Eco Lodge
Building the lodge
During construction, no heavy machinery was brought to the site; thus limiting impact not only through transportation, but also limiting the need to use fossil fuels. The entire lodge was designed to replicate traditional Batswana style buildings. Natural elements were used in the design of the lodge, such as rock, wood, grass and stone. This, combined with using traditional building methods, ensured minimal impact to the environment.
All the rooms were built to allow as much natural lighting in – minimizing the need for artificial lighting. The design of the rooms allowed for trees to be left un-spoilt, with outdoor rain showers built incorporating them – furthermore enhancing guests experience, through ‘Bringing nature indoors’. Recycled building rubble was used to build our boma, generator housing and vehicle wash bay,incorporating the solar panel structure to create shade for the game viewing vehicles.
The thatch used for the entire lodge was sourced locally in Pandamatenga. Permits were attained from the Forestry Department allowing for the collection of dead Leadwood trees, to be used instead of gum poles – thus creating a more natural flow to the structure of the main area. All artwork & artefacts used for decorations were sourced locally, and are authentically African – each piece having its own story to tell.
Power consumption
The entire lodge is off the National grid and is electrified using only solar generated power, connected to an inverter and batteries. A back-up 6.5KvA generator is used only in extreme situations to top up the batteries.
All our globes are low wattage, ranging from 0.5 Watt (path lights) to a maximum of 20 Watt (Waterhole spotlight). In fact, each rooms’ lighting (including bedside lamps and outside lighting) amounts to only 18.5 Watts. This means that if all eleven units are lit simultaneously, the total wattage would amount to 203.5 Watts – This equates to using two 100W old style bulbs. All rooms are equipped with low wattage fans, avoiding the need for air conditioning. All our fridges and freezers are ENERGY A++, using 112kWh/annum.
All our geysers are completely solar powered. Each unit has two geysers, connected in series –thus allowing for hot water to be available at all times. Kitchen appliances were sourced to ensure low power consumption. (A hand mixer of 120W, and a blender of 150W are the only electrical kitchen appliances). Two Stoves with ovens, a salamander, and one fryer operate on gas. We meter our electricity consumption on an hourly, daily and weekly basis – thus enabling us to know our electricity consumption – and share with guests.
Water conservation
As water is our most precious resource, being on the fringe of the Kalahari Desert, much focus has been given to conserving it. All our water is pumped from a borehole at the lodge – which is safe for human consumption. Regular tests are conducted to ensure no pollution is occurring. The borehole operates on its own solar panel system, which fills a 5000l holding tank – supplying the lodge. Any excess water pumped after the tank is fill, is diverted to our water hole
– thus creating an area from which wildlife benefits. ‘Eco Smart’ Taps have been used throughout the lodge (in the guest rooms, as well as main area and staff accommodation).
These mixers use up to 60% less water, which falls just short of 10 litres per minute.
Only our main grass lawn is watered – in the early mornings and late afternoons. The rest of the grounds have been restored to their natural state, thus relying only on rain water.
We have installed a salt chlorinator in our swimming pool – which thus eliminates the need to buy hazardous chemicals, using only salt to maintain it. This is sourced from local suppliers – at Sowa Pan.
Waste Water Management
All effluent and grey water generated by the lodge passes through a four chamber purification system known as “The Gem” – a unique mini-biological plant, which uses anaerobic, ozonation and aeration processes to return safe water to the environment.
This system does not require any chemicals, and consumes minimal power to operate (180W). All chemicals, soaps and detergents used within the lodge are biodegradable, and where possible, packaged in recycled materials.
Waste Disposal And Recycling
All effluent and grey water generated by the lodge passes through a four chamber purification system known as “The Gem” – a unique mini-biological plant, which uses anaerobic, ozonation and aeration processes to return safe water to the environment.
This system does not require any chemicals, and consumes minimal power to operate (180W). All chemicals, soaps and detergents used within the lodge are biodegradable, and where possible, packaged in recycled materials.
