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There's a new beginning on the tourism horizon in South Africa - Fair Trade.
Already 9 of the Fair Trade in Tourism places are listed with SafariNow.com - one of them is Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse, a Victorian gem in the Swartland.
Indulge yourself at one of these SafariNow.com Fair Trade places, while feeling really, really good about it all.
What makes an establishment "fair"? Find out here
Motswari Lodge
Motswari Lodge is at the forefront of combating HIV infection in the safari lodge industry. It also offers you the best of Africa: wide horizons, untamed wilderness and a lot of game in the Timbavati Game Reserve. Qualified rangers and trackers from the local community are proof of Motswari’s strong commitment to staff and neighbouring communities: among other projects, Motswari maintains a family friendly staff village improving the quality of life for employees.
Enjoy sumptuous, home-style cuisine, complemented by luxurious thatched accommodation, a traditional open-air boma and an art gallery exhibiting original wildlife art.
Book with Motswari Lodge
Djuma Game Reserve
A unique combination of warmth, luxury and wild African beauty. Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Djuma offers exceptional service in a breathtaking setting. Experience an authentic safari drive and see the big five in their natural environment while staying at one of three luxury game lodges.
So it’s just another luxury lodge? No, it is more than that. Djuma supports the Buffelshoek Education Trust in building two local primary schools and a media training centre for disadvantaged communities. And Djuma helps realize a shared vision: to conserve the land for future generations, in a way that benefits the wider community.
Book with Djuma
Grootbos Nature Reserve
Grootbos is home to a unique skills development project known as Green Futures, an annual training project for unemployed youth from nearby communities. The programme equips learners with knowledge and practical skills around conservation, fynbos landscaping, horticulture and eco-tourism. Grootbos invites you to experience the fynbos clad hills above Walker Bay outside Hermanus, where nature will enchant you at every turn. Experience some of the world’s richest flora, the mystical Milkwood forest and a fascinating marine life. Grootbos will bestow upon you a renewed zest for life.
Book with Grootbos Nature Reserve
Hog Hollow Country Lodge
Now how is that for good news? Children are welcome at Hog Hollow Country Lodge in Plettenberg Bay and the staff are happy to organize special menus and meal times. They also assist you in planning unique day-trips encompassing everything from eco-adventure activities to a local community tour. Hog Hollow is committed to supporting its local economy through procurement and employment, and nearly all the lodge employees were recruited from the near village of Kurland.
Book with Hog Hollow Country Lodge
Jan Harmsgat Guest House
Sleep in the farm’s original slave quarters yet know that the Rebsteins guarantee a peaceful and fair rest. How? The owners of Jan Harmsgat equip staff drawn from the local community with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to run a first-class guesthouse.
Judi and Brin have also made an impact in nearby Swellendam where they set up an award-winning community project, turning part of the old jail (old goal) into a coffee shop. Women from disadvantaged communities were trained and given a stake in the cafe – make sure to savour their delicacies like springbok carpaccio and local cheeses!
Book with Jan Harmsgat Guest House
Klippe Rivier Country Lodge
Taffy the Corgi and Magic the black cat greet you on arrival. The old slave bell rings, in time to enjoy a classic Cape wine. Soft, mellow candlelight, gleaming silver, coffee and truffles, with a frog serenade to end the evening. Klippe Rivier’s philosophy is to support small enterprises and buy local whenever possible. Let yourself be spoiled by people who have gained confidence through secure employment and good wages, while knowing you contribute to protecting the environment with the guest house's unique wastewater management system.
Book with Klippe Rivier Country Lodge
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Welcome to a private game reserve where you are invited to track black rhinos and a solace which can only be found in the stark landscape of the Kalahari: the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Encounter cheetah, sable and roan antelope and over 200 species of bird. 'Tswalu', which in SeTswana means ‘new beginning’ is an anchor for local economic development in the far northern region of the Northern Cape. Tswalu is involved in adult literacy and primary health care programmes. From indoor and outdoor heated showers in every suite to private sundecks and a well-stocked library, Tswalu embodies the essence of modern luxury with an African ambiance.
Book with Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Umlani Bush Camp
Take a walk on the wild side tracking the Big 5 on foot and experience the thrill of following big game off-road in open Land Rovers guided by Umlani’s knowledgeable rangers. Umlani Bush Camp, an exclusive rustic lodge accommodation in the Timbavati, invites you to rejuvenate in one of their Shangaan reed and thatch rondavels under a starry sky.
Umlani has developed a Youth Leadership programme which is linked to the Wildlife College: it invites historically disadvantaged learners to gain insight into environmental issues and eco-tourism career opportunities. Umlani also has an exemplary staff HIV / Aids programme and provides staff with medical care, including the right to consult a traditional healer.
Book with Umlani Bush Camp
Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse
Bartholomeus Klip’s enthusiastic nature conservation officer has encouraged the formation of an Eco-Schools Club at a nearby school, which makes regular visits, and leadership camps have been held in the reserve for local high school children. But this historical boutique hotel of five bedrooms is even more unique. The original homestead on a large private estate is both a working wheat and sheep farm and a nature reserve with a spectacular mountain backdrop. A member of the Good Cooks and their Country Houses (hand-picked for simple elegance and passion for good food and wine), Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse is a place you simply have to visit, be it with your kids, your loved one or just by yourself.
Book with Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse
The Six Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) Principles
FAIR SHARE:
All participants involved in a tourism activity should get their fair share of the income, in direct proportion to their contribution to the activity.
DEMOCRACY:
All participants involved in a tourism activity should have the right and opportunity to participate in decisions that concern them.
RESPECT:
Both host and visitor should have respect for human rights, culture and environment.
This includes:
Safe working conditions and practices
Protection of young workers
Promoting gender equality
Understanding and tolerance of socio-cultural norms
Conservation of the environment
HIV / AIDS awareness
RELIABILITY:
The services delivered to tourists should be reliable and consistent. Basic safety and security should also be ensured by host and visitor.
TRANSPARENCY:
Tourism businesses should establish mechanisms of accountability.
This includes:
Ownership of tourism businesses must be clearly defined
Employees and other participants should be able to access information that concerns them
Sharing of profits, benefits and losses must be transparent
SUSTAINABILITY:
The tourism businesses should strive to be sustainable.
This includes:
Increased knowledge through capacity building
Improved use of available resources through networking and partnerships
Economic viability through responsible use of resources
Reduction of leakage through local purchasing and employment
Support to historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs
Sources for text and images: SafariNow.com establishment pages and Fair Trade in Tourism