Green Tourism is the world’s largest sustainable certification program in the world that certifies lodges and hotels around the world. Recently the lodge hosted the Green Tourism assessment team who looked at how sustainable the eco retreat is, analysing everything from water usage to environmentally friendly cleaning products. Elephant’s Eye Hwange just missed a gold certification by 2,7 % and will be re-applying in 2018.
Green Tourism’s audit report on our performance as a sustainable tourism operation gave reasons for the great rating.
Site design and development
“Careful thought went into the design and development of this site to achieve a low impact camp.”
“Wooden decking and flooring made from the alien vegetation Spotted Gum (exotic Maculata).”
“No trees were cut for building purposes.”
“Gardens watered from boreholes.”
“Low energy lighting used in lamps, bathrooms, staff quarters and guest areas, and novel use of LEDs in ceramic pots for Boma lighting.”
“Good use of locally designed and manufactured fabric and artwork.”
Plastic and waste
“Positive to note the non-use of plastic water bottles. Water is filtered on site and bottled in flasks.”
“All waste is separated and taken off site. Food waste is collected by local community for pig project.”
Guest experience
“Guests receive a welcome letter in handmade paper scroll and the paper is bought from the local community.”
“Can cater for allergies. Fresh foods prepared daily.”
“It’s positive that the site has a telescope for night skies, with two permanent in-house guides.”
Conservation
“Support the local school (Dingani Primary School), two local anti-poaching teams on the forestry.”
“Conservation levy of USD 5 from every guest goes to the Conservation Wildlife Fund (CWF).
“Good team in place. Staff well remunerated and access to medical aid.”