The Tourism News Africa team was given enough privilege to attend the release of a recent book by The Adrian Gardiner Story, which changed the landscape. The launch took place at the My Pond Hotel in Port Alfred, as the Eastern Cape is a very landscape that Adrien Gardiner transformed into. Latest TNA Magazine Edition: See the entire article on pages 8 and 9 at https://tourismnewsafrica.com/media/.
Attended the launch was South Africa's top hospitality and tourism leaders, industry experts and academics with students inspired by universities in the region.
Bestselling author Dean Allen spent three years studying and writing this inspiring biographer. This biographer documents the extraordinary life of Adrian Gardiner, a visionary conservator and pioneer of ecotourism who transformed South Africa's Eastern Cape through relentless resolve and innovative spirit. The book details the Gardiner journey from humble beginnings to the establishment of the iconic Shamwari Game Reserve and Mantis Collection. Both have established a global blueprint not only for South Africa but also for the success of ecotourism.
Vision for restoration
Two centuries ago, the Eastern Cape was a thriving ecosystem where elephants and other wildlife roamed freely. However, by 1989, the land had become barren and had been stripped of biodiversity due to grazing and neglecting the environment. Where others saw devastation and despair, Adrian Gardiner saw the possibility. The book tells how Gardiner, driven by a deep belief in the promise of the land, embarks on his mission to restore this once untouched landscape. The establishment of the Shamwari Game Reserve stands as evidence of his foresight, transforming the degraded landscape into one of Africa's finest wildlife destinations.
Dean Allen's story captures the challenges Gardiner faced, from logistical hurdles to the challenging task of reintroducing wildlife. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book highlights key moments in Gardiner's career, including the relocation of elephants and other species to safer habitats despite heartbreaking losses during the process. These efforts not only revived important ecosystems, they also set global standards for sustainable tourism.
A life of courage and influence
The TNA team had the privilege of reading biographies, so they believe this is not just a story of the life of a man, but a story of hope and transformation. Allen portrays Gardiner as a courageous person, whose work goes beyond conservation and empowers the community and the next generation of environmentalists. The book delves into Gardiner's philosophy of building a strong team. This is the principle that underpinned his success throughout his tourism venture. While interviewing Adrien Gardiner, this idea is clear that the team is more important than any individual. While undoubtedly one of the most recognized and respected names for conservation and ecotourism, Gardiner refuses to take all the credits, calling success all the way through to the efforts of a great team. Gardiner's influence continues as he is a beacon of innovation and change seen in his ongoing projects, a prosperous ecosystem that he helped to recover.
So why do you read this book?
Dean Allen's ability to write and storytelling brings Gardiner's story back to life and blends historical context with personal anecdotes to create a rich, immersive read. The book appeals to readers interested in conservation, entrepreneurship, and the stories of how individuals can really impact the industry as a whole. The biography also serves as an invitation to visit the Shamwari Game Reserve. There, a gardener of landscapes and wildlife will resurrected and offers a living will of his heritage.
TNA is lucky enough to hand out two copies signed by Adrian Gardiner and author Dr. Dean Allen. If you want an opportunity to win this, all you have to do is:
Follow our page on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourismnewsafrica, share TNA posts with your followers. Winners will be drawn using Lucky Draw on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 2pm
And for a second chance to win:
Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tourismnewsafrica, we believe that you will enjoy reading Tiktok posts to friends, family, or colleagues in Instagram comments. Winners will be drawn using Lucky Draw on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 2pm
Don't know if you can wait to see if you're the winner? The Man Who Changed the Landscape: Adrien Gardiner Story is available in various independent bookstores in South Africa, but is easily available to buy online here.
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