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.

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.’

Luxury Hotel in Cape Town Now Part of Exclusive Luxury Travel Network

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA January 2020 – Tintswalo Atlantic has been accepted into Virtuoso®’s exclusive portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprised of more than 1,800 preferred suppliers in 100 countries. According to Lisa Goosen, CEO of Tintswalo Lodges, inclusion in Virtuoso will open up new sales and marketing opportunities to the network’s 20,000 luxury travel advisors and their highly desirable clientele. Virtuoso agencies sell more than (U.S.) $26.4 billion annually, making the network the most significant player in luxury travel.

“Virtuoso’s acceptance process is incredibly selective, so becoming a preferred partner is a true honour,” said Goosen. “The reputation Virtuoso member advisors have for outstanding dedication to their clients is a perfect fit with our own bespoke approach to service. Now that we’re part of this renowned network, we look forward to offering Virtuoso advisors and their clients special amenities, values and experiences that surpass their expectations.”

Tintswalo Atlantic joins Virtuoso’s collection of the finest luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators and other suppliers worldwide. These partners, which specialize in world-class client service and experiences, secure Virtuoso clients superior offerings, rare opportunities and exceptional value. These prestigious providers are able to market to Virtuoso clients via network vehicles and to Virtuoso agencies through multiple communications channels and events, including Virtuoso Travel Week, luxury travel’s largest worldwide gathering. Tintswalo Atlantic’s acceptance into Virtuoso gives it direct relationships with the world’s leading leisure travel agencies in North and Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.