Family whale watching holiday, South Africa

Planet

We have included properties that are sustainable as the Cape Town property is situated in a nature reserve, has a mountain mediation pool and a Wellness Spa and solar heated main pool.

The Marine Big 5 tour does not disturb the natural behaviour of any whales. Experienced local tour guides are used. During the trip you will travel near to Dyer Island which is an access controlled important bird area for the conservation of is many resident bird species including African penguins.

The 2nd property is near Hermanus and has an enviable track history of implementing sustainable tourism initiatives. It is an eco-reserve. Walking on the reserve is low impact transport. You and your family can reduce environmental damage by staying in an eco-lodge and having a responsible holiday/vacation.

Some examples of water wise saving tips:

Water wise saving tips:
Be a responsible tourist and help save water.
Don’t leave your taps running while you brush your teeth.
Use refillable water bottles, preferably made of glass or aluminium.

All clients will receive a Responsible Tourism checklist

Environmental Policy and Recycling Project in our office
Stop Think and Recycle
As an office we run a paperless office and have a recycling system in place. We have 3 recycle bins for paper, plastic, and glass where all recycled goods are put. Then we have a non-profit organization that collects our recycling once a month and in exchange we will give them a small donation.

Do make a conscious effort to reduce your waste while travelling or even in your everyday life.

People

Your family will have an educational journey of a lifetime and this will inspire them to preserve and appreciate nature.

When you travel responsibly you can return 95% of revenue to the local economy.

All clients will receive a Responsible Tourism checklist.

The aim of our office recycling project is to create sustainable employment for people with intellectual disability and we are helping contribute towards 160 tons of recyclable waste a month which means that approximately 16 000 cubic meters of landfill every month, making us a significant contributor towards recycling.

Consider the local communities living conditions, rules/laws of the country, taboos of society, social norms, appropriate gestures and attire. Keep an open mindset in order to see the perspectives of the people.

While on your Marine Big 5 boat trip near Hermanus, you will have access to a dedicated seabird rehabilitation facility where injured birds are treated and it was set up the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. The trip is run by a Fair Trade in Tourism company therefore, you know the trip is done ethically and they are involved in various conservation projects including Penguin Nest Project and the Marine Litter Project. They also provide training and job opportunities for the local community. They also support rural women with the Nolwandle craft project. The company has been recognised globally as a leading provider of marine based ecotours by Fair Trade Tourism. They also on the First Choice Responsible Tourism Award in London in 2006.

Local cultures
Respect local cultural traditions and the cultural tradition of the host destination
Practice Fair trade policies

Tipping:
Learn how to tip and read up on the tipping norms before you travel.

While staying at Grootbos we suggest a Living The Future tour which includes a visit to an organic social development organic farm project with many community projects. This farm project has had big successes as they have produced 5000 kilograms of organic produce, 45000 bottles of water produced, 37790 recycled candles produced, 110 hives of organic honey farmed and 2759 hectares of alien vegetation cleared. They also have supported 2370 education beneficiaries and 7993 sports development activities. They teach young adults horticulture and life skills. While at the project you can buy from the gift shop to help sustainable the local community too.

Grootbos is also partners of Pack for a Purpose. By staying at Grootbos you leave a positive impact as they run many programmes including educational and social through The Grootbos Foundation which is a non-profit organisation. They focus on training and skills development of the surrounding communities through computer training and coaching soccer.