The Eco-Travel Boutique

21/08/2023

Eagle Island lodge is located in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Here you will find an Exclusive Private Wilderness area. ✨

The lodge consists of only 12 suites and there are no other lodges on the private concession. Wildlife is teaming in this area and especially the dry season (July-October) lends itself to excellent safari experiences.

Apart from the beautifully decorated tented suites, welcoming staff and a dedicated sustainability strategy, one of the great attractions of this lodge is the wide variety of activities available.

On offer are morning and evening game drives, bush walks, boat cruises and mokoro trips (Depending on water levels), village tours, birding safaris, horse riding, helicopter trips, bush breakfasts, outdoor dining and more. If you are not careful you won’t even have time to relax by the private plunge pool on the deck of your room, so make sure you plan enough time to enjoy this lodge to its fullest 🌍🌟

Should you need more information or advice, simply contact at https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/ or follow the link in our bio 🫶🏻

12/08/2023

🌿 Embracing Nature's Masterpiece at De Hoop Nature Reserve 🌊

Every step you take within the pristine landscapes of De Hoop Nature Reserve is a step towards experiencing the wonders of our planet's beauty and the power of conservation in action. 🦋🌍

🐾 As you wander through its expansive plains, you'll encounter the graceful bontebok and the elusive Cape mountain zebra. The skies above are adorned with a breathtaking array of bird species, painting the heavens with their vibrant hues. And in the waters, the annual migration of southern right whales graces the horizon. 🐋🦢

Calling all nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers! De Hoop Nature Reserve is your ultimate playground for unforgettable outdoor experiences:

🏊‍♀️ Dive into crystal-clear rock pools hidden within the reserve's rugged terrain. Take a refreshing dip surrounded by nature's artwork.

🐾 Lace up your hiking boots and trek along ancient paths, tracing the footsteps of generations. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this sanctuary home.

🐋 Witness the majestic ballet of southern right whales as they migrate along the coastline. Their playful breaches and tail flukes are a sight to behold.

🌊 For those seeking aquatic thrills, grab a kayak and paddle through serene waterways, encountering marine life up close. It's a whole new perspective on nature's beauty.

📸 Capture breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, transforming the landscape into a canvas of colors and enjoy a private beach picnic, or romantic sundowners from atop the dunes.

Visitors to Lekkerwater will find inspiration and adventure here, soaking up the natural beauty and remarkable history of this unique corner of southern Africa

Discover Lekkerwater Beach Lodge and experience the endless activities that await you at De Hoop Nature Reserve https://ecotravelboutique.com/safari-planner/

Should you need more information or advice, simply contact at https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/ or follow the link in our bio 🫶🏻

’sMasterpiece

09/08/2023

"🌍✨ Celebrating the Women of Southern African Sustainable Tourism! ✨🌿

Happy International Women's Day to all the fierce and fabulous women who are at the heart of our sustainable travel company 💚🌍 and to all the phenomenal women who are driving change in the world of sustainable tourism across Southern Africa! 🙌🌍

Today, we proudly shine a spotlight on the incredible women who are weaving sustainability into the fabric of travel, and let their stories inspire us to travel responsibly and protect the incredible destinations we hold dear. 🌍💪

From the passionate rangers leading conservation efforts, to the visionary entrepreneurs crafting authentic and responsible adventures, every step these women take is a stride towards a brighter, more sustainable world. 🦏🦁 Their dedication to preserving the natural beauty of our lands while uplifting local communities is a true inspiration. 💚

As we celebrate the spirit of womanhood today, we also acknowledge the unique role women play in nurturing our planet and its diverse cultures. 🌍🌺 Let's continue to support and celebrate these remarkable women who prove that travel can be a force for good, leaving a positive impact on both the environment and the people. 🌱👏

To the women who dare to dream, who dare to explore, and who dare to lead – your journey inspires us all! 🌟 May your paths be filled with adventure, purpose, and boundless success. Let's work together to create a world where every travel story contributes to a sustainable legacy. 🗺️💫

"

04/08/2023

🌊✨ Set overlooking a six-kilometer stretch of pristine sand, the seven suites at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge have been carefully designed to let ocean views take centre stage

Floor-to-ceiling windows deliver remarkable sea vistas from every corner of the suite, while protected outdoor deck provides a perfect oasis of privacy

Indoor, the décor takes its cue from natural beauty of the surrounding reserve.
With a colour palette of blues and greens balanced by rich organic textures, the aesthetic in each suite is a subtle mirror of the scenic beauty beyond

Cool sea breezes take the edge off summer’s heat, wilde a wood-burning stove in each suite offers welcome warmth when winter storms roll in

🥂✨ At the main lodge a wrap-around deck offers the perfect space to admire the sunrise over morning coffee, or perhaps a sundowner to toast the end of a remarkable day at De Hoop

Meals are enjoyed family-style at the large communal table or individually per party, and guests are encouraged to engage with the chefs at the interactive open kitchen. When the weather permits, dining may be enjoyed on the beach, and lunchtime picnic baskets are available on request

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge makes sure every guest’s trip counts! Simply by making the choice to go on an African experience with a difference, you already leaving a positive impact on conservation and the local communities 💚

Discover Lekkerwater Beach Lodge for your perfect safari experience with a heart for sustainability https://ecotravelboutique.com/safari-planner/

Should you need more information or advice, simply contact at https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/ or follow the link in our bio 🫶🏻

02/08/2023

One barrier for many travellers in being more eco-friendly is a misconception that sustainability involves overhauling the way you travel completely or foregoing what you really want to do

Also, there is some confusion about where the power lies. Yes, you can seek more eco-friendly options from tour operators & lodges as we have carefully selected in our safari-planner https://ecotravelboutique.com/safari-planner/

But you also have so much power as a traveller. It actually can start with simple steps and small decisions

Here are some simple travel tips to keep in mind if you want to lighten your individual environmental impact when visiting magical Southern Africa:

Watch Your Step 🫶🏻💚

🌿🐾 Stay on the path - tread lightly (literally) in the bush and don't pick indigenous flowers, remove vegetation or feed the animals

⚡️Save power and use water wisely (this is especially important in many parts of Africa where water scarcity is a major issue)

🥾✨ Walk when you can and share taxis or use public transport - often easiest when exploring in and around towns and cities

Use biodegradable, non-toxic products (soap, shampoo, insect repellent etc) in the bush and avoid non-recyclables and throw-away type packaging as far as possible

💦 Don't drink bottled water, if you can refill a reusable bottle (check that water is safe for drinking). If you need to buy water then get a large bottle and decant into a reusable bottle to reduce rubbish (and save on costs)

Should you need more information or advice, simply contact at https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/ or follow the link in our bio

29/07/2023

Sterrekopje Healing Farm, South Africa

✨ Stay Rest Grow Play

Cradled in the foothills of the Franschhoek mountains lies Sterrekopje, a biodiverse farm and soulful sanctuary of healing rest, creativity and play. Guided by ancestral wisdom and conscious way of living, this luxurious farmhouse exists to regenerate earth, body, and soul

A BELOVED HOME TO HER FOUNDERS & GUESTS

Sterrekopje was born from a dream of an abundant, centered way of life rooted in Nature. The Sterrekopje journey is all about transformative rest and creative play. It’s a journey from soil to the soul that satiates a primal need to connect to Nature

Your Private Sanctuary ✨

Scattered across Sterrekopje Farm are 11 sanctuaries and luxurious suites, each a private retreat, each a unique merging of colours & textures that weave a rich tapestry of cultures & stories

Biodiverse Farm 💚

Their way of farm life is intentional, regenerative and in rhythm with Nature’s cycles, bringing a profound sense of calm, as it connects us back to pur primal roots, making way for growth

RETREAT, RECONNECT, REGENERATE

Each year they curate several retreats where they come to together to discover a deeper understanding of themselves , each other, and the intricately interconnected ecosystems we live in

“It is not a hotel, retreat or wellness centre, it is a home, a sanctuary, a community and a safe place”

Check out Sterrekopje, a tranquil place of healing & sacred rest https://ecotravelboutique.com/safari-planner/

Should you need more information or advice, simply contact at https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/ or follow the link in our bio 🫶🏻

26/07/2023

It’s not the same as sitting in a Land Rover, bumping along a not very good road’, it’s about the smallest things, and its about smelling and seeing and feeling’ ✨ - Land Davies

The most responsible travel choice is to select places specialising in non-motorised activities like walking, horseback, canoe and cycling safaris which are, by definition, the greenest of the green

These non-motorised tour options are less fuel intensive and energy guzzling, as well as being less physically intrusive or damaging to the natural habitats that you visit

That said, many Southern African eco-conscious lodges and tour operators have gone to great length to operate more sustainably (socially and environmentally), ameliorating the negative effects of driving in the bush to an extent! 🫶🏻💚

Many of our luxury eco lodges offer luxury tented accommodations and walking safaris, are being flexible with game drives and educate travellers about the flora and fauna of the African bush - to name a few

Check out our selection of luxurious eco-lodges who are actively involved in making a meaningful contribution to Southern Africa https://ecotravelboutique.com/safari-planner/

Should you need more information or advice, simply contact at https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/ or follow the link in our bio

21/07/2023

An African safari is a feature on many traveller’s bucketlist, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see some of the most majestic animals and mesmerizing landscapes on the planet ✨

As the (safari) tourism industry evolves, more travelers seek accommodations prioritizing sustainable and eco-friendly practices

In Southern Africa, there are many authentic eco stays but there are those wo make superficial changes or just claim to be eco-friendly when they are actually not (greenwashing)

How do you tell if a lodge is really sustainable?

That’s actually a subject for a small library of its own. Here are some questions that can serve as checkpoints:

* Energy and recourse efficiency: is the lodge or camp using renewable energy sources (solar, hydro, wind)? Are they using resources wisely or wastefully?

* Rubbish/trash: where does the solid waste go and how is it treated? Do they recycle and minimise waste?

* Water/ air pollution: are they using generators that emit air pollution? Are they feeding sewerage grey water into water systems?

* Direct impacts: is nature being respected or is the natural environment (bush, dune, forest, water systems) being degraded, trampled and polluted by the lodge and related human activities (motorised boat cruises, off-road game drives, quad biking, over fishing etc.)?

Think in terms of conservation and social responsibility. You can tell a great deal by observing how the lodge staff are treated and their levels of job satisfaction and awareness about ecological and social matters

Positive indicators include: engaging in meaningful community projects in the area; helping to create awareness and educate visitors and locals; participating or running wildlife and nature conservation initiatives and choosing organic and fair trade options

Check out our selection of luxurious eco-lodges who are actively involved in making a meaningful contribution to Southern Africa https://ecotravelboutique.com/safari-planner/

Should you need more information or advice, simply contact at https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/ or follow the link in our bio 🫶🏻💚

14/07/2023

Wild Blue Lodge

🏩 An elegant safari lodge, between Kruger & The Blade River Canyon. The perfect safari experience, away from the crowds

The Wild blue Lodge is a small gem of silence, relaxation, and individual service in the incredible Ndlovumzi reserve. By limiting the number of guests to 10, Wildblue Lodge ensures that every guest can enjoy the beautiful reserve exclusively

🌄🍃 The lodge is situated on an elevated site close to the Olifants River and offers stunning views of the bushveld and the Drakenberg mountains. 2 luxury cottages, 1 elegant double room, 1 honeymoon cottage, and a luxury tent are all tastefully furnished with an African/Asian touch

🦓🐘🦒 Ndlovumzi is a 1000-hectare nature reserve teeming with wildlife. Giraffes, nyalas, impalas, zebras, waterbucks, or kudus may cross your path. Nocturnal encounters with hyenas, jackals or leopards are possible. The diversity of bird life makes the reserve a paradise for bird watchers

🚴🏼🌞 Explore this luxuriant area while hiking, mountain biking, going on a refreshing bush walk or taking part in their exclusive (sundowner) game drives

🧘🏽‍♀️🚁✨ Spa treatments, Yoga and Pilatus classes, romantic picnics and dinner, even helicopter flights… the staff of Wild Blue Lodge can plan these and many other activities to suit your individual needs

Discover Wild Blue Lodge for your perfect safari experience with a heart for sustainability 💚contact https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/ or follow the link in our bio 🫶🏻

08/07/2023

🏩 Simbavati Hilltop Lodge offers romantic ambience with luxurious, private suites and exceptional game viewing including all the Big Five

One of the finest settings in the Timbavati private Game Reserve, and unfenced but private part of the Kruger Park

🦁🦒🐘Simbavati Hilltop offers exceptional game viewing including most notably leopard, and wild dog. Twice- daily game drives provide for close encounters with birds and animals, large and small

🍃🌄 Spectacular and wide angle views over the bush and views to the distant mountains of the Drakensberg escarpment. Below lie the expensive Mali Dam and the Nhlaralumi River, where you may be lucky to see elephant, and other wildlife, come to quench their thirst

🫶🏻 ✨A luxurious tented lodge that has a romantic, bright and airy ambience with 8 spacious tented suites connected by wooden walkways to the main lodge. The en-suite bathroom tent with double ‘rain’ shower on deck is connected to the bedroom tent via a small passage. Each suite has glorious views over the bushveld, the dam and the Nhlaralumi River

💚 Hilltop Lodge has a light footprint, purposely designed so that it can be removed without leaving any lasting impact on the land. Simbavati Lodge also makes a difference in the future through supporting and uplifting local children
- Read more about Simbavati Lodge Eco Children in the previous post

Discover Simbavati Lodge for your perfect safari experience with a heart for sustainability

For more information go to
https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/ or follow the link in our bio.

05/07/2023

Simbavati Lodge not only offers romantic ambience with luxurious, private suites and exceptional game viewing including all the Big Five

Simbavati Lodge, and their guests, also make a difference in the future through supporting and uplifting local children ✨

Imagine living on the borders of one of Africa’s greatest National Parks, but having never seen a zebra of elephant in reality

The Klaserie Private Nature Reserve (KPNR) recognized that the communities surrounding the Greater Kruger area are a key part of its future conservation. However, these same communities are completely disconnected from their natural heritage

Thus, Eco Children was created as an initiative by KPNR to educate and enrich the lives of its employees’ children through holiday ‘bush’ workshops. These eco-related subject classes in nature-based camps aimed to foster an understanding and passion for wildlife, creating a future generation of nature guardians

From its humble beginnings, Eco Children has since extended its reach to over 5,000 children in some of the poorest communities in South Africa

Following a whole-school development approach, they have adopted nine local primary schools, where the focus is not just on conservation education but also improving school infrastructure, installing a new kitchen and fully-stocked library as well as a vegetable eco-garden capable of supplementing school meals

Guests that are passionate about making sustainable difference during a stay at Simbavati Lodges in the Klaserie, can consider adding an enlightening school tour to their trip or donating to one of Eco Children’s programs

The Lodge proudly supports and endorses the work that Eco Children does and is passionate about uplifting the foundation’s work and the children benefiting from it

Discover Simbavati Lodge for your perfect safari experience with a heart for sustainability 💚contact https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/

For more information about our sustainability policy go to https://ecotravelboutique.com/sustainability/ or follow the link in our bio 🫶🏻

21/06/2023

As the name suggests, you will normally find the Southern Ground Hornbill on the ground. We were lucky to see one up in a tree in the beautiful night sky

Thank you for this incredible image.

21/05/2023

History, heritage and harmony converge at Vergenoegd Löw - wine making over three centuries, vrijburgers layering and expanding the homestead, barn, slave lodge, threshing floor and cellars into one of the oldest and most intact of the early wine farms of the Cape of Good Hope.

In addition to the luxury accomodation, 2 restaurants, wine tasting and luxurious spa, this is a living, evolving national monument, part of the European Heritage Project and a WWF conservation site.

31/03/2023

The Eco-Travel Boutique travelled through South Africa with Dutch travel journalist C***o van den Berg - Droomplekken.nl searching for new and unique Eco-friendly accommodations and experiences.

One of the best experiences during this trip took place in Welgevonden Game Reserve in South Africa where we had the most enchanting Sundowner ever with Mhondoro Safari Lodge!

A Sundowner is an (alcoholic) drink taken at sunset to say farewell to a wonderful safari day.

While butler Kitso poured drinks, a large herd of elephants and four rhinos, including an adorable calf passed by. Resulting in an unforgettable experience:

A spot of golden sun
A hint of Romance
A delicious sip of a heady cocktail -
and a landscape to remember

Watch this video below to see the magical safari Sundowner at Mhondoro Safari Lodge and go to: https://ecotravelboutique.com/safari-planner/ to discover more ✨🍃

Droomplekken.nl
Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa

A wonderful Sundowner is part of a safari in Africa. A Sundowner is an (alcoholic) drink taken at sunset to say farewell to the day. This took place in Welge...

22/03/2023

Are you looking to escape to beach & bush this Easter in KZN? Take advantage of The Eco-Travel Boutique 3*, 4* and 5* travel packages. Make the unforgettable happen this Easier! Click here for more information: https://bit.ly/405t8sE

25/02/2023

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY LODGE:
MATETSI RIVER LODGE SUITE

Set on a private 15 km stretch of the mighty Zambezi (the great river), just 40 km upriver from the rush and spray of the Victoria Falls 💦✨

The luxury suites offer the most exclusive experience within the destination. Here you’ll be looked after by their genuinely warm and incredible team, including your own personal butler.

Each lodge suite is air-conditioned and fitted with sumptuous king-size bed.
Circular bathtub, indoor and outdoor rain showers.
A private plunge pool and decks that flank inspiring views of Zambezi

Matetsi River Lodge suites are very much in keeping with its natural surrounds.
Polished earth finishes, lustrous hand-beaten local copper detailing and seamless flows between interior & exterior living spaces.

‘Exceptional experiences in a remarkable destination’

Matetsi Victoria Falls offers the ideal combination of safari, river, Victoria Falls and relaxation all wrapped up in warm genuine Zimbabwean hospitality.

Victoria Falls The “largest waterfall on Earth”;
Exceptional and truly exclusive safari experiences;
Stunning sunrise & sunset boat cruises;
Wellness & Gastronomy

Have a look at our Sustainable Safari Planner for this luxurious and spectacular eco-lodge: Matetsi River Lodge suites
More at: ecotravelboutique.com/safari-planner/ or follow the link in our bio.

22/02/2023

TRAVEL BETTER TIP by The Eco-Travel Boutique

As an Eco-Travel company, we are all about travelling responsibly to natural areas, conserving wilderness & wildlife and improving the well-being of local people✨

A large part of our concept is based on giving travellers knowledge and understanding of the natural environment and cultures of Southern Africa, as well as create awareness around the threats to Southern Africa’s pristine wilderness and vast array of wildlife…

so that travellers can truly appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture of this magical part of the world we call Southern Africa 🌍💚

As a conscience traveller, you can do and learn so many amazing things!

One of our favorite Eco-Travel- and bucketlist activities is a walking safari experience.

Walking safaris are a great way to observe the natural environment and the natural wildlife with minimum negative environmental impact! It is at its very core educational where you can learn about the natural wildlife and the natural flora and fauna 🍀🦁✨

Have a look at our Sustainable Safari Planner to find luxurious and spectacular eco-lodges that offer walking safari experiences.

More at: ecotravelboutique.com/safari-planner

15/02/2023

HOW SUSTAINABLE IS YOUR HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION?

A few tips on what you can do to find out:

Ask your holiday accommodation for a ‘sustainability tour’

When you have arrived at your holiday destination, ask if it is possible do a sustainability tour (sometimes also called back-of-house, or ‘behind the scenes’ tour) of the property.

This way you can see how the lodge operates, what happens in the kitchen, the laundry and the staff village. You can see if there are solar panels, recycling, an organic vegetable garden, proper staff housing and facilities, etc.

More and more accommodations start to offer this, and it basically serves 2 purposes:

1. You can see for yourself what measures have been put in place by the lodge to operate sustainably and make sure they are not green-washing
2. It shows the lodge that sustainability is important to you as a client. It holds them accountable and encourages them to maintain and continue improving their eco-initiatives 💚✨

View our Safari Planner to search for lodges that offer a sustainability tour!
Go to: https://ecotravelboutique.com/safari-planner/

24/01/2023

Do you need some Travel Inspiration for 2023? Sign up with us to receive news, updates, top eco-destinations, unique experiences and more. Each update will include a subscriber-only Special or Value Add!

Sign up on our website https://ecotravelboutique.com/contact/ or by WhatsApp.

17/01/2023

The Baobab Tree is also known as the Tree of Life.

The San people (also called bushmen by the Europeans), who were the earliest hunter-gatherers in Southern Africa, used these trees for water when there was no rain. One baobab tree can contain 4500 liters or 1189 gallons of water.

As the trees are hollow inside, they can also give shelter and its fruit is a super fruit thanks to its high levels of potassium, iron, vitamin C and calcium. Allegedly, the pulp has ten times the amount of vitamin C as oranges and it’s recommended for weight loss, skin elasticity, and contains 50% more calcium that spinach. It can also help the health of your cardiovascular system.

There are many stories and legends around the Baobab tree. Perhaps because of its interesting shape; apart from the fact that it’s hollow inside, it also almost looks as if the roots are growing on top (You can see this best in winter, when tge tree has no leaves). Some African tribes believe that it is indeed growing upside down, but that it once grew upright. Because the tree considered itself to be better than all the other trees, the gods decided to teach it a lesson. To stop its boasting, the gods uprooted it and planted the tree upside down to teach it humility.

Finally, they also make a great place to set up a drinks stop during your safari in the Chobe National Park!

13/01/2023

SPECIAL JANUARY OFFER: The Eco-Travel Boutique travelled through South Africa with Dutch travel journalist C***o van den Berg Droomplekken.nl - searching for new Eco-friendly accommodations and experiences. C***o's Travel Story of this trip (in Dutch) will be published soon on his website.

Based on this tour, we put together a sustainable 11-day luxury City, Wine & Safari package to Cape Town, the Winelands and the north of South Africa with an extraordinary Malaria-free Safari experience.

Book this or any other itinerary with us before the end of January 2023 and receive a complimentary exclusive 'Wine Tasting Experience!



https://ecotravelboutique.com/property/11-nights-highlights-of-south-africa/