These days, when people travel, they want more than just checking things off their bucket list. They’ve realised how important it is to care for the environment and the communities around tourist spots. It’s not just about protecting animals in game reserves anymore; it’s about sustainable travel.
And they also want their getaways to be more than just a break – they are hungry for an experience that makes them feel relaxed, pampered, and restored. They’re looking for that perfect balance of feeling refreshed and fulfilled when they return from their trip. That’s what we call wellness travel.
Sustainable travel and wellness go hand in hand because they’re all about making you feel fabulous! That’s why, during the month we celebrate Global Wellness Day, the GILTEDGE team wants to shine a spotlight on experiences offered by our incredible partners who share these values.
Matetsi Victoria Falls, Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe
Matetsi Victoria Falls, near the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, sits gracefully on the banks of the Zambezi River, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the 136,000-acre Matetsi Private Game Reserve. With 16 suites, two family suites, and a private villa, Matetsi Victoria Falls provides the perfect blend of safari adventure, riverside tranquillity, and proximity to the Falls.
Why we love it for sustainability and wellness:
What better way to support a community than to employ them? Matetsi River Lodge prides itself on an entirely Zimbabwean staff. The lodge ensures a lasting influence on livelihoods, health, education, and biodiversity preservation through partnerships. By harnessing the power of solar energy, minimising single-use plastics, and implementing local waste recycling, the lodge exemplifies its commitment to luxury with a conscience. Their contribution to your wellbeing? Guests can also indulge in an environmentally conscious spa experience along the serene Zambezi riverbank as spa therapists offer an array of rejuvenating treatments in this unique setting.
Do your bit: By participating in Pack for a Purpose, Matetsi encourages travellers to bring supplies for their projects, enabling them to create a priceless impact on the lives of local families.
Elewana Collection, Kenya and Tanzania
This incredible group of 16 boutique lodges, camps, and hotels will whisk you away to some of the most iconic spots in Kenya and Tanzania. They take luxury and comfort to new heights, pampering you with their top-notch service and warm East African hospitality. Whether lounging by the pool or exploring the wilderness, Elewana will ensure your stay is personalised and oh-so-memorable.
Why we love it for sustainability and wellness:
Their buildings prioritise minimising environmental impact through recycling, low-energy, and low-waste techniques. Recycling is a top priority, ensuring all recyclables end up in the proper bin. Elewana also supports local communities by sourcing food and supplies locally. They strive to make a difference through initiatives like the Land & Life Foundation and the Pamoja Fund. Don’t miss their hidden gem, the Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge, nestled in a sprawling Tanzanian coffee plantation. It’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge before or after an exhilarating East African safari.
Zambezi Queen Collection, Namibia/Botswana
The Zambezi Queen Collection offers luxury houseboats on the Chobe River, bordering Namibia and Botswana. Experience unique holidays and incredible wildlife views in Chobe National Park. The flagship houseboat, Zambezi Queen, and her three Chobe Princesses are the trademarks of the collection.
Why we love it for sustainability and wellness:
Visiting Zambezi Queen Collection means enjoying curated destinations and adventures and supporting wildlife conservation. They partner with CCFA, empowering local communities for sustainable wildlife management. Collaborating with organisations like Wilderness Foundation Africa, African Parks, and Tusk Trust, they undertake many exciting sustainability projects across Africa. Get ready for a digital detox like no other at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge! This incredible retreat boasts panoramic views of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, giving you the ultimate getaway experience. Say goodbye to the hustle and bustle as you immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Chobe River, abundant birdlife, and fascinating wildlife. It’s time to disconnect and rediscover the joy of being surrounded by nature
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa, South Africa
Get ready to be enchanted by the sheer allure of this charming wine estate – Lanzerac. It’s all about indulgence, comfort, and warm, friendly service. They’ve decked out their 53 rooms and suites with stylish décor that’ll make your stay truly sumptuous. Picture yourself surrounded by lush gardens, vineyards, and the majestic Jonkershoek mountains, all radiating pure tranquillity. They’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Stellenbosch so you can enjoy the perfect mix of peaceful seclusion and the delightful buzz of the town.
Why we love it for sustainability and wellness:
There’s a lot (of good) going on. Plastic bottles are banished, replaced by chic glass alternatives. Straws, napkins, and coffee cups are biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable. Their menu features local produce, serving only Sassi-registered fish for sustainable fishing. They conserve water, reduce chemical use, and empower women in their vineyards. For wellness, their heavenly spa offers a glass-enclosed lounge, a heated pool, and stunning valley views: no animal testing, just biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging. For the ultimate spa experience, relax in the NeoQi Mediq cocoons for water-based treatments and aroma saunas.
Do your bit: Bring along a reusable coffee cup, and you’ll score a discount for every cuppa Joe you enjoy on the estate.
The Dulini Collection, South Africa
Discover the enchanting wilderness at Dulini Moya, Dulini Leadwood, and Dulini River, three magnificent sanctuaries nestled within South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. With exclusive access to 10,500 hectares of this renowned Big Five haven, you’ll embark on incredible adventures led by expert trackers and guides.
Why we love it for sustainability and wellness:
The Dulini Collection is all about sustainability and wellness with a big heart. Project Dignity empowers rural schoolgirls with essential sanitary wear, ensuring confident education. The esiDulini Community Trust and The Good Work Foundation team up for the incredible Dumphries Digital Learning Campus, unlocking potential through fun digital education. For visitors, a wild adventure awaits at the breath-taking Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Bush walks here are like a natural reset button for your wellbeing, letting you escape the chaos of daily life, breathe in fresh air, and recharge your mind and body.
Great Plains Conservation, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe
Great Plains Conservation is not just about luxury and adventure but also funding innovative conservation projects. With fifteen camps across Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, they’re all about keeping things low-volume and low-impact to protect the environment. They believe in finding that perfect sweet spot between conservation, communities, and commerce to make a lasting difference for the world’s most incredible wildlife and wilderness areas.
Why we love it for sustainability and wellness:
Great Plains Conservation and andBeyond teamed up for Rhinos Without Borders, relocating 87 rhinos to a secure Botswana sanctuary. This effort employs and trains field monitors conducts surveys, and provides sustainable lighting through the Solar Lantern project. They host Student Conservation Camps in Kenya and Botswana, promoting conservation with comics and artist collaborations. Great Plains also sponsors the Maasai Olympics, transforming lion-hunting traditions while honouring Maasai heritage. For guests looking for a unique way to relax they offer a horse safari in the Chyulu Hills, a fantastic way to boost wellness by connecting with nature, reducing stress, improving mental wellbeing, and making equine friends.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Forest Lodge, South Africa
Grootbos is a magnificent luxury eco-reserve tucked away near the Southern tip of Africa, surrounded by mountains, forests, and the sparkling sea. With just 27 beautifully designed suites, you’ll have all the seclusion you need to enjoy the nature around you fully.
Why we love it for sustainability and wellness:
Grootbos is dedicated to preserving the natural environment of the Cape Floral Kingdom. From teaching about indigenous horticulture and conservation to providing life skills training, Grootbos is all about education and empowerment in their local community. They even offer green economy initiatives that create training and job opportunities for those in need. Plus, they’re researching sustainable solutions for food insecurity. And if you visit, get ready for a fantastic experience! Take a 4×4 botanical safari, hop on an open-top Land Rover, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Fynbos. You’ll learn about its history and witness the stunning flora and fauna that inspire breathtaking artworks in the Grootbos Florilegium.
Let one of GILTEDGE’s travel experts assemble a getaway that is good for the planet and your soul. Contact us today so we can start organising a trip to Africa with a difference.