Family safari in Botswana and South Africa

Planet

We care about Africa – for each trip that is booked 1% of the booking fee will be donated to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre near Kruger National Park in South Africa.

We promise to sustain the environment with the 2 properties we have chosen for this itinerary.

Belmond Mount Nelson has an on-site worm farm (awarded the ‘Best Single Resource Management System) which turns organic matter into compost which is used to fertilise the hotel’s gardens, spring water used to irrigate the gardens, recycles plastic; glass; paper; tin; lawn clippings, batteries, fused light bulbs and cardboard, plants indigenous trees, uses environmentally friendly cleaning products, energy-saving bulbs, conservation of natural resources, cooking oil sent to a recycling facility, energy-saving heat pumps for the bedrooms, sustainable merchandising and has several water-saving initiatives.

Eagle Island is among the most environmentally friendly lodge's in Botswana. Has been built in line with environmental practices where a light footprint was imperative including WWF endorsed timbers, off-the-grid system, sewerage treatment is generated on site, roof with local grass, solar plant on site for energy (there is a back up generator if required). The lodge runs on both solar and generator power. Is a pioneer of sustainable establishments in Botswana.

We are working with WESSA in South Africa to get suppliers accredited as Green Key status.

People

We promise to support the community with the properties we have chosen.
Belmond Mount Nelson uses herbs sourced from a local organic farm, buys organic vegetables from township community farmers, supports local schools and supports various social and cultural initiatives. Also training programmes and skills development programmes.

Belmond Eagle Island was recently renovated and the renovation process was seen by Eagle Island Lodge as a chance to provide employment opportunities for the local community. Therefore, the lodge appointed a local Botswana construction company to carry out the work, where 98% of the building crew was local to the area.

We are also supporting the community as in Cape Town a volunteer morning tour is included.

We have met with WESSA who implement education and youth development programmes to see how our staff and clients can be involved and volunteer.

With our Responsible Tourism Guide we describe how clients can support the local community, you will receive the guide 70 days prior to departure.

We currently employ 9 staff who are all local citizens and we offer training opportunities. Every second month we have site inspections of the properties that we sell which increases product development.

We include local activities in our programmes and itineraries that employ local guides and we will always try to use SMME suppliers.