Sustainable travel is now the new way to travel, with many tourists investing in ecotourism and conservative travel. As the need to keep our planet Earth safe from the constant carbon emissions that arise becomes a must, sustainability becomes a must. As you jet off, the places you visit must be positively impacted so that the next generation can experience what you experienced.
Africa has become one of the best continents in the world, offering incredible sustainable travel destinations. As the need to prevent climate change arises, African lodges and resorts have started to imbibe sustainable travel practices. In this article, we have listed the best five eco-friendly lodges in Africa for your next trip.
Why Eco-Friendly Lodges and Resorts For Sustainable Travel
Eco-friendly lodges and resorts are built and programmed to eliminate carbon footprints and reduce global warming. They ensure the sustainability of the environment and the local community at large.
The positive impact generated by their sustainable practice created more biodiversity awareness. Some sustainable practices include renewable energy, waste reduction, water conservation and local sourcing.
With these greener moves, eco-friendly travellers have access to a healthy lifestyle. The strategic lighting and window placement help improve your mood and reduce stress. With eco-friendly lodges and resorts, you will breathe cleaner air, sleep better, and have more concentration time.
5 Best Eco-Friendly Lodges and Resorts in Africa
Chumbe Island Coral Park, Tanzania
Chumbe Island is one of the top-rated lodges in Africa. It’s located at Zanzibar, 8 km west of Unguja. This island is fully funded by ecotourism and has highly protected reserves. The beautiful Indian Ocean view, reef sanctuary, and coral rag forest make it a must-visit destination.
The seven exclusive bungalows locally built are decentralised and work as a self-sufficient unit. Each of the buildings generates its water and energy. They imbibe composting and filtering systems as sewage methods. Access to local dishes to support the local community makes it an amazing option.
Do you seek a truly remote experience? This island is what you deserve. It allows only 18 guests on the island per time. Unlike many islands, your safety is guaranteed with park rangers enforcing the park laws.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia
This is one of the biggest conservative reserves and one of the oldest deserts in Africa. It’s located in the private NamibRand Nature Reserve. At Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, you don’t have to give up your luxurious lifestyle.
Their sustainable practice of red-filtered light to protect you from light pollution is adorable. The locally made wooden chairs and tables speak style and class. The reserve connected an underground spring to form a pool and lantern light for dining.
If you seek a desert experience, this is your queue. The design, food, and views of this desert are truly epic. You get an expert guide while touring the desert of Namibia, hiking the dunes, and mountain biking, all of which keep your excitement level up. Stargazing at night is super amazing.
Campi ya Kanzi, Kenya
If you are planning an unforgettable Safari experience, Campi ya Kanzi is the best option for you. You will get to explore the wilderness, where comfort and adventure merge.
Campi ya Kanzi maintains locally made wooden beds that provide complete comfort. The solar system powers the 5-star luxury lodge. Rainwater is collected and preserved, while used water is recycled for wildlife.
You stand to get a breathless experience from an event full itinerary. Forest walks with a Maasai tracker, horseback riding, and meditation course. Enjoy a sundown, national camping and fly camping. In this resort, you will get real-life experience with animals that might be inaccessible in other resorts.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
The family-owned reserve is established in Cape Town and has varied flora and fauna. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve’s fascinating view of the mountains and sea makes it stand out amidst other resorts. Its marine life speaks volumes.
The strategic placement of the window towards the sun makes it therapeutic. The wooden chairs and the lodge’s positioning in the forest get you closer to nature. Grootbos uses solar systems to power the entire resort. The sustainable practice of providing locals with jobs and livelihoods keeps this resort in our top 5 anytime, any day.
You can look forward to romantic dining with your lover and boat cruising to relax and unwind. Enjoy whale sightseeing up close and horse riding across the hills to keep your adrenaline pumping.
Mombo Camp, Botswana
This camp is at the centre of one of the most popular reserves known as the Okavango Delta. It operates within the big Moremi Game Reserve, surrounded by tall, shady trees. The game reserve gives you the best predator-prey relationship views. Mombo Camp will suit your needs if you are an eco-warrior with different animal species present. The scenic view of the Okavango Delta from the nine en-suite blends sustainability with luxury.
As the Indigenous name translates, the Place of Plenty has paid attention to sustainable practices by using wooden materials for flooring, roofing, and beds. Mombo camp uses Lanterns to make the tents look beautiful. The camp uses solar light, sewage treatment plants, and water recycling and treatment.
At Mombo Camp, you will have one of the best game drives and a fun-filled walk across the pristine landscape. More activities include sea diving and a memorable beach experience. For food enthusiasts, this is the best place to visit.
5 Tips for Sustainable Travel
When planning a trip, it’s essential to consider certain things to avoid turning a beautiful experience into an unforgettable bad memory. We have listed some tips to help you enjoy your sustainable travel:
- Ensure to have your ID card and passport on you.
- Check the internet or discuss with friends who are natives of the country you plan to visit for their do’s and don’ts.
- To avoid financial or identity theft, pay more attention to your wallet.
- Avoid posting too much about your location online.
- Pay attention to the country’s local weather and plan your outfit accordingly.
Conclusion
Ultimately, eco-friendly lodges and resorts have constantly evolved in Africa. These resorts have created more awareness of sustainable travel. Their effort to keep nature and wildlife reserves alive has positively impacted our ecosystem while creating biodiversity awareness. One of the ways to join the war against global warming is to invest in sustainable travel.
Embrace more chances to stay off toxic substances and allow nature to speak to you differently. We have listed 5 top eco-friendly lodges and resorts for your next trip. Consider the travel tips to keep you safe while you explore Africa with a new vision and passion.
