LET US TAKE YOU DEEP INTO THE REAL AFRICA

LET US TAKE YOU DEEP INTO THE REAL AFRICA
Let us take you deep into the real Africa, where the wildlife still roam freely in totally unspoilt habitats and where you can witness some of the most awe-inspiring sights on earth. My name is Philip Gregory and I first travelled to Africa in the early 1990s and loved it so much so that I have created a company to help other people encounter African Safaris and the African Beaches. Africa Select specialise in Kenyan Safaris, Tanzanian Safaris, South African Safaris, Botswana Safaris and many more. Read my blog and visit my website to find out how I can help make your dream become a reality.

Monday 1 February 2010


Tourism is very much at the frontline of the climate change and emissions reduction issue. Popular coastal destinations around the world face serious threats from rising sea levels and tsunamis. Desertification and drought impact on the viability of many tourism destinations due to lack of water. The tourism industry in South Africa is very conscious about its "green" responsibility. Airlines, hotels and game lodges have been rapidly introducing measures which are environmentally friendly and reduce the carbon footprint. The term 'green' certainly can be misused (often used loosely as a marketing mantra). Below we highlight some of our partners - true eco-tourism establishments that follow the fundamentals of environmental integrity, social justice and economic development.


Four Rosmead Guest House (Cape Town) An exclusive guesthouse situated on the slopes of Table Mountain. Rooms are equipped with an energy saving device that switches off all high consumption items such as air conditioners when the room is not occupied. A grey water recycling system has been installed to ensure that bath, basin and shower water is used to water the gardens. All excess food is donated to Feedback which is a program aimed at feeding the poor and needy in the Cape Town area.


Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve (Western Cape) This lodge, one of the world's top 25 eco lodges, is situated in the Cederberg mountains about 270km north of Cape Town. It boasts more than 130 rock art sites, some of which have been dated back to 10 000 years ago. Bushmans Kloof is a leading participant in the 1 600km Agter-Pakhuis Conservancy project, which encourages farmers to employ ecotourism principles wherever possible. The reserve also boasts a heritage centre where photographs and artefacts pay homage to the culture of the Bushmen.


Grootbos Nature Reserve (Western Cape) Nestled in the fynbos clad hills above Walker Bay, it offers the classic Garden Lodge and the Forest Lodge set in a Milkwood forest. Grootbos' Conservation Foundation supports various projects such as the sustainable harvesting of Fynbos flowers. The Green Futures Project is a social development project which provides practical training programs for unemployed people in the fields of landscaping, horticulture and eco tourism. The Siyakula Township greening project has facilitated the establishment of vegetable

growing, greening projects, and feeding scheme at the local creche.


Hog Hollow (close to Plettenberg Bay / Garden Route) Hog Hollow is a 4-star lodge set on the edge of an indigenous forest in a private nature reserve with panoramic views of the surrounding indigenous forests, valleys and mountains, close to Plettenberg Bay. Their Initiatives include study sponsorships, supporting various soccer teams, a robust recycling programme, vegetable waste is given to local emerging pig farmers, ongoing de-wattling programme and sponsoring the Orca Foundation towards Marine conservation


Londolozi Game Reserve (Sabi Sands in Kruger region) Renowned for its pioneering work in conservation development, Londolozi has now introduced a fully functional prototype electric Land Rover which moves guests silently through the wilderness with a lower carbon footprint than the conventional game vehicle. It is charged by connecting it to a wall plug socket. The third phase of the project will be about further progression towards lighter, longer lasting, eco friendly batteries and moving towards solar energy.


Pafuri Camp This camp situated in the most northern parts of the Kruger Park enjoys wonderful sunshine year-round. Taking full advantage of this, all guest units including the staff village have solar geysers. Food waste is separated and removed from the reserve to an officially approved dump. Water Cooler to be installed to encourage guests to fill up their water bottles. Elephant monitoring and Rhino re-introduction projects on the go. Currently assessing other alternative energy options.


Rocktail Beach Camp We continue our involvement and commitment in the Maputaland Sea Turtle conservation programme. The construction practices used in the development of Beach Camp were highly praised by the Green Leaf Environmental Standard Organisation. All plastic, metal, and paper waste is separated and removed off-site by a waste specialist. Food waste is sent to a pig farm in the local community. Solar geysers, water cooler and rainwater harvesting will be implemented