From harnessing solar power to sourcing local and sustainable suppliers across our lodge operations, and supporting critical wildlife conservation initiatives, our eco-friendly approach is woven into our ethos and our operations. These efforts are a reflection of the deep respect we have for the environment we call home, and are designed to minimise our ecological footprint, while we foster a community of sustainability within our team and for our guests.
We Care
At Serondella, sustainability is not just a philosophy, it is one of our foundational pillars.
Since our reopening, we have made significant investments to reinforce our commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring that our lodge operates in harmony with the natural world.
Harnessing Solar Power
We are lucky enough to have sunshine in abundance, and at the end of 2024, we implemented a state-of-the-art solar power farm, making the lodge solar-powered 100% in the day-time hours and all the way to midnight. It is no easy feat to keep our luxury spaces, swimming pools, spa, and the culinary wizards in the kitchen operating full steam ahead using pure solar power, so we have installed no less than 320 panels to do the job! Our hot water geysers run on gas, once again choosing cleaner energy and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring that Serondella operates harmoniously with the environment.
Choosing Reusables
In our ongoing efforts to reduce waste and make a shift to “reusable consumables” as far as possible, we provide superior quality water bottles and flasks by South African company Lizzard, for individual guests to take on game drives and to use throughout their stay. Purified water, both sparkling and still, are available from the tap, reducing our need for bottled water dramatically.
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This initiative not only decreases plastic waste but also promotes a culture of sustainability throughout our Serondella family. Our food is sourced almost exclusively from farms and suppliers in our nearest town (Hoedspruit), and if we branch out, the furthest we need to seek is our neighbouring city. Having local ingredients in fuelling the food we eat not only supports our drive towards healthier living, but reduces the carbon footprint of our food, and sustains the local farming and grocery economy.
Watch this space as we endeavour to grow our own vegetable garden sufficient to support the ambitious menu in our kitchen and further decrease our need for packaging and refrigerated transport.
Choosing Reusables
In our ongoing efforts to reduce waste and make a shift to “reusable consumables” as far as possible, we provide superior quality water bottles and flasks by South African company Lizzard, for individual guests to take on game drives and to use throughout their stay. Purified water, both sparkling and still, are available from the tap, reducing our need for bottled water dramatically.
Read More
This initiative not only decreases plastic waste but also promotes a culture of sustainability throughout our Serondella family. Our food is sourced almost exclusively from farms and suppliers in our nearest town (Hoedspruit), and if we branch out, the furthest we need to seek is our neighbouring city. Having local ingredients in fuelling the food we eat not only supports our drive towards healthier living, but reduces the carbon footprint of our food, and sustains the local farming and grocery economy.
Watch this space as we endeavour to grow our own vegetable garden sufficient to support the ambitious menu in our kitchen and further decrease our need for packaging and refrigerated transport.
Partnerships with purpose
Woven into the fabric of Serondella are our partnerships with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. From locally sourced supplies to eco-friendly amenities, we ensure that our procurement processes support environmental stewardship and benefit the local economy.
Our primary goal is to preserve and protect the African wilderness for future generations. Through our comprehensive sustainability practices, we strive to offer an exceptional safari experience that honours and sustains the natural world.
Innovative Water Purification
Water is a precious resource, and nowhere else than in the natural environment do we see the impact of when it is present and when it is absent. Our connection to nature is a welcome reminder of how valuable our natural resources are, so at Serondella we employ advanced systems to manage them responsibly. We use a UV-light water filtration system to purify water for consumption, avoiding the need for chemical cleansing and enhancing our physical health and environmental health along the way.
Wildlife Conservation and Collaboration
Protecting wildlife and supporting our local community are integral to Serondella’s story and at the root of our reason. We are active members of our reserve management forum, and in 2024 we decided to repurpose the infrastructure of our newly acquired property (formerly Jackalberry Lodge) and dedicate it to the new acting Headquarters for Thornybush Nature Reserve.
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From supporting the K9 unit that works seamlessly with anti-poaching field rangers to equipping the aerial support team, we dedicate resources to strengthening the reserve’s security. Our collaborative partnership with Jana Meyer (Hope for Wildlife), one of the Greater Kruger’s most celebrated and skilled helicopter pilots, led to a co-purchase of a helicopter used in air patrols and added the incredible component of scenic flights to our guests’ safari experience.
We invite our guests to have hands-on involvement with conservation efforts in our reserve; be that a visit to the K9 unit where trained hounds are working alongside Field Rangers to mitigate wildlife poaching threats; or be that a helicopter flight with Jana as she patrols the skies and shares her depth of knowledge about conservation. The opportunity to sponsor an elephant collaring, or fund anti-poaching and wildlife research activities is always a deeply impactful way to have a personal connection with conservation. We’re here to facilitate every experience that will have a lasting impression on both our guests and our environment.
Community Engagement
Conservation extends beyond wildlife – it has its roots in the wellbeing of our local community – the people who live alongside the protected wildlife areas. As part of our commitment to sustainable impact, we have invested in building vital infrastructure at local schools, creating better learning environments for the next generation. Through these efforts, we aim to empower young minds with education and inspire future conservationists.
We also invite our guests to be part of this journey. Through guided visits, you can engage with teachers and students, gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of rural education in South Africa. Whether it’s participating in a soccer game, supporting ongoing projects, or simply sharing stories, these meaningful interactions foster a deeper connection to the community and the land we want to protect.
