Ecological Friendly & Impactful Experiences

Sustainable Travel: Our Top Picks for Ecological Friendly and Positive Impact Experiences in Africa

Our travel choices shape the African environment, quite literally. Guests are beginning to consider the impact of their trips as more and more information emerges around carbon footprints, overtourism and socially responsible travel. One way to ensure a more responsible visit to Africa is to request a stay at an eco-lodge.

Eco-lodges elegantly give precedence to sustainability and conservation, going beyond traditional green efforts with both depth and style. They actively manage entire ecosystems, focusing on environmental conservation, renewable energy, water efficiency, and sustainable design. Engaging with local communities, implementing educational initiatives, and obtaining certifications are integral, while waste reduction, preservation of local culture, and biodiversity conservation further contribute to their commitment to responsible practices.

These properties strive to enhance not only the environment but also the economy and local communities and can make for a meaningful and helpful visit to the African continent.

Ecological factors, sustainability, conservation, and ecology over profit. Beyond ‘going green’, eg. replacing plastic straws and reusable water bottles’… thinking bigger scale. Properties that are environmentally conscious by striving to manage the entire ecosystem and not just trying to avoid negative impact, but to actively improve the environment, economy, and community.

Sustainable Factors to Consider while travelling

Environmental Conservation: Eco-lodges are designed and operated with a focus on minimizing their environmental impact. This includes energy conservation, waste reduction, and efforts to protect local ecosystems and wildlife.

Renewable Energy: Many eco-lodges incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power to minimize their reliance on non-renewable resources and reduce their carbon footprint.

Water Conservation: Eco-lodges often implement water-saving measures, such as efficient plumbing, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment systems to minimize water usage and promote conservation.

Sustainable Architecture and Design: The construction and design of eco-lodges prioritize environmentally friendly materials and practices. This may involve using locally sourced materials, employing energy-efficient designs, and minimizing disruption to the natural landscape.

Community Engagement: Eco-lodges typically engage with and benefit local communities. This could involve providing employment opportunities for local residents, sourcing supplies locally, and contributing to community development projects.

Educational Initiatives: Many eco-lodges aim to raise awareness about environmental issues and sustainable practices. They may offer educational programs for guests, guided nature walks, or workshops focused on conservation.

Certifications: Some eco-lodges seek certifications from recognized organizations to validate their commitment to sustainable practices. These certifications often involve meeting specific environmental, social, and economic criteria.

Waste Reduction and Recycling: Eco-lodges implement waste reduction strategies, including recycling programs and composting, to minimize the impact of their operations on local landfills.

Preservation of Local Culture: Eco-lodges may integrate and celebrate the local culture and heritage, fostering an appreciation for indigenous practices and traditions.

Biodiversity Conservation: Conservation efforts extend to protecting the biodiversity of the surrounding area. This may involve preserving natural habitats, supporting wildlife conservation projects, and minimizing disturbances to local flora and fauna.

Where to go in Africa?

With a wide variety of options to choose from in various regions in Africa, these are our top picks:

Where to go in East Africa:

TANZANIA & RWANDA:

Singita Sasakwa, Tanzania
Chem Chem Lodge, Tanzania
Fundu Lagoon Zanzibar, Tanzania
Gibbs Farm, Tanzania
Singita Kwitonda, Rwanda
Wilderness Bisate, Rwanda

KENYA ESCAPES:

Angama Mara Lodge
Saruni Samburu
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Solio Lodge
Segera Retreat
Lewa Wilderness Lodge

The Republic of Congo

Kamba African Rainforest Experiences, previously Congo Conservation Company, offers the only opportunity to discover the Congo Basin with a variety of life-changing, easy to book journeys, with three unique camps in Odzala-Kokoua National Park. For those seeking a truly unique safari, consider a 7, 10 or 11-night immersive discovery where every aspect of your journey is taken care of. From gorillas and elephants to bongo and blue turaco, this is a rainforest discovery like no other.
Here you explore the magnitude and sheer beauty of the Congo Basin in safety, with 3 exceptional camps and a venture to Dzanga-Sangha baï.

Where to go in Southern Africa:

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa
Cheetah Plains, South Africa
Tanda Tula, South Africa
Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana
Xigera Lodge, Botswana
Mombo Camp, Botswana

Tembo Plains Camp, Zimbabwe
Wild Horizons Elephant Camp, Zimbabwe
Sindabezi Island Camp, Zambia
Shawa Luangwa Camp by Green Safaris, Zambia
andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia
Habitas Lodge, Namibia
Wilderness Serra Cafema, Namibia
Robin Pope Mkumuladzi Lodge, Malawi

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve exterior

Where to go along the Indian Ocean Islands

Sussurro, Mozambique
Azura Benguerra, Mozambique
Alphonse Island Lodge, Seychelles

North Island, Seychelles
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, Maldives

Introduction
Sustainable Factors to Consider while travelling
Where to go in Africa?
In East Africa
In Southern Africa
In the Indian Ocean Islands

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