Top 5 Sustainable Stays in KZN

by Zeldi Smulders

Published on November 29, 2022

5 min read

KwaZulu-Natal — or KZN — is a magnificent South African province full of varied landscapes and unique experiences that’ll amaze any traveller. You can explore beautiful scenes of beaches, forests, mountains, and wildlife in game reserves, all with a light environmental footprint. Sustainability is prominent in various aspects of KZN’s offerings, including many of the stunning accommodation options. This all year-round visitor-welcoming destination makes for an impactful South African adventure.

Here’s our list of the top 5 sustainable stays in KZN:

1. Isibindi Africa Lodges

Isibindi Africa boasts 3 stays in South Africa, all set within protected lands in KZN. By empowering its community and conservation projects, The Isibindi Foundation allows guests to make a purposeful impact when choosing these eco-lodges. Its Kosi Forest Lodge, situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers rooms hidden within a coastal dune forest alongside the mesmerising Kosi Bay lake system, making it a perfectly unique getaway for families and honeymooners.

Location: Elephant Coast

Budget: Fancy

Sustainability

Sustainability:

Isibindi Africa Lodges is dedicated to providing luxury accommodation that is beneficial to both local communities and the environment. The lodges are committed to protecting the biodiversity of the areas in which they are based, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting the local economy thro

Responsible food sourcing

Isibindi sources all of its food ethically and sustainably. They source fresh and organic food from local farmers and suppliers, grown without chemical fertilisers or pesticides. Additionally, Isibindi Africa Lodges works with its suppliers to ensure fair labour practices and support local communit

Waste management

They have implemented a thorough waste management system to ensure that all waste is sorted and recycled.

Energy use

Isibindi Africa lodges have invested in renewable energy sources, such as solar power, to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. They also have installed energy-efficient lighting and appliances, reducing their electricity consumption and carbon emissions.

Water use

Isibindi applies various measures for reducing water consumption, such as rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse. The lodges have installed water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and shower heads. They also have a detailed environmental education program for their staff, guests and loc

Conservation and community

Isibindi Africa Lodges is committed to protecting the natural environment and conserving Africa's unique biodiversity. They have several initiatives in place to ensure the protection and conservation of the region's endemic species and habitats, including establishing game reserves, preserving rare

What to look out for:

Discover the only fruit-eating vulture in the world on a birding expedition or see leatherback and loggerhead turtles lay eggs in the sand on a turtle-tracking expedition.
Explore the pristine environment on a walk through ancient Raphia palm forests. Alternatively, do so by snorkelling the Kosi Mouth or on a guided boat trip along the lake system.

2. &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve

Phinda Private Game Reserve comprises 29.866 ha of protected wilderness encompassing 7 different habitats. Home to the Big 5, &Beyond’s Phinda collection boats 6 luxury lodges, including Phinda Rock Lodge with its private stone suites boasting awe-inspiring views of the Zululand valley. At Phinda, professionally trained &Beyond rangers and Zulu trackers lead interpretive game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles as well as other specialist walking, tracking, photography or birding safaris.

Location: Zululand Budget: Fancy

Sustainability

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is an iconic African wildlife conservation success story. The Reserve has a long history of sustainability and conservation, making it a model of conservation excellence in the region. &Beyond Phinda has received numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Eco-Award for excellence in sustainable tourism. The Reserve employs a holistic approach to sustainability, focusing on the well-being of the people, environment, and wildlife that make up the Reserve.

Energy use

Phinda Private Game Reserve has installed a large-scale solar photovoltaic power plant to reduce their dependency on the grid and carbon emissions. They have also implemented various energy-saving measures, such as replacing traditional lighting with LED bulbs and installing energy-efficient appliances.

Water conservation

The Reserve has undertaken a program to reduce water consumption, including installing water-saving devices, harvesting rainwater, and using recycled greywater for irrigation.