Travel is fun, but it can cost the earth. Keeping it close to home – and by choosing places and services that respect the earth makes more of a difference than you think.

 

Check out these three lodges that keep it ecologically sound:

 

 

 

 

Grootbos

Grootbos Nature Reserve, renowned for five star luxury and comfort, is also an ecotourism business whose vision of socially and environmentally responsible tourism is making a real contribution to the natural environment of the Walker Bay region – and its people.

The Green Card

• Alien eradication and reforestation projects, including the planting of 2 250 indigenous trees.
• They send 10 unemployed young township people on a horticulture, landscaping and life skills course each year.
• All vegetables, herbs, lettuces, fruit, eggs, honey and preserves produced on the farm are sold to the lodge, bringing an income back to the Grootbos Foundation.
• They are creating a resilient food system to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition that is experienced in the disadvantaged area.

Botsebotse Luxury Retreat

Botsebotse Luxury Retreat is a discreet boutique getaway located on Zebula Nature Reserve and Golf Estate. It’s an escape with an intimate atmosphere and great personal service. Botsebotse is committed to developing understanding and respect for South Africa’s cultures, languages and diversity, as well as the preservation of our wildlife and our habitat.

The Green Card

• They source all their products from responsible suppliers who don’t destroy our wildlife species and their habitats.
• 95% of their supplies are sourced from local producers in Bela Bela, their nearest local town. Fewer food miles means smaller carbon footprint.
• Wood that is used during traditional dinners is cut from invader species that would otherwise drain resources from the local ones.
• Botsebotse’s garden is planted with indigenous plants found in their region.
• Water from outdoor showers, hot tub, and field kitchen in the Lapa are recycled into the garden.

The Mushara Collection, Namibia

Just 8km from the eastern entrance of the Etosha National Park, The Mushara Collection hosts a family friendly bush camp and luxurious villas.

The Green Card

• They generate their own electricity through solar power.
• Their fresh herbs are grown on the farm, as well as 30% of their vegetables. The rest is sourced as close to home as possible.
• All game meat is local and all meals are freshly produced at the lodge.
• All soaps and detergents are biodegradable.
• Food waste goes to the compost heap, paper and plastic gets burned, and tin and glass are stored on the property until a recycling company collects them.

Words: Dailyfix Staffer
Images: Supplied, Portfolio Collection