Eco Chic hotels: an African anthology

“I am an African. I owe my being to the hills and the valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the trees, the flowers, the seas and the ever-changing seasons that define the face of our native land…”  – former South African President, Thabo Mbeki.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) announced the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards on the 26th May 2010, revealing a salvo of sustainable tourism successes for the African continent.  The Botswana Tourism Board led the way as the winner in the Destination Stewardship category, being recognized for their ‘low-volume-high-yield’ approach to tourism in the Okavango Delta.  Namibia’s Communal Conservancy Tourism Sector was a finalist for the Community Benefit Award; Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania for the Conservation Award and Wilderness Safaris South Africa was nominated as a finalist in the Global Business Award category.

BOTSWANA Okavango Delta, Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp
Xaranna Camp is located on its own island within a 25 000 hectare wildlife concession in the Okavango Delta. Big cats like the lion, leopard and cheetah roam on the floodplains along with the wild dog and herds of elephant and buffalo while birdwatchers might see the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl.

Managed by &Beyond it is no surprise that the nature of Xaranna Camp, inspired by the local water lily, can best be described as gentle.  To tread lightly on the earth is a way of life with only nine organically designed tents in the camp, the décor in shades of khaki and lily pink, each with its own en-suite bathroom, plunge pool and exquisite views of the Delta. Included on the Hot List of the World’s Top New 140 Hotels by US Condé Nast Traveler in 2009, it’s easy to see why this gentle approach; design elements and Delta bliss impressed.  

NAMIBIA NamibRand Nature Reserve, Wolwedans
One could well imagine that wolves would dance against the starkly beautiful backdrop of the NamibRand Nature Reserve – in a literal translation of the property’s name.  Wolwedans is a destination in its own right that can be explored by scenic drive, aeroplane, hot-air balloon or two day trekking experience in traditional Bushman style.  

Sleep under the stars in The Dunes Lodge built as wooden structures with canvas blinds that can be left open at night.  Each unit has an en-suite bathroom and private verandah and the lodge offers two lounges, sundowner decks, a fireplace, library, wine cellar and suspended swimming pool.  The Wolwedans Educational Support Programme works closely with the Namibian Tourism Board and National Training Authority in educating tourism and hospitality students at the lodge, offering vocational support and bursaries to deserving students.  

ZAMBIA Victoria Falls, Tongabezi Lodge
Tongabezi Lodge is located on the banks of the Zambezi River consisting of a number of houses and cottages, decorated with local materials.  Ideal for a romantic break, wedding or honeymoon, Tongabezi Lodge was listed on Travel & Leisure Magazine’s Best Hotels in the World during January 2010.

Passionate about green living, the owners purchase their wood supply from a sustainable forest; boast an organic vegetable garden, a custom made water purification plant allowing them to use the recycled water for irrigation and the use of solar energy.  The Tongabezi Trust School funds a primary school called Tujatane where 160 scholars from the surrounding communities are educated and each child can enjoy a filling lunch meal as part of its food and health programme.  

TANZANIA Serengeti National Park, Singita Grumeti Reserve
Watching the annual migration of more than a million wildebeest across the Serengeti plains, a World Heritage Site, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be enjoyed at the Singita Grumeti Reserve. The design of the two lodges and tented camp that comprise Grumeti varies from barefoot luxury, old-worldly romance and an Edwardian manor house.

The Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund is responsible for a number of sustainable agricultural projects, establishing schools and boreholes.  An anti-poaching unit was set up at the outset and more recently coupled with a small business development fund to train local people to give them a livelihood other than illegal hunting.  The Grumeti Fund has set its sights on reintroducing the black rhino to this region through a rhino relocation initiative.  The Singita Reserves continue to act as pioneers in establishing a model for sustainable, self-funded conservation.  

SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town, Cape Grace
From the wetlands of the Okavango Delta, the dunes of Namibia, majestic Victoria Falls and the Serengeti, our journey takes us to a creative, cosmopolitan city.  The Cape Grace hotel located in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront bears testament to the fact that a luxurious, 120-bedroom hotel can also pave the way for responsible tourism development. Creature comforts of every conceivable kind – a luxurious spa, private yacht, whisky and wine bar – are available to guests with the essence of Cape Town resplendent in the décor, on the menu and even with and African story time for children.  

A member of Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa, this property established a Planet committee to encourage staff and guests to reduce re-use and recycle.  Lauded for their excellent employment practices with a strong focus on staff welfare, the hotel also excelled in supply chain management strategies.  The Cape Grace proudly provide financial support to the Salt feeding project and aligned themselves with the Desmond Tutu HIV/Aids foundation to make a difference in the local community.

Marisah Smith

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