Tintswalo Lapalala has taken up the #SpekboomChallenge to champion the planting of spekboom (Portulacaria afra) within the pristine Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in the Waterberg (Limpopo).The luxury tented lodge already operates off the grid, but to offset the carbon footprint of its safari vehicles and emergency generators, it has now started cultivating seedlings of these ‘super’ plants.
The luxury tented lodge already operates off the grid, but to offset the carbon footprint of its safari vehicles and emergency generators, it has now started cultivating seedlings of these ‘super’ plants.Information on the #SpekboomChallenge is shared with guests who are encouraged to participate in the conservation initiative. On check-out, each person receives a cutting with the invitation to plant their own spekboom. Guests have the choice to plant their spekboom around the lodge, or elsewhere within the expansive reserve that stretches across 44 500 hectares of untouched wilderness.
The spekboom is indigenous to the Eastern Cape but is also found throughout the drier parts of South Africa. One hectare of spekboom can sequester between four and ten tonnes of carbon per year. This makes it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and the move towards a zero-carbon world. The spekboom can live up to 200 years and can grow up to five metres tall. They are equipped with a unique mechanism to adapt to their surroundings and during drought periods the water-wise plant is able to conserve and prevent water loss during the heat of the day. Spekboom is very high in nutritional value with a delicious, juicy lemon taste that is a favourite food for black rhinos, kudus and elephants.
Says lodge manager Tanja Jacobs: ‘We have had a very good response and our guests just love this conservation initiative where the spekboom is specially packaged and presented to them as a farewell gift from Tintswalo Lapalala. We are a family-friendly lodge and children especially like getting their hands dirty and choosing a spot to plant their own seedling in the reserve. After spending time here in the wilderness they are inspired to leave with a greater understanding of the shared responsibility towards conservation and the small things we can do each day to help make our earth a healthier place.’
About Tintswalo Lapalala
Situated in the malaria-free Waterberg region in Limpopo province, Tintswalo Lapalala is a family-friendly lodge of seven luxury tented suites with private plunge pools, accommodating up to 16 adults and four children. Environmentally conscious, it is operated off the grid, presenting a sustainable wilderness and safari experience within the expansive 44 500-hectare reserve. With 27km of pristine river frontage, unique wilderness activities include riverside picnics, fishing and swimming in rapids and crystal-clear rock pools. Daily game drives and guided bush walks are on offer, as well as a Children’s Activity programme. Excursions are offered to ancient iron age and rock art sites within the reserve, in addition to visits to the Wildlife Breeding programmes and the community-based Wilderness School. Other relaxing pursuits include spa treatments, sundowner cruises, birdwatching, stargazing and romantic sleep-outs.
About Tintswalo Lodges
Tintswalo Lodges is an exquisite collection of five family-owned and run properties situated in unique locations within South Africa. Perched on a pebbled beach at the foot of the Table Mountain National Park, directly overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the award-winning Tintswalo Atlantic boutique lodge is renowned as one of Cape Town’s most precious hidden gems. Sharing an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, Tintswalo Safari Lodge sits on the pristine Manyeleti Private Game Reserve, home to some of South Africa’s best game viewing. Within this property, Tintswalo Manor House offers a luxurious, fully-catered villa for families or friends looking for a tailor-made stay. New additions to Tintswalo’s collection of luxury lodges and boutique hotels include Tintswalo at Boulders Boutique Villa in Cape Town, located on Boulders Beach with its world-famous colony of endangered African penguins. Luxury tented camp Tintswalo Lapalala offers a family-friendly safari experience in an expansive, pristine private reserve within the malaria-free Waterberg region (Limpopo province).
Issued by FIVESTAR PR
Media Enquiries: Janie van der Spuy. Tel: +27 21 434 3676. Cell: +27 83 324 5558 Email: janie@fivestarpr.co.za. Website: www.fivestarpr.co.za
On behalf of TINTSWALO LODGES
Kim De Klerk
PR and Marketing Coordinator
Tel: +27 21 773 0770
Email: pr@tintswalo.com www.tintswalo.com
