If you’re hoping to get away for the holidays but you want to have an eco-friendly vacation, then look no further. Here’s your green light to eco getaways!
According to a 2001 Tearfund Survey, 65% of tourists said they want to know how to behave more responsibly when travelling. The survey also showed that 59% of tourists are willing to pay more for a holiday if the proceeds go to the conservation of local environments, improved wages or conditions for workers, or to local charities. It makes sense, what with eco-friendly lifestyles being such hot news.
A perfect green holiday involves heading to an eco destination that goes the extra mile without increasing its carbon footprint. Here’s how you can holiday green this year.
Tree treats
If you’re sick and tired of the same old hotel and fast-paced holiday activities, why not go somewhere totally different for a change?
Where? Teniqua Treetops, on the foothills of the Outeniqua mountain range. It is situated along the Garden Route close to the beautiful seashores of the Western Cape.
What is it? Teniqua Treetops is a tented house resort that offers eco-friendly accommodation. Set in an indigenous forest, it gives you and your loved ones the chance to enjoy a secluded slice of heaven on earth.
What makes it green? The emphasis is placed on environmental preservation and use of natural products and materials in building and functionality. Enjoy the beauty of your surroundings in a fun tented house that the kids will love.
Activities: You can swim in the water of the unspoiled Karatara river, enjoy a picnic on its beautiful banks or explore the forested gorge. If you just want to relax with a good book, indulge in quiet time on the wooden deck of the swimming complex that is located high on the hill.
More info: Check out http://www.teniquatreetops.co.za/
Natural delights
Part of being eco-friendly is about doing your bit for nature conservation, supporting causes and cultivating an appreciation for our beautiful world. These are also important qualities to instil in your children. But if you appreciate the finer things in life, why not mesh luxury with your focus on saving the planet?
Where? Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, situated in the Cape Floral Kingdom in the Western Cape.
What is it? The Reserve boasts exquisite five-star comfort in a beautiful, natural setting. It contains luxurious lodges that overlook the whale-watching Walker Bay and Gansbaai. Here, you can check out unique plant, bird and animal species; enjoy amazing views over the Atlantic Ocean; and explore the land.
What makes it green? Grootbos has received many awards for its conservation efforts. There’s even a Grootbos Foundation that has initiated a training project to develop the local community.
Activities: Explore the beautiful scenes, either on horseback or on 4X4 drives; enjoy delicious food while watching the sunset; and feel good to be a part of something greater than yourself.
More info: Visit http://www.grootbos.com/en/home/
Eco-savvy hotel
When you eat out, you want to be sure that you’re being eco-responsible and not increasing your carbon footprint. It’s not always easy to find hotels that feature green foods as well as an overall eco-friendly stay, but there are some gems out there…
Where? de Noordhoek Hotel, Cape Town.
What is it? This eco-friendly hotel offers many great green features, but one of the most striking is its kitchen. The hotel uses organic fresh produce that is bought locally as much as possible. Breakfast includes many options for those who prefer to eat with health on the mind. Local organic wines are promoted and wines that contribute profits to conservation projects are supported.
What makes it green? There are many other things that make this hotel a great eco-friendly location. Water is heated by solar heating, making de Noordhoek the first hotel in the Western Cape to apply this method. Lighting is powered by CFL globes. All the waste that gets accumulated in the hotel is recycled. The garden is not only gorgeous but it is only filled with indigenous fynbos, thus even the local plant life is given an applause.
Activities: There are many things to do in the area, such as horse riding, hiking, surfing, visiting the wine estate that boasts award winning wines, or playing golf on the variety of golf courses.
More info: Go to http://www.denoordhoek.co.za/
TLC goes green!
Every holiday requires a bit of pampering – not just for the environment, but you!
Where? Duma Manzi Eco Lodge and Spa in KZN. It’s a one hour drive from Durban and 45 minutes from Pietermaritzburg, lying on both sides of the Mkomazi River.
What is it? It’s a wildlife and wellness retreat nestled in a forest valley.
What makes it green? The lodge and spa is committed to helping in the preservation of nature through environmental and social responsibility. Inside the lodge, ceiling fans are used instead of air conditioning, and natural lighting is used as much as possible, thus making you feel that you are in a natural haven. Organic gardening and water wise practices are adopted as well as a focus on recycling and preventing waste. Even the construction of the spa and lodge is green: each building has been situated where old buildings or camp sites had been erected by previous farmers on the cattle farm. This means that no new areas for building were established, so the beautiful African wilderness area has been conserved. Natural materials have also been used in the construction process.
Activities: The spa is a must for winding down, so try their holistic treatments that will refresh the mind, body and soul. Afterwards, go on a game drive to view the wildlife, star gaze or relax on your private pool lounger.
More info: Visit http://www.dumamanzi.co.za/index.htm
Add eco to your safari
One of the best ways to enjoy a South African holiday is to go on safari. Just because you’re spending time outdoors, though, it doesn’t mean you’re holidaying in a green manner. Luckily, there are destinations that offer this option.
Where? Shindzela tented camp, situated in the Timbavati Reserve that is part of the greater Kruger National Park.
What is it? A tented lodge that offers a comfortable bush camp. Forget the frills – this is a real safari that gets you in touch with nature. All tents come with beds, solar lighting, bedding, a private shower, basin and flush toilet. There’s also the general tented camp area that offers a swimming pool, dining tent, kitchen, staff tents and a fireplace.
What makes it green? The camp remains underdeveloped for a reason – to ensure awareness of its impact on the environment. It also offers you as a guest a genuine wilderness experience. Solar power, gas and candles are used instead of power. Forget bringing your cell phone along – all technological luxuries are bypassed in favour of the raw African wilderness. The camp is built from natural materials and camp facilities are minimal. All waste is sorted for recycling. Even taking a shower can be eco-friendly at this interesting location: the shower gel, hand soap and shampoo are all made from 100% biodegradable, natural ingredients. Locally made arts and crafts appe
ar in the décor, which is Shindzela’s way of supporting the local community and SA’s creative talents.
Activities: You can specify your preferred activities during your stay, and activities include game drive safaris in 4X4 vehicles or walking safaris. A must is to try the exciting off-road drive in search of the Big Five.
More info: Go to http://shindzela.co.za/c49/Eco-Safari.aspx
The liveeco team
