With International Mother Earth Day coming up on 22 April and a renewed focus on green living, having to feel guilty about your carbon footprint is the last thing you want to do when on holiday. That’s why TravelGround has compiled a list of hand-picked eco-friendly stays where you can get close to nature, relax and help save the planet while you’re at it!
Location: Storms River Village, Eastern Cape
Accommodation type: Self-catering cottage
Sleeps: 2 – 4
The Vintage Forest Cabin at this hideaway is perched above a mountain stream and set amidst the indigenous forest. The cabin was built by the owner over a period of 2 years using pines grown on the property and waxed by hand with beeswax from the owner’s own beehives. A composting toilet, urinal and cast-iron bath contribute to the environmental sensitivity that is the owner’s ethos.
How green?
– Composting urinal
– Cast-iron bath
– Fireplace
Activities nearby:
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Location: Calitzdorp, Western Cape
Accommodation type: Self-catering cottage
Sleeps: 2
This quaint cottage was built using straw and materials from its surroundings, combining all the elements of traditional Karoo building techniques. The Wild Olive Market in town (only 1,5 km away) takes place every Saturday morning, where you can buy local fresh produce, among other things.
How green?
– Built from reused and locally sourced materials
– Braai facilities
– Gas
Activities on-site:
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Location: Gansbaai, Western Cape
Accommodation type: Tented camps and cabins (Self-catering)
Sleeps: 2 – 4
Platbos Forest Reserve is a unique and ancient indigenous forest that offers guests an eco-friendly, off-the-grid experience and an opportunity to experience peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
How green?
– Solar lighting
– Donkey boiler hot water
– Gas cookers
– Candles
– Braai areas
– Waterless toilets
– Open-air hot shower
Activities nearby:
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Location: Schoemanskloof, Mpumalanga
Accommodation type: Self-catering chalets
Sleeps: 4 – 6
Wolwekrans, also known as the Jewel of Mpumalanga, is situated on the Schoemanskloof escarpment with breathtaking panoramic views of the Lowveld valley and the Schoemansberg Mountains as stunning backdrop.
How green?
– Solar electricity
– Gas cookers
– Candles
– Energy saving lights
Activities nearby:
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Location: Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape
Accommodation type: Self-catering cottages
Sleeps: 2 – 5
The reserve is set high up in the Sneeuberg Mountains, and offers panoramic picturesque views of the Compassberg and the surrounding peaks. This reserve is the ideal place to relax, recharge and escape the stresses of the city.
How green?
– Solar energy
– Fresh spring water
– Gas geyser
– Gas fridge
– Jetmaster fireplace
– Built-in braai facilities
Activities nearby:
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Location: Suurbraak, Western Cape
Accommodation type: Self-catering house
Sleeps: 2 – 6
Wild, off-the-grid, style and comfort offers accommodation in the rural outskirts of the historic village of Suurbraak, an old mission station established in 1812. This house is a unique combination of stylish architectural design and eco-friendly living in a wild setting between the mountains, the wetlands and the river.
How green?
– Green self-catering kitchen
– Wood-burning stove
– Modern gas stove
Activities nearby
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Location: Rawsonville, Western Cape
Accommodation type: Self-catering log cabins
Sleeps: 2 – 6
Platbos Log Cabins is situated in a magnificent secret valley on the slopes of the Slanghoek mountains. There are 3 private and secluded log cabins overlooking a large dam in the Slanghoek Valley.
How green?
– Gas appliences
– Solar power
– Battery power
– Charcoal kettle braai
Activities on-site:
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Feature Image: TravelGround (Vulintaba Country Hotel)
