South Africa Lodge Safari holiday

Planet

Wildlife:
During this trip there will be amazing safari opportunities in Kruger National Park, Tembe Elephant Park, Mkhaya Game Reserve and Ithala Game Reserve. We have taken care to ensure we are game-watching in the most responsible way to the environment and the wildlife. We use trusted and experienced guides who understand the importance of protecting the wildlife. Leaders and local guides will educate groups about the wildlife within the national park and their habitats.

On day 2 of the trip we stay in Matenga Nature Reserve and Cultural Village. Mantenga Nature Reserve is operated by the Swaziland National Trust Commission and their main focus is conservation of nature as well as the cultural heritage of traditional Swazi life. The area is carefully managed to protect both flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Bald Ibis on the reserve. While the cultural village keeps ancient skills alive, gives visitors an insight of traditional clothing and dance and employs people who are able to share information about the heritage.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

Friends and Neighbours:
This trip includes a Soweto Township Tour in Johannesburg which is an ideal opportunity for visitors to learn about the controversial history of the apartheid from those who lived through it, as well understand current, urban living in one of South Africa's largest cities. The aim of township tours within our itinerary is to educate visitors, empower residents who host the trips and invest the money paid for the tours back into the communities.

The trip includes game drives and a night's stay inside Kruger National Park and 1% from all entrance fees and any activities booked will go to the community levy. The levy will be invested in clinics, schools and other much needed infrastructure to benefit communities within and surrounding park boundaries, with a long-term aim to build sustainable relationships between residents and visitors. Also Tembe Elephant Park in KwaZulu-Natal is partly owned and totally managed by the community of the Tembe tribe, helping to protect their culture and traditions, as well as their homeland.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.