Traveling green – top 10 eco breaks in South Africa

I've often wondered what it must be like for a tourist arriving in a remote part of Southern Africa, being whisked away from their creature comforts of a far off world full of busy streets and traffic jams.

The plane lands in Johannesburg; it's been a long flight straight out of a bustling metropolis. A strange man with an unusual accent piles them into a transfer vehicle and they're either in for a few hours drive across the country or they're crammed into a mosquito-like plane bound for one of Southern Africa's famous tourist locations.

The last thing you'd want as a traveler is to stay at an establishment that is uncomfortable, unkempt, lacked service excellence or left you to defend yourself against the harsh African elements. But as a concerned traveller, you want to travel with peace of mind, knowing that you did your bit for mother nature while you enjoyed the luxury of rejuvenating on your holiday.

'Green' is the new buzz word on many of our lips in recent years, from organic produce and biodegradable products to responsible and eco travel. Having run an environmentally friendly lodge in the greater Kruger National Park, I know a bit about eco accommodation and how to make guests happy without compromising on the comfort of their stay. Here are a few destinations in South Africa that I've picked out that are eco establishments that live up to every guest's expectations.

1. Bulungula Eco Lodge (Transkei) – A magical backpackers run on solar power (their rocket showers are legendary). Contact: Tel 047-577-8900, email paradise@bulungula.com, www.bulungula.com.

2. The Oyster Box (Umhlanga) - This luxury hotel earns five stars from Mother Nature too. Contact: 031-514-5000, email info@oysterbox.co.za, www.oysterboxhotel.com.

3. Mashovhela Lodge (Soutpansberg) – A cozy, warm and earth friendly Venda-styled lodge. Contact: Tel 012-991-6930, email info@mashovhela.com, www.mashovhela.com.

4. Reflections Eco-reserve (Wilderness) - charming self catering chalets hugging the banks of Rondevlei. Contact: Tel 071-683-4133, email reflection@mweb.co.za, www.reflectionsreserve.com.

5. Umlani Bush Camp (Timbavati Game Reserve) – A classic rustic safari camp with a philosophy of 'getting back to nature'. Contact: Tel 021-785-5547, email info@umlani.com, www.umlani.com.

6. Spier hotel and conferencing (Stellenbosch) – Sip wine and sleep soundly at this award winning hotel in the Cape winelands. Contact: Tel 021-809-1100, email info@spier.co.za, www.spier.co.za.

7. Three trees hill (Spioenkop) – This lodge oozes history, intimate hospitality and ‘green' accommodation. Contact: Tel 036-448-1171, email reservations@threetreehill.co.za, www.threetreehill.co.za.

8. Rocktail Beach Camp (Maputaland) – An environmentally conscious camp perfect for anyone interested in world-class diving and snorkelling, remote, unspoilt beaches. Contact: Tel 011-257-5333, info@safariadventurecompany.com, www.safariadventurecompany.com.

9. Phantom Forest Eco Reserve (Knysna) – Their elevated tree suites got this establishment the winner of ‘Africa's leading green hotel award'. Contact: Tel 044-386-0046, email info@phantomforest.com, www.phantomforest.com.

10. Kariega Game Reserve (Kenton on Sea) – This one-of-a-kind lodge is unique in that it connects a Big-5 game reserve to the sea. Contact: Tel 046-636-7904, reservations@kariega.net, www.kariega.co.za.

For more information on green accommodation, green business, green products, green conferencing and green events in Africa, visit the Green Leaf Environmental Standard website.