Luxury retreat in South Africa

The luxury retreat had previously been a cattle ranch and has been converted to eco-tourism with the intent of providing a low impact commercial venture, which continues to sustain the existing employees and their families living on the land. Within the Leutla Conservancy we have a policy of recruiting staff from one extended, indigenous family, who have lived and worked within the Conservancy boundaries for many years.

All of our food, bathroom and kitchen supplies are from local sources and as far as possible, we aim to use a combination of organic, fair-trade and sustainable products. The retreat sits within (and is a founding member of) the Leutla Conservancy, whose primary purpose is the conservation of the pristine veldt remaining in the area. There are many environmental matters to consider within the Leutla Conservancy, however we have prioritised maintaining the water flow in our rivers, which feed many communities down stream from the Conservancy, as well as maintaining the veldt and indigenous wildlife. We employ a policy of eradicating ‘Black Wattle’ (an invader which is currently choking the mountain streams and river courses). This work is being carried out on behalf of and in association with, the Mpumulanga ‘Working for Water Group’, who unfortunately do not have the resources to deal with the huge Black Wattle issue in all but a few areas.

We limit vehicle access to the Conservancy - escorted access only, via prior appointment. This policy is intended to minimise the environmental damage to local flora/fauna and to limit carbon emissions. Guests are transported in and out with a minimum of vehicle movements. No off road vehicle access is allowed. Only existing footpaths are used. Our bush rehabilitation program repopulates surrounding grassland with indigenous tree species and simultaneously acts to offset our carbon emissions.

Electrical power is via solar energy. We have deliberately installed a system which is only sufficient for lighting and some other minor consumption uses. Guests are asked to consider power consumption, we do not encourage the use of electric hairdryers etc. We do not use a generator, as we wish to minimise noise pollution and emissions. The retreat does not have a swimming pool (as in a tiled area with treated water), for two reasons. Firstly we don’t feel that a swimming pool fits in with the natural ambiance of the area and secondly, because of the required use of chemicals and the potentially disastrous impact of draining these chemicals. As an alternative we have piped river water into a small dam and return to the river. This pool provides a natural swimming hole. Water saving is integral in our operation rather than an add on. We ask guests to consider their use of water, use showers not baths, consider towel and linen usage, etc.

We recycle and reuse waste. Kitchen waste is composted where possible together with garden waste. Plastic, cans, glass and paper is segregated and recycled. Also we reuse as only Africa can, by utilising some waste products for a variety of ingenious uses. We constantly look for methods of reusing waste products. Only fallen trees are used for camp fires and in that, only those which can be removed within the natural order. Black Wattle eradication also provides an abundant source of wood for camp fires and cooking. During any stay at the guests are offered the opportunity to become further involved in conservation projects (for example the Ingwe Leopard Project) if they wish, by accompanying our staff.