WE CAN all agree that Africa is home to some of the most impressive wildlife and scenery in the world, but with the rising number of visitors to the continent, some of the natural habitats that have thrived for thousands of years are at risk of being destroyed by careless tourists. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to minimise the mark you leave. One of the best ways to do so is to stay at an eco-friendly lodge, where conservation and sustainability are key.
With plenty of eco-friendly lodges scattered across Africa, Jess Signet details five of our favourites.
Etendeka Mountain Camp, Namibia
If you are looking to relax and take in the beauty that is Africa’s wilderness, this camp is a great place to start. The camp was built using local materials and is mostly solar-powered. You will sleep out under rustic canvas tents and eat your meals under the enormous African sky. It has an incredibly calming atmosphere and a remote location that will help you find your zen and feel at one with your surroundings.
Sindabezi, Zambia
If you are planning a visit to Victoria Falls, you could always forego the more touristy places and stay at this comfortable camp located in the middle of the Zambezi River. From biodegradable waste products to solar energy, this resort is doing as much as it can to minimise its impact on the surrounding flood plains, and with its low number of lodgings, you will definitely feel as though you are in a place apart from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. Fall asleep listening to the gentle sounds of the river, and you might find you have the best night’s sleep of your life!
Greystoke Mahale, Tanzania
Nestled between the stunning Lake Tanganyika and its surrounding mountains, your stay at this eco-camp will leave you breathless at its beauty. Beyond its beaches (where you could easily spend a lifetime relaxing and catching some sun), the camp is also considered to be one of the number one places in Africa for viewing chimpanzees. You will reach the camp by boat, which only adds to the adventure, and you will find plenty of creature-comforts at the resort, including a bar and decent showers.
Camp Nomade, Chad
We have all seen movies about those classic African safaris, and this camp is pretty close to what you see on the screen. The camp moves throughout the season to follow migratory patterns, so that you can ensure you are seeing some of the best wildlife. Even if you do not move camp during your trip, you will still feel as though you are simply passing through the area. Beyond that, Zakouma National Park is home to the ‘Big Five’, and all proceeds from your stay at the camp go directly back into funding the preservation of the animals and other national park costs.
Madagascar Island Safaris, Madagascar
If you are looking for an adventure, this is the place. You will have the chance to spend your days snorkelling, sea-kayaking or chilling on the boat with a cold beer in hand. You can choose to stay at just one of the camps, or island-hop between a couple of different camps during your vacation for a change of scenery. The camps are built from local materials, with a range of options available to suit different budgets, so there is a little something for everyone.
Still not ready to pull the trigger on that Africa trip of a lifetime? Maybe you need to check out Wildest Africa (available for streaming on Netflix). Just use a VPN to sidestep geo-restrictions if you are getting an error message. The show focuses on the best of Africa, from its wildlife to its people. Next thing you know, you will be all ready to get out there and see those elephants, cheetahs and more up close. What are you waiting for?
- Jess Signet is an avid traveller and enjoys writing about her adventures. Knowing there is more to the world than the bubble she lives in makes her want to travel even further. Jess is passionate about sharing her adventures and inspiring others to see the world.
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