Sustainability at Big Sky Lodges
Written by Zeldi Smulders
Each of the properties of Namibia’s Big Sky Lodges has a passion for what they do – a practical approach to sustainability that benefits the land, wildlife and community – and it shows! They believe in providing travellers with the opportunity to get close to nature while making their stay as comfortable and enlightening as possible. This group puts their sustainability philosophy into action through 3 luxurious and eco-friendly properties, and 1 walking-trail experience, scattered across the central, coastal and northern parts of Namibia.
A Passion for People and Empathy for the Earth
Ai Aiba Lodge
Ai Aiba - The Rock Painting Lodge - is set between immense granite rock boulders overlooking the Erongo mountain range. These rock formations are the eroded remains of an ancient volcanic complex, and the lodge’s proximity allows guests to immerse themselves in mystifying history and nature while staying in chalets that are fit for this purpose. Visitors are encouraged to experience the veld with all of their senses and leave inspired by the incredible biodiversity of the area.
The guides at Ai Aiba have been professionally trained to interpret the bushman rock paintings to guests. Visitors can also make a stop at the San Living Museum to learn more about this ancient culture and what it’s like to live in one of these villages. Ai Aiba is an active member of the Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, which is an association of farmers who are dedicated to preserving and protecting the unique fauna and flora, together with the granite landscape of the Erongo. Forming part of a 200.000 ha conservancy, they actively protect the area’s endangered species, including the magnificent black rhino.
Villa Margherita
Partnered with Naturally Namibia to provide travellers with unforgettable safari experiences, Villa Margherita is a small luxury boutique hotel in Swakopmund that has seamlessly blended its collection of contemporary art with the historic building in which it’s housed. Villa Margherita boasts a cosy organic eatery available for in-house guests only. Although Margherita means ‘daisy’ in Italian, the hotel’s name was chosen as a tribute to an exceptional woman who inspired the founders of Villa Margherita.
This establishment has a high employment ratio and trusts in the abilities of its staff, showing how much they are valued by providing them with continuous training opportunities. Villa Margherita also supports the Mondesa Youth Opportunities Trust (MYO), a non-profit Namibian trust that aims to educate children from the Swakopmund township of Mondisa so that they are equipped to become future leaders. Staff members can organise trips to Mondesa for guests to visit the local community and experience the work of MYO first-hand.
Etendeka Mountain Camp
Etendeka Mountain Camp is found in the foothills of the Grootberg massif amidst the ancient Etendeka lavas of northern Damaraland. The ancient basalt has been steadily eroded over millennia, leaving dispersed boulders resting upon stunning flat-topped mountains. At this eco-friendly camp, nature is the selling point. It is their highest priority to disturb the local habitat as little as possible, encouraging guests to tread lightly wherever possible, while their slower approach to a safari allows getting to know the environment on a more intimate level. Desert-adapted wildlife find refuge in these unforgiving lands, which can be explored on foot or in open game drive vehicles accompanied by knowledgeable guides.
The camp’s sustainability efforts include electricity and warm water that is 100% solar-powered, both in the kitchen and the guest bathrooms, as well as for general electricity requirements. When hiking, refillable water bottles are provided, and in the restaurant, glass bottles are used. As a recognition of their efforts, Etendeka Mountain Camp was awarded the highest rating of 5 flowers by the Eco Awards of Namibia.
Etendeka Walking Trails Experience
Entendeka’s visitors can join knowledgeable guides to trek through Namibia’s untouched Damaraland landscape on foot, exploring ancient rock formations, sleeping under the stars and experiencing this remote conservation area that is swarming with desert life. This walking experience is a unique offering from the Etendeka Lodge Company and the Etendeka Community Trust, which comprises the Anabeb and Omatendeka Community Conservancies. Those who take part can look forward to meals cooked over an open fire and upclose sightings of wildlife like the desert-adapted elephant.
Each of the properties of Big Sky Lodges has an uncomplicated, loving and respectful relationship with nature, and with their community. Guests who stay with them will experience Namibia’s stunning landscapes, together with the unforgettable passion for making a difference.
Looking to connect with nature without compromising on comfort and luxury? Book your trip with Viatu and set off on the adventure of a lifetime!
