Discover 5 Sustainable Safari Retreats For Eco-Conscious Travelers

We are all well aware of the effects of climate change and how it has affected this beautiful continent, Africa. Well, we went in search of retreats that embrace sustainable travel, wildlife conservancy, community engagement, and eco-conscious tourism. Let’s have a peek into some of these lodges and see what they are doing to empower the people and enrich their surrounding environs. 

Wilderness Bisate Reserve

Wilderness Bisate Reserve is a new camp from the Wilderness family, distinct from its multi-award-winning sister, Wilderness Bisate.

Located on the ridge of a forested slope with stunning views of the Volcanoes National Park, one of the oldest parks in Africa, this remarkable sanctuary offers luxurious lodges that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, minimizing their environmental footprint. The camp features four well-crafted thatched luxury villas with viewing decks and hot tubs, all set in the heart of the rainforest.

Known for its diligent work protecting the iconic endangered mountain gorilla, Bisate actively contributes by providing a haven within its protected boundaries for these beautiful creatures. They also actively contribute to the reforestation and rehabilitation of the land around them. Nearly one hundred indigenous trees have been planted, transforming a former agricultural site into a thriving forest. They have a water harvesting project that provides clean water to five thousand people in the nearby village of Bisate, a beehive project that allows local villagers to practice beekeeping, and which the honey is sold back to the lodges.

The Bisate school project assists with installing internet and solar installations and providing water tanks plus sanitation for the local school’s reopening. They also have community-based medical insurance that supports around two hundred and forty-four villagers with medical insurance. These are just a few conservation and community engagement projects they are engaged in.

A true blend of luxury, conservation, and community engagement. We will be posting a more in-depth look at Bisate Reserve and Wilderness in a later post, but for now, have a look at their website https://www.wildernessdestinations.com/africa/rwanda/volcanoes-national-park/bisate-reserve and follow their journey on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wearewilderness/

Rates: Standard Season: From $3140     Premium Season: From $4200

 Lake Albert Lodge   

In 2005, Lake Albert Safaris partnered with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to collaboratively manage wildlife within the stunning and well-preserved Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve. This partnership became one of Uganda’s most successful private-public partnerships in wildlife conservation. They aimed to create and maintain a wildlife-rich reserve where the beloved African animals would not only exist but thrive. This would mutually benefit the wildlife, the tourists, and the community.

Lake Albert lodge, launched in 2007, sits on the stunning Albertine Rift Valley deck where one can enjoy a wide array of sights and sounds, such as the breathtaking waterfalls, the endless savannah plains, and not forgetting being able to catch glimpses of the Blue Mountains of The Democratic Republic of Congo. The Lodge was constructed with local materials bought from local community groups. All in keeping with their sustainability mission. Their remarkable cottages, which are secluded and well-designed, are perfect for couples and families.

The Lake Albert Lodge is heavily involved with community outreach and engagement. From donating football kits to the local schools, working hand in hand with the local ladies weaving beautiful traditional baskets in the village  to supporting Mama Mzungu soaps. Mzungu Soaps is a company of women and children with albinism who handmake soaps, lip balms, and much more. It is great to see some retreats that call themselves community engagement forward doing precisely that.

We shall later write a full, in-depth blog post about this fantastic Lodge. For more info, visit their website https://www.lodgelakealbert.com/ and follow them on their Instagram handle @Lakealbertlodge

Rates: Single Occupancy: $100        Double Occupancy: $145

 Isambane Camp

Situated in the heart of the Great Kruger Park, Isambane Camp is more than just a boutique retreat—it is a sanctuary where nature, luxury, and eco-consciousness are at the forefront. This beautiful boutique camp boasting three luxury tents, and two charming bush cabins caught our eye. Not only does Isambane Camp excel in providing excellent lodging, but the owners and staff also have an eye for detail regarding hospitality. Their commitment to conservancy and creating an eco-conscious safari experience for their guests is also noble.

This gem of a camp gives the environment the respect it deserves. We say this because they ensure minimal environmental footprint in many ways. When they built Isambane, they barely cut down trees but built smartly around the natural vegetation. The result? A camp that is harmonious  with its surroundings. Isambane Camp is entirely off the grid. Therefore, the use of solar power and on-site reverse osmosis filtration to produce high-quality water is applauded. Plastic usage? Minimal.

This unfenced camp, designed to minimize the impact on wildlife movement in and around the camp, has let the animals roam freely, which must be an awesome experience for the guests. Truly an immersive experience, wouldn’t you say?

Their game drives also seem well thought out. Their knowledgeable and welcoming guides treat their guests to unforgettable safaris and information. We are truly impressed by their approach to this camp. By maintaining a small intimate setting, they are not only benefiting the environment and wildlife but also ensuring a memorable experience for their fortunate guests.

Community partnership and engagement are also their priorities. The proceeds from their curio shop go to providing for and uplifting local families and their communities.They also have numerous research projects throughout the year, such as monitoring the migration of different bird species.

While we have only scratched the surface for now, we will soon delve into Isambane and all it offers in a later post. For now, check out their website https://www.isambanecamp.com/ and follow their story on Instagram @IsambaneCamp.

Rates : Luxury Safari Tent Two Adults Sharing: R8910  Single: R5390 /Bush Cabin Two Adults Sharing: R6820  Single: R4400  / Exclucive use of the camp (10persons max): R29495   

*For more rates, click the above website link                                                                                                                                                                             

Bomanoma Eco-Village

Founded by Brian and Selina in 2022, Bomanoma is not just a place; it’s a way of life. This 100% off-grid sanctuary is where every digital nomad and adventure seeker dreams of staying. Located within the gorgeous Great Rift Valley, it is positioned between The Mau Forest to the North and the beautiful savannas of the Maasai Mara to the south. This stay is hugely impressive. Since this post is about sustainability practiced by retreats, we won’t delve too far into the characteristics and the experiences to be had.

They follow a wide range of eco-friendly and cultural preservation practices such as  having rainwater collection, solar power generation, composting food waste, beekeeping, and a food forest. Their 100% organic farm is a beacon of sustainability. Volunteers play a crucial role while staying here. They help with planting and farming while learning from the experts. The model they have created not only produces food but sees to better and uplift the local Maasai Community

The founders are the heart and soul of this beautiful retreat. They collectively possess extensive expertise in hosting travelers and volunteers from all over the globe. They excel at customizing and crafting experiences for adventure enthusiasts and dedicated volunteers.

The vast volunteer opportunities include education, regenerative agriculture, community development, and Maasai cultural preservation. Giving back is woven into Bomanoma’s DNA. Whether you’re passionate about community service, wildlife conservation, or sustainable agriculture, they have something for you.

Stay Tuned. In an upcoming post, we’ll explore this one-of-a-kind retreat in more detail. But for now, bookmark their website, www.bomanoma.com, and follow their Instagram journey @bomanomakenya.

Rates: Private Cottage starts from $75, Honeymoon Tower Suite starts from $85. Family House (Max five people) starts from $215

* For More Rates, click the above website link

Kyaninga Lodge

Completed in 2010 by the owner, Steve Williams, this impressive Lodge is no stranger to us at ABR. We wrote a piece about this stunning eco-friendly boutique retreat not so long ago that sits on the rim of the crater at Kyaninga. This lovely Lodge hosts nine exclusive lodges, which took six years to build. Crazy right? No lifting machinery nor cranes were used. It’s just pure grit and vision. And what a vision. It took two years with the help of the local community to put up this masterpiece of a lodge.

The lodge runs almost only on solar power. Their log cabins produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than an average home. All building materials were sourced locally, and all labor was locally sourced as well. Even the stone pillars that were the foundation of the lodge, were built using the nearby volcanic rock. It took around 130 people to finish Kyaninga Lodge. 

This is more than a luxurious retreat. What Kyaninga Lodge has done for the local community is outstanding. In 2013, Kyaninga launched the Kyaninga Child Development Centre project. KCDC has been educating and supporting local parent and peer groups by delivering community-based rehabilitation services and connecting with around five thousand children with disabilities. They provide much-needed therapy while also managing severe acute malnutrition suffered by the children. The KCDC encourages families to break down the stigma of disabled children and persons. It is helping them foster acceptance, inclusion, and equal opportunities.

Kyaninga Mobility was established to manufacture and supply locally produced wheelchairs and other mobility equipment for people with disabilities. 

Another project is Kyaninga Forest Foundation, which was established to protect ecosystems such as rivers, forests, and swamps. They have already successfully planted forty thousand Indigenous tresses, raising the biodiversity around them.

That is what you call stepping up. It’s a retreat, showing up and caring for the community and its environment. You can look at our full post about the Lodge, check out their website, https://www.kyaningalodge.com/, and follow their story on Instagram @Kyaningalodge.

*For Rates please click the above website link and contact them

These are just a few of the retreats that are commited to eco-conscious travel, sustainability and community engagement. There are lots more and we shall always be more than happy to shine a light on them. Safe travels everyone.