Straw bale huts, rustic cottages, beach camps and luxurious island style villas – Eco Warriors brace yourselves, it’s holiday season! Nelize Ernst investigates Eco Getaways on African soil – the land of sunshine!
Eco tourism has become a major force in the tourism industry. But what does eco tourism really mean?
The Ecotourism Society defines it as “responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of the local people”. This means that eco-travelers should ensure they have a “minimum impact on the environment, help build environmental and cultural awareness and respect as well as provide direct financial benefits for conservation and empowerment for local people”.
So before we hit our eco fabulous destinations, let’s have a look at some suggestions made by the Ecotourism Society when traveling:
- If you are traveling by air, calculate your carbon emissions using companies like: Carbon Neutral Company – go check it out! Not only is it fun …and scary, but you also get the opportunity to minimize your carbon footprint.
- If you travel to developing countries and want to take gifts for the local people, don’t hand out sweets and biscuits; rather take unused books and crayons, colouring pens and old clothes. They suggest, asking your driver or tour operator to give it to the community elders so that begging is not encouraged from the children.
- Learn about the vital eco-systems and established environmental guidelines that will help limit and also improve tourist impact on the environment and local culture. General stuff like staying on trails, not getting to close to the wild life etc.
- Always conserve resources like water and food!
- Obviously, don’t hunt endangered or threatened species or harvest rare plants for your consumption.
Lastly, but most importantly – when you get back home all recharged and ready for the new year – continue with your commitment to conservation by incorporating it into everyday life. Reduce, reuse recycle, plant some flowers and trees or grow your own veggies. It’s fun, healthy and contributes to the bigger scheme of things.
Eco Destinations
From South Africa to Uganda, Zanzibar and Kenya you will find incredible accommodation, lavish cuisine, breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences.
SOUTH AFRICA – Oudrif
Located on the perennial Doring River at the foothills of the Cederberg, they say a visit to Oudrif rejuvenates body and soul. Built with plastered straw bales as building blocks and local timber, these cottages provide more comfort and shelter than conventional houses, and greater insulation by utilising the conditions to the utmost by way of their unique orientation and design. Power for lights and hot water is gathered from the abundant sunshine which is collected by way of solar panels, and water comes from the perennial river.
SOUTH AFRICA – The Beach Camp
This place looks really amazing. The Beach Camp is situated in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve near the small fishing village of Paternoster. Right on the Atlantic shoreline you will find A-frame huts and comfortable bedded tents filled with all the necessary camping gear and great seafood diners. There are communal ablutions, fireplace and kitchen, typical that of backpackers – and no electricity, making this the perfect eco getaway.
UGANDA – Budongo Eco Lodge
Also known as the Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site, located in the heart of Budongo Forest Reserve, in Murchison Falls National Park. This reserve has one of the largest forests in Uganda with an incredible biodiversity including 9 different primates, 360 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies. The lodge provides comfortable accommodation and a wide range of activities in the midst of the marvelous natural beauty of the rainforest.
ZANZIBAR – Chumbe Island
This is paradise indeed, with the most incredible eco architecture and eco technology! Being a Marine Protected Area, the focal aim of the Chumbe Island Coral Park Project is to preserve the island’s exceptional environment. The bungalows are so brilliantly designed that they provide both privacy and a sense of freedom of living in the open. The entire island is self sustainable, with the most amazing eco practices and conservation areas including the Coral garden and forest areas.
KENYA – Royal Mara Safari Lodge
Recently designated as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The Royal Mara Safari Lodge is situated directly on the wildebeest “Great Migration” route, near the Mara River crossing points and near Leopard Gorge. The tented lodge and camp is located on the popular Hippo Bend Lagoon of the Mara River, amongst several elephant, buffalo and giraffe herds, and with close proximity to several lion prides.
The liveeco team
