Louis Trichardt Accommodation | Soutpansberg | Venda Culture

Leave the smallest impact on the environment

Mashovhela Lodge is very proud that it has been awarded the converted Gold Leaf by the Wilderness Foundation for our eco-friendly tourism; only 3 properties in the world have been given this honour.

The Gold Leaf is the highest level of the Green Leaf Environmental Standard, which is an international standard that measures five elements at a resort, namely water and energy usage, waste recycling, green procurement and innovation.

The Leaf itself is the iconic logo of the Wilderness Network and the story behind it is told in an extract from an essay written by Dr. Ian Player where he recalls how Grey Owl offered a green leaf to civilisation as a symbol of environmental harmony.

The Wilderness Foundation, founded in 1972 by Dr. Ian Player and Magqubu Ntombela, is a conservation organisation that encourages, plans and manages wild lands and wilderness, uplifts the knowledge and lives of historically disadvantaged citizens, and stimulates an environmental ethos among current and future leaders

Solar Power

Detached entirely from Eskom's power-grid and in order to minimize the emission of green house gases, the lodge runs on alternative, renewable and sustainable energy. Our hot water is heated by solar energy, supplemented by (eucalyptus) wood-fired boilers. For electricity we rely on photovoltaic solar energy, supplemented by diesel generators. It is intended to eventually run our diesel generators on biodiesel and wood gas produced from combustible biomass.

Conservation

With the ongoing eradication of invasive exotic eucalyptus and wattle trees from the reserve we have an ongoing supply of combustible biomass, firewood and timber. The timber is utilized for the woodwork, including almost all the furniture, at the Lodge.

Our guests are encouraged to support our environmental endeavours by using hot water and electricity sparingly, and to help us protect our natural heritage site.

Community Development

The Venda styled lodge also has a local community development element to it, through employment of lodge staff and dancers, education and supporting their trade in Arts and Crafts. It is hoped that in the near future we will be introducing tours to their local village so that travelers can witness the day-to-day lifestyle of the Venda people.

The community is aware of the vision we have for the property and the community, making them aware of the environment and how to conserve it and ensure future generations can benefit from it. " Dr Hahn's harmonious relationship with the local chief and his people will ensure that the conservation efforts of the nature reserve will prevail for the benefit of the prosperity.

Our knowledge and skills in eco-friendly living are being passed on through training to the local community, and we are readily available to educate communities and resorts elsewhere in southern Africa.

Louis Trichardt Accommodation | Soutpansberg | Venda Culture