June is a big month for the planet. With World Environment Day celebrated on June 5th and this year’s global theme being #BeatPlasticPollution, there’s no better time to reflect on how we travel and how we can do it more responsibly.

At AWOL Tours, we believe that adventure and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand. As more travellers seek meaningful, low-impact experiences, we’re proud to be part of the shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.

Why Sustainable Tourism Matters

Our mountains, coastlines, and wildlife deserve to be protected. Responsible travel means embracing the natural world while preserving it, supporting the communities that care for it, and saying a firm “no thanks” to wasteful habits.

How We’re Taking Action at AWOL Tours

Plastic-Free Goals
In line with the global #BeatPlasticPollution movement, we’ve eliminated over 1,000 single-use plastic water bottles from our tours every year. Guests are encouraged to use reusable bottles or can purchase one of our BPA-free AWOL water flasks, with proceeds supporting local community projects.

Low-Impact Adventures
From hiking up Table Mountain to cycling through the Cape Winelands, our tours are designed to leave a light footprint. We stick to established trails, keep group sizes small, and follow ‘leave no trace’ principles.

Local First
We believe sustainability goes beyond nature, it’s about people too. That’s why we support local businesses, hire local guides, and make sure tourism contributes to the communities we visit. Below are a few experiences you can sign-up for that partner directly with local suppliers.

  • Masiphumelele African Cooking Experience

This township tour offers a hands-on cooking class guided by local women using ingredients grown in community gardens. By choosing this experience, you’re putting income directly into the hands of Masiphumelele residents, supporting long-term education and entrepreneurship in the area. It’s a chance to connect, cook, and contribute, with proceeds supporting Masicorp’s impactful education projects in the area. In addition, 10% of tour proceeds go directly to the Masicorp NGO, an organisation that we proudly support. Masicorp works to improve education and create opportunities in the Masiphumelele township. By supporting Masicorp, we help invest in real, long-term change.

  • Cape Malay Cooking Tour

Step into the heart of the Bo-Kaap and discover the rich cultural history behind Cape Malay cuisine. Guests are welcomed into a local, family kitchen to prepare and share a traditional meal.

  • Cape Town’s City Outta Sight Art Tour

Discover Cape Town’s street art scene through the perspective of a blind guide. This inclusive walking tour supports accessible tourism, local artists, and community-led storytelling, making it a meaningful way to travel responsibly and support local livelihoods.

All of these experiences reflect AWOL Tours’ commitment to making a difference, one guest at a time. They create opportunities for meaningful connections that benefit both travelers and host communities — reinforcing the fact that sustainable travel is about people as much as it is about places.

  • This Mandela Day: How AWOL Tours Is Giving Back

This Mandela Day, our team will be collecting over 300kg of non-perishable food and crafting handwritten messages of encouragement for the children attending three Early Childhood Development Centres in Masiphumelele. These contributions will help ensure that nearly 500 children have access to nutritious meals and quality early education. It’s a small gesture that can have a life-changing impact.

Our team will be collecting non-perishable food items and writing messages of hope for the children, small gestures that make a big difference. All items will be delivered to Masicorp in time for Mandela Day on 18 July 2025, helping to ensure that these centres can continue to provide vital daily care and education.

At AWOL Tours, we’re committed to creating experiences that not only inspire adventure but also contribute to positive change… for the environment, for local communities, and for future generations of explorers. Whether it’s saying no to plastic, supporting local suppliers, or choosing low-impact ways to explore, sustainable tourism starts with us and continues with you.