Cape Town and wine region highlights, South Africa

Planet

South Africa has a conservation culture and from the start, we encourage our guests to join us in our efforts to ensure the preservation of water, save energy and respect our natural environment. We share tips in our Pre-Trip Guide, which we send guests before departure.

Our Safari partners are passionate about the preservation of wildlife and also the well-being of their workers. That includes the Big5, many guests come to see. Our provider partners with Cape Nature for rehabilitated Tortoises to be released on the farm. The Winelands stay is on an estate that is a working and regenerative farm. We also support 2 women eco-entrepreneurs who turn waste into wonderful gifts, which are included in the Welcome Gift to our guests.

The country is currently battling an energy crisis called load shedding. Most of our partners have implemented energy-saving practices and follow protocols and guidelines to ensure safe environments for staff and guests. They have installed smart switches in various areas to switch off lights, etc, when not needed. Switching off geysers in guest rooms when they are not in use. Most have replaced all light bulbs with LED energy-saving bulbs.

People

We intentionally choose small operators within the community where travellers stay. From accommodation, transport, and fresh produce to co-creating travel experiences, to ensure the economic growth of that particular community as far as possible. Using local businesses and produce from the area ensures a circular economy where money stays within the host community.

Choosing and supporting women-owned businesses from marginalised communities as our suppliers is are essential issue we campaign for. We share our Responsible Tourism policy with suppliers to encourage fair wages, empowering youth and women in their operations to reduce inequality within the country. Guests get to immerse themselves fully into the local culture by enjoying a home-cooked meal, learning to play the African drums, or partaking in a community walkabout prepared by local women. Introducing visitors to local experiences that protect and safeguard natural and cultural heritage. Real local experiences like the Cape Malay, Black, and Indigenous tours make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

We actively engage and support UK-based social enterprise, Women in Travel CIC, which exists to economically empower women, particularly those from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds.