Growing sustainability at Rhulani Safari Lodge

At Rhulani Safari Lodge, sustainability is more than a commitment — it is part of the way we operate every day. As a proud Travelife Gold Certified lodge, we continuously look for meaningful ways to reduce our environmental footprint while creating long-term value for our guests, staff, and surrounding community. One of our newest initiatives is the development of our very own vegetable garden project, beginning with the construction of a dedicated veggie tunnel that will soon become home to a variety of fresh produce grown right here at the lodge.

The project began with identifying a suitable location for the tunnel installation. Our team carefully cleared the selected area by removing dense bush and vegetation to prepare the site for development.

Once the area was cleared, large dolomite stones were removed and the ground was levelled to create a stable and secure foundation for the veggie tunnel structure. This preparation work was essential to ensure long-term durability and proper growing conditions.

After the groundwork was completed, the veggie tunnel framework was installed and the protective covering secured. The tunnel will provide a controlled growing environment, helping to protect future crops from harsh weather conditions while supporting healthier and more consistent growth throughout the seasons.

With the structure in place, attention turned to preparing the soil beds. Compost was incorporated into the soil to improve nutrient content and overall soil quality, creating a rich foundation for vegetable cultivation.

Organic material was also added to encourage beneficial bacteria activity and promote long-term soil health. Healthy soil is the cornerstone of sustainable farming, and these steps are designed to support productive harvests for years to come.

The planting areas were then carefully levelled and conditioned, with dedicated sections created for different types of vegetables and crops that will soon be planted.

The next phase of the project involves relocating and installing irrigation lines to ensure efficient and responsible water use throughout the garden. Once the irrigation system is completed, the cultivation process can officially begin.

This initiative forms part of Rhulani Safari Lodge’s broader sustainability vision — supporting responsible tourism, reducing food transportation impacts, and creating opportunities for fresh, locally grown produce to be enjoyed by our guests.

We are excited to watch this project grow and look forward to sharing future updates as our veggie garden begins to flourish.