Rhulani Safari Lodge — 2025 sustainability year in review

Rhulani Safari Lodge is pleased to share its 2025 sustainability achievements and key priorities for the future, building on the commitments outlined in its sustainability strategy. Rhulani continues to integrate environmental stewardship, conservation support, and meaningful community engagement into its day-to-day operations.

• Travelife Gold Certification: In April 2025, Rhulani became only the second hotel in South Africa to receive Travelife Gold Sustainability Certification, affirming its compliance with international standards covering emissions, biodiversity protection, fair labour practices, and more.
• Waste & Resource Management: Rhulani enhanced waste transparency by weighing and separating all waste streams and introducing composting. A reverse-osmosis (RO) water purification system was installed, significantly reducing bottled water use and supporting lodge operations with safe, locally produced drinking water.
• Water Monitoring: A borehole-water metering system enables precise monthly tracking of water use, helping to inform future reduction targets.
• Conservation Support: The lodge actively supported wildlife protection initiatives, including anti-poaching efforts, wildlife waterhole refurbishment, ranger assistance with lion work, and a guest-involved rhino notching activity.
• Community Engagement: Projects included cultural exchanges with local villagers, fundraising for and installation of a school generator at Supingstad Primary School, and provision of essential equipment such as printers and laptops.
• Sustainable Procurement & Staff Development: Rhulani strengthened responsible sourcing of meat and eliminated certain animal-derived curio sales, while updating staff training records and providing financial-literacy and workplace-harassment prevention training. (Internal lodge assessment)

Despite strong progress, Rhulani aims to further reduce reliance on diesel generators and complete formal sustainability training for all staff. Continued collaboration with waste suppliers is also a focus for 2026.

Looking ahead, Rhulani will build on this foundation by:

• Targeting specific greenhouse gas reductions aligned with Travelife goals.
• Optimising resource use through better measurement and management.
• Increasing guest engagement in conservation and community initiatives.
• Expanding formal sustainability education for all team members.

Rhulani Safari Lodge remains deeply committed to harmonising luxury hospitality with environmental responsibility, wildlife conservation, and community partnership as part of its ongoing sustainability journey.

For more details on our sustainability commitments, see the Rhulani Safari Lodge Sustainability page: https://www.rhulani.com/about/sustainability