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ECO CHIC IN AFRICA FIVE TO TRY
Friday, 29 Mar, 2010
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Southern Africa selections include South Africa, Kenya and Rwandan exclusive eco-chic establishments
Luxury and sustainability need not be mutually exclusive with environmental practices and social responsibility programs factoring heavily into the decision making process of consumers. A more mindful traveler seeks out authentic experiences with a very real sense of place. Our selection of African properties delivers on this promise by successfully balancing sustainability with style. Writes Marisah Smith
SOUTH AFRICA Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Hermanus, Western Cape
The epitome of luxury and comfort, the two 5-star lodges are located in a Fynbos nature reserve amongst ancient milkwood trees. Forest Lodge boasts modern architecture with voluminous spaces, glass, steel and natural brick while Garden Lodge was built with local materials like stone, thatch and timber.
The Grootbos Foundation is active in conservation, research and the development of sustainable nature-based livelihoods. Their projects include Green Futures Horticulture and Life Skills College and Growing the Future, a training program in food service. Spaces for Soccer, inspired by South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, gave rise to the development of a multipurpose sporting facility called the Gansbaai Communal Sport Centre.
R43 from Hermanus, Western Cape, +27 28 384 8000, www.grootbos.com. Double Rooms from £180 per person sharing per night on a full board basis.
SOUTH AFRICA The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve, Knysna, Garden Route
Phantom Forest was built in 1997 with the objective of conservation funded by limited sympathetic development. This beautiful property is set within a 147 private game reserve straddling three biospheres consisting of Afromontane Forest, Cape Coastal Fynbos and Estuarine wetland. During the construction phase eco-friendly methods were used to build the tree-suites with more than 1km of boardwalks minimizing the impact on the ecology of the forest.
Water is recycled and re-filtered, only bio-degradable cleaning materials are used and alien vegetation is replaced by Baby Wattle and Blackwood trees, whose presence outside the suites add to the impression that the buildings are disappearing in the forest. A 4-star graded luxury camp, Phantom Forest offer guests’ two restaurants, a sauna and Body Boma for wellness with local elements incorporated into treatments.
Phantom Pass Road, Knysna, Western Cape, +27 44 386 0046, www.phantomforest.com. Classic Tree Suites from £155 per person sharing per night including breakfast.
SOUTH AFRICA Singita, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga
A bed in the bush
Lebombo Lodge and Sweni Lodge are two 5-star propertieslocated in the Kruger National Park, part of the larger Singita stable. Both the Lebombo and Sweni Lodges were inspired by their wildlife surrounds and are characterised by wooden decks, secluded suites and open-plan living. The décor speaks of quality while drawing on the colours and textures of the bush.
Singita’s commitment to community involvement and wildlife and environmental conservation is evident in a number of successfully complete projects including the building of schools, supporting agricultural projects and training initiatives in both the hospitality and conservation fields. Singita’s reach into the local community allow them to not only present visitors with an authentic African cultural experience, but also to bring the benefits of eco-tourism to the communities.
Eastern South Central Part of the Kruger National Park, +27 21 683 3424, www.singita.com. Luxury Suites from £995 per person sharing per night on a full board basis including two safaris per day.
KENYA Campi Ya Kanzi, Chyulu Hills
Campi Ya Kanzi is a unique, 5-star luxury camp situated at the foot of the Chyulu Hills in Southern Kenya. The property is built on communal land owned by the Maasai; arguably one of Africa’s most colourful and mesmerising tribes. The establishment takes pride in being socially and ecologically responsible and gives visitors the opportunity to volunteer at their Conservation and Research Center located in the Nyati camp.
Located in 400 square miles of bush, the camp offers only six tented cottages and two suites. Built from stone, canvas and wood both cottages and suites have verandas. A typical day at Campi Ya Kanzi could start with morning coffee enjoyed along with the view of Mount Kilimanjaro, followed by a full day walking safari with Masaai guides and dinner under the stars.
Chyulu Hills on the border with Tanzania, +254 45 622516, www.maasai.com. Deluxe Tented Cottage from £432 per person sharing per night on a full board basis including game drives with £72 per day of the rate being donated to the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.
RWANDA Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Parc National des Volcans, Ruhengeri
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a luxurious 5-star lodge set on the slopes of the Sabyinyo volcano, with rooms sporting fireplaces, deep baths, stone showers and decks to ensure a more than comfortable stay while in Rwanda.
Hike into the National Volcano Park for the unforgettable experience of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is operated by a community trust with the support of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, African Wildlife Foundation and USAID. Proceeds from visitors’ stays that go to SACOLA has paid for 1200 houses for survivors of the Rwanda genocide since the lodge opened in 2007.
Parc National des Volcans, Ruhengeri, Rwanda, +254 20 2734000, www.governorscamp.com. Double Room from £279 per person sharing per night.
by Marisah Smith
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