James Mills is a web developer in the North East of England and founder of Refresh Teesside »
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Karen McLauchlan is the Evening Gazette's deputy business and features editor - with special interest in all things industry, property and arts related » 
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Deloitte, which has 23 offices across the UK including Newcastle, is among the country's leading professional services firms » 
ClimateNE & Climate Change Schools Project support the move to a low-carbon, resilient economy and help businesses avoid risk and realise commercial opportunities. Posts by Jen Atkinson, Krista McKinzey and Harriet Thew » So here I was last Thursday, arriving to find the car hire company had a Mercedes Benz for my foray into the Phalaborwa bush, deep in the Mpumulanga region of South Africa.
As with Swaziland, Mpumulanga has been hard hit by bush fires; people have lost their homes, crops and livestock and it is all they are talking about.
Together with a South African organisation called Legends, Shared Interest Foundation is working with the Kruger National Park to support existing businesses within it.
The people that work here are historically disadvantaged, so the support and training to nurture their businesses is an enormous help in providing a sustainable income to hundreds of people.
As I drove to meet with Portia, the Park's socio-economic advisor, I am stopped in my tracks by a whole range of animals. There is literally a zebra crossing as they trot over the road in front of me, and I see elephants, giraffes and gazelle drinking from a large watering hole.
It's a beautiful drive, but a bit tiring on your own. Even with all these amazing sights, after six long hours, I just wanted to get there!
What I did find on arrival was a stark contrast between the wealthy people that visit the park and those on the outside of the gates.
However there is a silver lining, as tourists love to buy souvenir crafts so will pay a premium when inside the Park.
Portia tells me about the history behind the area and how they have a strong partnership with the local community.
It is estimated that for every eight visitors to the park, there is an employee. Hence, this diverse landscape is providing a regular income to a growing range of people.
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