Bernie has always believed in a sustainable tourism model and as of May he will have all three of his wonderful camps running on solar power. This is just the latest in his drive towards ensuring that Garonga reduces its carbon footprint and creates a truly eco-friendly safari.
Other initiatives already running on site include environmental impact management – measuring and distributing waste to ensure everything possible is recycled. Water wastage management is implemented with an on-site water filtration plant for grey water reuse along with the use of water geysers to reduce the use of electricity. The recycled grey water is filtered/cleaned and pumped down to the waterholes in front of Safari Camp making it drinkable for animals and cuts out the need to have to pump fresh water from the borehole saving masses of water.
There is also a bottled water system on site that provides immediate cold still and sparking water for guests to fill up their reusable water bottles that they are given as gifts on arrival.
Garonga also has a carbon neutralising project that guests have been encouraged to get involved in. This gave them the opportunity to plant an indigenous Spekboom tree in the boma to enable them to be protected from the ellies. This plant (Portulacaria Africa) holds perhaps one of the greatest secrets in our fight against offsetting carbon Emissions. This evergreen succulent is indigenous to South Africa and can be found towering high in the Arid Karoo or in the Eastern Cape. This plant can grow to 5m in height and live up to 200 years old. The highest recorded carbon sequestration from a Spekboom thicket is 15.4 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) per hectare per year, making it a great contender against the Amazon Rainforest. On average though, 1 hectare of Spekboom will sequester 4-10 tonnes of CO2 per year in the right Circumstances. It can easily survive in the harshest on environments with little water.
Bernie also believes in an organic approach to conservation. Whenever feasible he will invite local school children in to experience the bush and game drives. This way they are learning first-hand about the benefits of wildlife tourism and the importance of protecting their environment. Garonga gives them a full BBQ lunch , drinks and then the all-important game drive instilling the need for wildlife conservation from a young age.
Bernie’s aim is to continually seek innovative ways to be kinder to our environment and the wildlife we share it with.