Leaving the smallest impact on the environment

Mashovhela Lodge is globally recognised for its eco-friendly accommodation in South Africa.

In order to minimise the ecological footprint, the lodge was built on the already degraded site of an abandoned Venda settlement and roads and walking trails follow existing wagon roadways, footpaths, game and cattle trails.

AWARDS

Gold Leaf, Wilderness Foundation: We are very proud that we have been awarded the coveted Gold Leaf by the Wilderness Foundation for our eco-friendly accommodation; only 3 properties in South Africa 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.

Imvelo Award: Mashovhela Lodge received an Imvelo Award in the sub-category, Best Single Resource Management Programme – Energy in 2010.

The aim of the category is to recognise businesses that have made a particular effort to reduce and manage their energy consumption through practical and sustainable activities.

Solar Power

Detached entirely from Eskom's power-grid and in order to minimize the emission of greenhouse 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 on-going eradication of invasive exotic eucalyptus and wattle trees from the reserve we have an on-going 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 accommodation and living are being passed on through training to the local community, and we are readily available to educate communities and resorts elsewhere in South Africa.

See our Eco-Friendly and Eco-Tourism Policy

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