With over-tourism making headlines around the world in countries like Japan, Spain and Bali, responsible travel, which is a part of sustainable tourism remains the solution.
Over-tourism occurs when an excessive number of tourists visit a destination or attraction, resulting in damage to the local environment, and historical sites and in a poorer quality of life for residents.
Alternatively, sustainable tourism provides a framework for engaging travellers and the industry at large to support goals that include protecting the environment, addressing climate change, minimizing plastic consumption and expanding the economic development in communities affected by tourism.
For instance, when it comes to South Africa’s national parks, SANParks plays a significant role in the promotion of South Africa's eco-tourism but also invests heavily in socio-economic development.
SANParks provides support to neighbouring communities and supports the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of South Africa through corporate social investment.
Safari and bush experiences form part of South Africa’s biggest travel offerings and there are safari lodges around the country that have adapted sustainable tourism practices to the experiences that they offer.
Below are Mzansi’s most notable sustainable luxury safari lodges:
Rhino-Sands Safari Camp, KwaZulu-Natal
A five-star tented eco-safari camp in South Africa’s Zululand region, Rhino Sands Safari Camp tells the story of a family’s love for conservation.
The luxury camp was created as the culmination of one family’s passion for conservation and love of safari, making the camp is a reflection of the values they hold dear.
The camp was built with minimal disruption to the environment and nestled within a riverine forest. According to the Rhino Sands, its canvas tents and classic design immerse guests in the safari experience in the big five Manyoni Private Game Reserve.
The camp offers intimate access to world-class game-viewing and its ethos is one of connection.
To minimize impact, the camp accommodates a maximum of 8 guests, enabling it to create a personalised and memorable safari.
A stay at the luxury safari camp starts from R18 500 a night for 2.
Etali Safari Lodge, North West
Nestled in the heart of the remarkable Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province, Etali Safari Lodge is a true haven of luxury and adventure.
Madikwe Game Reserve is a fantastic destination for viewing wildlife as the game drives are designed to maximize animal sightings whilst the reserve is not too crowded.
According to the lodge, it combines the warmth of African hospitality with the ultimate in comfort and style, providing discerning travellers with an unparalleled opportunity to encounter the Big Five and other magnificent wildlife species up close.
Guests can enjoy thrilling game drives, tranquil nature walks, to a simple serene retreat in the midst of nature.
When it comes to accommodation, the style of the Etali Safari lodge is luxurious, functional and minimalist and designed to focus you on the bush.
The chalets have large decks with stunning views into the reserve and the dining decks face the busy waterhole so that you can enjoy watching wildlife even when you’re not on game drive.
The main lodge and one of its chalets are wheelchair-friendly while the lodge also employs staff from communities around Madikwe whose jobs support them and their families.
A stay at the lodge starts from R15 000 a person a night (enquire for SADC rates).
Metsi Safari-Lodge,Limpopo
Metsi Lodge is located in the malaria-free 37 000 hectare Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg (UNESCO Reserve of Biosphere), Limpopo Province of South Africa.
The lodge is a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport. It has five luxury bedrooms and is a fully-staffed safari home for rent, perfect for small groups of friends or families, looking to indulge in true African hospitality and total comfort.
According to the lodge, it prides itself in being one of the only true eco-lodges in Welgevonden Game Reserve.
Their energy is sourced exclusively from renewable solar power, ensuring that their carbon footprint on the environment is minimal.
They also have an eco-friendly sewage system, use "green" products exclusively, source their crystal clear water their our own borehole, and use eco-friendly materials.
Everything is done to ensure that Metsi Safari Eco-Lodge blends in with its natural surroundings and that they have as little impact on the environment as possible.
A stay at Metsi Lodge starts from R27 760 for the entire lodge at a minimum stay of 2 nights (enquire for SADC prices).
Botlierskop Game Reserve, Western Cape
Botlierskop Game Reserve is a 4 500- hectare reserve situated between the Outeniqua Mountains and beaches of the Indian Ocean on the scenic Garden Route.
Botlierskop is home to free-roaming wildlife including lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, hippo and more.
The private game reserve also offers elegant accommodation and features an outdoor pool, a sauna and a tennis court.
The rooms are elegantly decorated in a colonial style with a 4-poster bed and mosquito net overlooking the river or the mountains and each of the air-conditioned tents has a private bathroom with a large oval bath and outdoor shower.
The private game reserve also offers activities such as guided game drives, bush walks and horseback safaris while its spa is situated on the riverbank.
A stay at the private reserve starts from R6 200 a night for 2.
Manyeleti Game Reserve, Mpumalanga
Manyeleti means “Place of the stars” in Tsonga and the 23 000-hectare private game reserve borders directly to the vast Kruger National Park, as well as the famous Sabi Sands and Timbavati Game Reserves.
There are no fences between the national park and the private game reserves so wildlife can roam freely.
Manyeleti is also prime Big Five territory, offering exceptional possibilities for viewing the elusive leopard including the lion, rhino, buffalo and elephant.
Furthermore, with more than 300 bird species present in the area, Manyeleti makes a great safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and bird watchers alike.
The reserve boasts only six safari lodges, offering a welcome sanctuary from the bustling mainstream tourist hubs by providing an optimal fusion of tranquillity and exhilarating wildlife encounters.
This lesser-known jewel stands as one of the few remaining secret places, offering visitors an intimate encounter with raw nature as their exclusive backdrop.
A stay at the reserve starts from R4 200 a night for 2.