GIVING BACK

African Rock Hotel & Spa” is a member of Fair Trade Tourism and we are in the process of aligning our operations with FTT’s global best practice sustainable tourism framework. Our goal in doing so is to ensure that, through our business, the people who contribute their land, resources, labour, and knowledge to tourism are the ones who reap the benefits, and that the natural environment on which it all depends is treated with respect.

We are committed to responsible, Fair Trade Tourism, including the responsible management of social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts.

 What We Stand For and What We Do

🌱 Caring for the Environment
What we believe:
We need to protect nature.
What we do:
Use less water and electricity.
Recycle and reduce waste.
Use local plants in our garden to save water and support wildlife.

💼 Supporting Local People
What we believe:
The community around us should benefit from our business.
What we do:
Buy from local farmers, artists, and small businesses.
Hire local staff and give them fair pay and training.
Recommend local places and experiences to our guests.

❤️ Helping the Community
What we believe:
We should give back and be good neighbours.
What we do:
Support local schools, charities, and projects.
Share local culture and traditions with guests.
Create honest and respectful experiences that connect people.

🌍 Making Travel Meaningful
What we believe:
Travel should be good for both visitors and the places they visit.
What we do:
Offer real experiences that teach and inspire.
Share how guests can help the environment and local people.
Give guests the chance to travel with care and purpose. 

📍 Respecting Our Destination
What we believe:
We must look after the place we call home.
What we do:
Run our hotel in a way that helps nature and people long-term.
Celebrate what makes region and Southern Africa special.
Always look for better ways to do things for a better future.

Travel with heart. Stay with purpose.
That’s the African Rock Hotel & Spa promise.

Back in 2009, whilst designing, building and creating our hotel, sustainability was foremost in our minds. One can say, saving the planet was and still is in our DNA and therefore integrated in our operating procedures right from the onset.

Paperless environment
Electronic check in procedure using your own mobile device
Photographed passport/ID
Safe electronic storage of personal data
Invoices are sent via email (printed version on request only)

Water saving measures:
Linen and towel washing policy
Toilet flushing – big flush & small flush
Specially designed shower heads but not compromising a good shower experience
Taps have water diffusers

Energy saving measures:
Day/night switches control all external lights
Energy saving- or LED-globes
Timer devices installed
Energy saving electronic appliances where possible
Energy saving power tools and gardening equipment

Recycling measures:
Light globes
Plastic
Paper
Tins/cans
Glass
Batteries
Electronic appliances
E-Waste; computers, printers, cartridges, etc.
Composting of kitchen waste
Compost heap for garden refuse
Linen and towels

ARH is Socially responsible
Our staff policies:
Everyone is equal
Everyone is treated with respect
Everyone is treated fair
Everyone gets the opportunity to be the best they can, Always!
Bottom-up management, means: Everyone is involved in the running of ARH
Skills training is ongoing and encouraged
Knowledge is everything, therefor all our staff members are encouraged to
use the free data via our dedicated Staff Wifi connection
Our “Guest” computer is open for guests and staff alike

Our procurement philosophy:
Where possible, products are procured from suppliers in our immediate vicinity
We buy from local sustainable producers (Farmers Markets):
Fresh produce
Farm Eggs from free roaming chickens
Unique art pieces, artefacts and craft (for sale in our curios and craft shop)
Local artists designed and produced most of our light fittings:
On sale in our shop
Most of our furniture was purposely designed by ourselves and manufactured by local craftsman

Other nice stuff we do:
Healthy food is important for young learners, we offer support and food to our local school kids.