to remote areas to connect with wildlife. Johannesburg becomes not just a business and cultural hub, but also a place where people can start their wildlife journey straight away.

What makes the park a must-visit for tourists, both local and international?

It’s the combination of accessibility, authenticity, and diversity. You can see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and more within a single visit. It’s family-friendly, educational, and immersive, while still being close to the city. For international visitors, it’s a convenient introduction; for locals, it’s a reminder of the natural heritage on their doorstep.. And our incredible animal family that call the park home really do make the experience. 

What’s the funniest or most surprising question a tourist has ever asked you at the park?

I’ve had so many over the years while working as a field guide. One that still makes me laugh was a guest asking if the lions get switched on at night (no sir, they’re nocturnal and sleep 16-20 hours a day). Others include people genuinely wondering where giraffes lay their eggs, or if wild dogs regurgitate their babies when they’re born. It’s always entertaining to see how visitors try to make sense of the natural world, and it reminds me why education is such an important part of what we do.

What’s one “only in South Africa” experience that always makes you smile when you see tourists encounter it?

Seeing international visitors taste biltong for the first time is always a highlight. There’s a mix of surprise and curiosity, and it often becomes something they take home as a memory of South Africa.

How can South Africans themselves play a bigger role in supporting tourism this Tourism Month and beyond?

By becoming active tourists in their own country. Visiting local attractions, supporting restaurants, booking guided tours, and sharing their experiences online all contribute to the growth of tourism. It’s also about encouraging friends and family abroad to come visit. Every local visitor helps sustain jobs and conservation efforts, making tourism stronger for everyone.

As Shandor Larenty reminds us, tourism is not just about bringing visitors through the gates, it’s about creating opportunities, inspiring conservation, and building pride in what South Africa has to offer.

By supporting attractions like the Lion & Safari Park, South Africans and international travellers alike contribute to a thriving tourism industry that sustains communities, safeguards wildlife, and celebrates the country’s unique identity. This Tourism Month and beyond, the call is clear: investing in tourism is investing in South Africa’s future.