Recommended Destinations and Accommodation
For those who champion the cause of sustainable tourism and wish to experience the beauty of travel while upholding the principles of environmental and social responsibility, the GST-audited destinations offer a perfect blend of adventure and ethics. Each location, from the serene 138 Marine to the wild Entabeni Safari Conservancy, promises a memorable journey and peace of mind, knowing they meet the highest sustainability standards. Whether you are drawn to the rugged charm of Bakkrans, the luxurious tranquillity of La Provence (in Franschhoek, South Africa), or the unique golfing experience at Legend Golf & Safari Resort, these destinations cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, all while maintaining a commitment to preserving our planet. So, pack your bags, set your sights on these exceptional places, and travel with a purpose to these gems of sustainable tourism.
Aan die Oewer
Aan die Oewer holiday resort, nestled on the banks of the Orange River, offers a serene escape into the heart of the Upper Karoo. This idyllic retreat is committed to sustainability and community, undergoing regular audits by GST to ensure a high standard of environmental and social responsibility. Visitors can immerse themselves in the unique culture and environment of Orania, a town known for its self-sufficiency and Afrikaner heritage. The resort boasts a range of self-catering chalets and a hotel with 12 rooms, accommodating approximately 150 guests. Each chalet is fully equipped, offering luxury amenities including DSTV, air conditioning, and private decks or patios with barbecue facilities. The Oewer Hotel provides an alternative for those preferring not to self-cater, with rooms that are thoughtfully furnished to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests at Aan die Oewer can enjoy a variety of activities, from water sports like inner tube riding to exploring the expansive lawns under indigenous trees. The resort's facilities include a restaurant, spa, indoor swimming pool, kayaks, and a raft on the river. For bookings, visit their website. Embrace the tranquility of Aan die Oewer and discover why it is dubbed the "tourism jewel" of the Northern Cape.
Bartholomeus Klip
Bartholomeus Klip is a beautifully restored Victorian homestead located on a working wheat and sheep farm, nestled within the 10,000-acre Elandsberg Nature Reserve near Cape Town. This luxurious farm stay offers both full-board and self-catering accommodations, making it ideal for discerning travelers seeking peace and tranquility.Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including walking, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and birdwatching. The farm also features a renowned restaurant, The Conservatory, where Chef Louise Gillett creates imaginative dishes using local ingredients. With its commitment to environmental conservation and its role in the Quagga revival project, Bartholomeus Klip provides an authentic and sustainable farm experience.To ensure high standards of quality and compliance, Bartholomeus Klip is regularly reviewed by GST, with a public report available for added assurance.
Bakkrans
Bakkrans Private Wilderness Concession is part of the Red Cederberg grouping of destinations that offers three exclusive escapes, each providing a unique and private experience in the heart of South Africa's natural beauty. These destinations include Bakkrans Private Wilderness Concession, Keurbosfontein Exclusive Farm Stay, and Klipwerf Stone Cottage. Bakkrans, a highlight among these, is a secluded 6000ha private concession that promises an authentic wilderness experience. It is regularly audited by GST to ensure quality and compliance, with a public assessor's report available for transparency.The area is renowned for its unique rock formations, indigenous flora and fauna, and ancient San rock art. Accommodation at Bakkrans is limited to eight guests. The traditional thatched, stone-walled veld cottages reflect the lifestyle of the herders who once roamed these lands.It's recommended to visit the official website for the most current rates and availability. The experience at Bakkrans is a journey into the heart of the Cederberg, where visitors can engage in activities like hiking, mountain biking, and game driving, or simply unwind under a canopy of stars. This escape is a testament to the commitment to conservation and the celebration of the unique culture and environment that the Cederberg region has to offer.
Die Mas
Die Mas farm is situated on the bank of the mighty Gariep River near Kakamas in the Northern Cape. Over and above the vineyards for grape and raisin production, they make their own brandy, wine and gin.
Vlok and Welna Hanekom welcome all visitors to the warm Northern Cape. "Come and walk with us on our walkway from the Wine Cellar and feed the little animals along the arbour. Visit our Wine Cellar with its award-winning brandies, gins and wines and eat sociably at our Koker kitchen.
"Relax on the deck with a view of the vineyards and the river. We would also like to surprise you with our underground maturation cellar for brandy.
"Here, in this arid landscape, we have a surprisingly grassy and tree rich camping site and overnight chalets. You can also view the largest camel thorn tree in South Africa and count the tortoises in our tortoise enclosure."
Authentic experiences are promoted (wine tasting, veld walks and trails), local functions and gatherings are supported and often hosted. Many homemade products and other memorabilia are for sale.
Entabeni Lakeside Lodge
Entabeni Lakeside Lodge is situated on the banks of Entabeni Lake on the upper escarpment of the 22 000 ha Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the malaria-free Waterberg region of Limpopo Province. Located on the banks of Lake Entabeni, luxurious bedrooms are linked by thatched walkways to the Reception, Restaurant, Conference Room and Boma.
Lake Entabeni, 1,7 km’s long, lies between soaring bluffs and peaks, a wonderful place for birdwatching and viewing a rich variety of wildlife. The hippos of Lake Entabeni are a special feature. Enjoy sundowners on your own private deck with the always-changing colours of the Entabeni Mountain reflecting in the lake.
Authentic experiences are promoted: silence, spectacular vistas, guided veld walks, game drives and bird watching. Exclusivity is guaranteed through the control of number of guests and the layout of the rooms.
A training and development policy is followed to promote individual learning and upliftment of staff. A hotel school is run at Entabeni for local and other identified students.
The owners actively support and encourage employee involvement in all aspects of the conservation and development activities e.g. the Rhino Orphanage and a future Cycad Nursery.
Legend Golf & Safari Resort
Africa's most talked about leisure venue has now unlocked the gates and is inviting Golf and Safari enthusiasts to enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Welcome to Monomotapa Village, a lifestyle resort situated within Legend Golf and Safari resort and part of a 22 000ha Big Five Game Reserve in Limpopo Province. Here you will be treated to a Safari experience that is second to none. This unique resort sets new standards in exclusive tranquillity and it reflects the rich cultural legacy of this part of Africa. Here luxurious interiors and world-class facilities will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed at the end of your stay and wishing for more. The resort is only three hours from Johannesburg, in a malaria-free area. It is in one of the most lush and beautiful areas in the country, the Waterberg area, the world’s only savanna biosphere.
Legend Golf & Safari Resort Management has a lifestyle philosophy of economic growth, environmental integrity and social justice. They are part of the Entabeni Conservancy Programme and have a strict and expansive management plan for the reserve area and the accommodation.
Authentic experiences are promoted: exquisite golf courses and famous 19th hole, silence, spectacular vistas, veld walks, pool, animal and bird watching, cycling and canoeing.
138 Marine
Situated on the seafront, the exceptional 138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse in Sandbaai is renowned for its spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Beautiful sea-facing rooms boast en suite bathrooms, luxurious beds, underfloor heating, satellite television, as well as free Internet access throughout the house. The picturesque terrace is an idyllic spot for guests to enjoy mouth-watering breakfasts or spend lazy, sun-filled afternoons admiring the panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Those in need of relaxation can savour a bottle of wine on the deck next to the beach, admire the spectacular African sunsets over the ocean or stroll along the coastal path that winds its way between fynbos, rocks and tidal pools. Thrilling adventures include whale-watching, shark-cage diving, kite-surfing and paragliding, whilst hiking, mountain biking, and wineland tours are on offer for guests seeking something more leisurely. Apart from the stunning location, 138 Marine has also received multiple National Awards for service excellence. The guesthouse is a stone’s throw away from the charming town of Hermanus. The convenient location of 138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse allows you to easily explore the quaint village restaurants, craft markets, boutique stores, art galleries and pristine blue-flag beaches. A history of the house and the philosophy behind the concept of sustainable use for customers, is included in a booklet available in each room.
Adara Palmiet Valley
Adara Palmiet Valley is an exquisite boutique farm hotel situated on a 300-year-old wine estate close to Paarl, in the Cape Winelands. Here you can indulge in the tranquility and ambience of this unique place which is a member of the international Adara hotel group. The magnificent Cape Dutch homestead comprises four main buildings and several smaller buildings located in a majestic park with old oak trees, jacarandas and rare camellias. It is surrounded by vineyards and guava orchards, with the Paarl Mountains serving as a glorious backdrop. The restaurant serves a range of six Adara wines. The electricity required for the operation of the hotel complex as well as the farm is generated entirely by a photovoltaic system and stored in a battery buffer station. Their supply of fresh water is also completely independent.In the near future, the in-house shuttle service and all company vehicles will be fully electric and charged with zero emissions using solar power. As a guest of Adara Palmiet Valley, you will enjoy the highest level of comfort and at the same time use the available resources very responsibly. You will be travelling with a good conscience. To ensure high standards of quality and compliance, Adana Palmiet Valley is regularly reviewed by GST, with a public report available for added assurance.
Jules of the Karoo
In the heart of South Africa’s Northern Cape lies Jules of the Karoo Safaris, a testament to sustainable tourism and conservation. This Merino sheep farm is known for its Springbok breeding and trophy hunting ensuring sustainability. Offering free-ranging springbok in all four colour phases (common, black, white, and copper), Jules of the Karoo has been home to more record book springbok than any other property – by far. They also offer 40 species of plains game on 300 000 acres. Julian Theron is a passionate hunter and dedicates his time and energy in the breeding of top springbok genetics. He believes in preservation by utilisation. His wife, Martisan, has designed a spectacular lodge with 10 en suite rooms, swimming pool and entertainment area where traditional South African food is served, including fresh game. For the adventurous, they offer horseback riding, cycling and mountaineering featuring petroglyphs (Bushman rock painting). They also offer day trips to the nearby town of Deelfontein to see an Anglo Boer War graveyard and to the magnificent town of Graaff-Reinet, which is the fourth oldest town in South Africa. There you can view the Valley of Desolation, a geological wonder of weathered dolerite pillars which is a declared national monument with magnificent views over the Karoo plains.
Mount Ceder
"The perfect weekend destination from Cape Town, Mount Ceder offers visitors a host of relaxing accommodation options and exciting activities in the Cederberg Mountains."
Escape to Mount Ceder Self Catering Villas for a weekend getaway from Cape Town. Nestled in the Cederberg Mountains, Mount Ceder offers various accommodation options and exciting experiences. Surrounded by stunning peaks, it’s located in a picturesque valley along the main route through the Cederberg Mountain range.
Mount Ceder invites you to explore its wilderness, with majestic vistas, spring flowers, mountain bike rides, and walks suitable for all ages. Whether you seek solitude on mountain trails, explore unique rock formations, or swim in the river, the choice is yours. After your adventures, relax in your self-catering villa and enjoy the tranquillity of this untouched paradise. Sip a drink on your veranda and savour the natural beauty around you. For dining, experience a 3-course meal at the Old Mill House restaurant, accompanied by regional wines. Mount Ceder Self Catering Villas offer the perfect escape, where you can make cherished memories while embracing the beauty of the Cederbergs on your terms.
