Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
5 Mzansi destinations where sustainability meets luxury
AS TRAVELLERS continue to seek meaningful experiences, their demand patterns are constantly shifting and evolving, especially in the post-pandemic era.
They have become more conscious about the choices they make while choosing a destination and are now particular about the brands they want to be associated with.
With sustainability as one of its fundamental values, South Africa is the first country in the world to embrace the principles of Fair Trade in its tourism industry.
This certification scheme guarantees fair wages, working conditions, fair sourcing of produce, respect for culture, environment, and human rights, and a fair distribution of benefits.
For eco-conscious souls and wanderers, below is a curated list of sustainable stays around the Rainbow Nation:
Oyster Box Hotel, KwaZulu-Natal
Famous for its coastal views and gracious hospitality, Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s most celebrated hotels.
The five-star is just 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport.
Sustainability is the central pillar of all hotel operations at Oyster Box, where they have embraced innovations surrounding water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste management.
The focus is on altogether eliminating single-use plastics by the end of 2022.
They are also looking at leveraging the latest technology to reduce food wastage. For each key card returned to their reception desk, they donate R1 to Rhinos Without Borders.
Thonga Beach Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal
Located in Isimangaliso Wetland Park, a Unesco world heritage site, this lodge is home to eight ecosystems and 256 bird species.
It has 12 thatched eco-sensitive rooms with spectacular views of the ocean and forest around.
A team of talented chefs makes sure that the food served is central to their sustainability goals.
Thonga has also been actively involved in efforts to protect the loggerhead and leatherback turtles. In partnership with the local Isibindi Foundation, Thonga plays a major role in community-driven conservation.
Four Rosmead, Western Cape Four Rosmead is a boutique luxury guesthouse on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town.
A perfect romantic getaway, it is decorated with chic and contemporary interiors enhanced by original South African artwork.
The guesthouse functions on sustainability principles across multiple avenues through its fair-trade policy.
It uses water recycling and greywater irrigation for its garden. The property is also energy efficient as it uses LED lighting and gas.
It invests in staff skills development and ensures they are paid above industry standards.
Tswalu Kalahari Game
Reserve, Northern Cape
As the biggest privately protected wildlife reserve in South Africa, Tswalu is an ambitious conservation project.
It is also one of the most beautiful and sustainable hotels in South Africa. Following an eco-tourism model, while maintaining a low carbon footprint, it has the lowest ratio of guests to the wilderness in South Africa, with accommodation for a maximum of 40 guests across three luxury safari camps.
Tswalu offers its guests privileged access to unique safari experiences. Guest stays in their luxury safari camps contribute to the sustainability of the entire reserve and the Tswalu Foundation, which is dedicated to scientific research.
Teniqua Treetops, Western Cape
On the famous Garden Route, Teniqua Treetops has self-catering suites that offer spectacular views.
Eco-friendly cabins offer a perfect secluded and peaceful getaway. Each suite has been built using sustainably farmed pine and gum and has been designed to blend in with the forest.
The water supply is drawn from the nearby Karatara River and filtered through a 10-stage eco-friendly procedure. | IANS