Safari Lodge at Amakhala, a luxury game lodge set in the world renowned Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape, sent in the following information on ways that they run their lodge to keep it FTTSA compliant:
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| Cebisa - an HIV/Aids orphan qualified as a beauty therapist through a bursary, now working at the lodge |
Conservation
- Use of wind power
- Waterhole rehabilitation
- Selected bio-degradable cleaning agents used
- Use of exotic woods for fires
- Active water and waste management through rainwater-trapping for drinking water
- Recycling bottles, tins and food
- Recycling of lodge water for the waterhole
- Energy saving bulbs where possible
- Continued removal of alien vegetation
Community
- Donating of elected ex lodge stock to charities.
- BEE compliant processes in place
- Continual training and skills transfer for all staff
- Shop products bought locally
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Sewing business for previously disadvantaged people in the region
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Practical experience offered to students
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Fair employment conditions and wages
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Donations to Born Free, Hospice and Amakhala Foundation
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| School children performing at the Amakhala Day talent show |
A talk on AIDS held for Amakhala staff |
Furthermore, the whole of Amakhala is run according to Fair Trade principles.
Below are some of the Fair Trade-related points that are applicable to Amakhala as a whole:
Conservation
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Creation of 7000 ha conservation reserve from previous agric land
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Reintroduction of over 20 species of mammals
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Resident Doctorate in Zoology
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Resident Doctorate in Veterinary Science
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Resident Social Development and Aids officer
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Resident Land and Game management officer
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2 x Full time Predator Researchers with a vehicle
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Elephant Research
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Blesbok Research
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Conservational Education days hosted by ACC
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3C tree program carbon, community, conservation.
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Harold Trollope Museum is housed and maintained by ACC
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House buffalo, black and white rhino and cheetah, breeding program
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Indigenous nursery
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Rehab injured birds or mammals
Community
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AIDS awareness programs
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17 track choir CD cut and available for distribution to guests as a direct income to this community project.
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Community pet sterilization days in Paterson
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Active involvement and monthly food hampers at Asipho Trust for Vunerable children
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Active involvement and assistance with classes at Reed Valley Rural School.
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Vegetable nursery for Asipho Trust
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Community clean ups
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Training of agricultural community into tourism
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Subsidizes Beacon hill pre-school for Xhosa kids aged 3 to 5.
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Field Guide Bursary program for previously disadvantaged
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Built and managed farm school and resource center
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Over 80% of lodges staff are local
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Resident Ulovane Field Guide training
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Sponsorship of local soccer teams
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Previously Crèche, adult literacy, labor law work shops for all staff, Sponsors of AGR beauty pageant
Safari Lodge on Amakhala offers an ideal malaria-free, Big Five safari destination. The romantic lodge is part of the 7 000 hectare Amakhala Game Reserve. African tribal design inspired the creation of this intimate thatched lodge, and the unique safari huts offer many indulgent comforts. For bookings
contact Portfolio.
Portfolio Collection is proud to be associated with Amakhala and commends them for the excellent work they do to manage their lodges responsibly.
Make your next safari holiday in South Africa one that supports game lodges like Amakhala in their efforts to promote ethical, community-centred eco-friendly tourism.
