KwaZulu Natal lodge in Hluhluwe, South Africa
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Being born conservationists with a longstanding reputation in the tourism and wildlife field we are committed to making sure we do things with the least impact on the environment possible.
Less than half an acre footprint (out of 50 acres) was used when we constructed our free standing units. No trees with a diameter of more than 110mm were removed when the sites were chosen and with the help of environmental specialists we ensured that no negative environmental impact was triggered by constructing the lodge. All means of water usage, refuse removal and sustainable usage of resources were taken into consideration before any construction was undertaken.
Our game management policy is strictly enforced. No animal will be hunted on the property. All excess animals are moved by professionals and sold to other properties that need species like Nyala which do extremely well at Umkhumbi Lodge. We keep close tabs on our endangered animals like Suni and red Duiker to ensure they are not under any external threats such as poaching and pressure from game numbers being to high leading to inter-species issues.
Alien plant control is an ongoing program that is very strictly enforced and monitored. This ensures the indigenous vegetation stays in pristine condition and that water usage is in balance with the natural environment.
Community
Over the past 14 years of operating a sustainable business in the rural areas of Northern KwaZulu Natal we have supported many local community initiatives and helped start various business ventures with local business entrepreneurs in the region.
Transport entrepreneurs benefit largely from our business. We contract out our transport services to and from the various activities to a local businessman who has now built up a substantial fleet of vehicles and is running a successful tourism business. All our game drives are also sub contracted, once again setting up a sustainable business model.
Having built creches and supporting local schools we have created awareness of how people in South Africa co exist. By encouraging guests to support local crafters we have helped maintain sustainable businesses through our tourism efforts.
By presenting environmental awareness courses we educate the youth with regards to the balance of conservation and pressure for the communities surrounding our conservation areas. The participants then spend time at rural schools passing that message on to the local learners thus creating an understanding of the importance of conserving our protected areas.
Negotiations are underway to drop fences with the neighbouring Game Reserve which will create a substantial biosphere with major positive impact on the ecology of the region.
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