Ecotourism has developed rapidly in recent years to become one of South Africa's largest income generator. State and private game reserves have become global players in attracting tourists from around the world. The Olifants River, often described as one of the most'hard-working' rivers in South Africa, is one of the main river basins in the Mpumalanga Province and is regionally important to the ecotourism industry as source of water. Keywords: Ecotourism, Water pollution, Olifants River catchment.