Ngoye Lodge Responsible Tourism Policy
Community Engagement:
Ngoye Lodge is actively involved with our local community. Our staff volunteer with PUG (Pop Up Gardens), enhancing the village with plants and gardens. We collaborate with PUG on various initiatives, such as the implementing mulching practices in the villages.
Environmental Sustainability:
At Ngoye Lodge, we care deeply about environmental sustainability. We would love you to experience our indigenous gardens. Our gardening practices include “Farming God’s Way” incorporating mulching, promoting fungi growth, and soil protection to ensure its nutrition. Nguni Cottage uses a solar hybrid system to reduce our use of grid electricity.
Cultural Preservation:
Ngoye Lodge actively contributes to the preservation of local culture and traditions. We encourage guests to explore the culturally rich village of Mtunzini and visit our neighbouring sites, including the Raffia Monument, Umlalazi Nature reserve and surrounding historical sites.
Waste Management:
Our commitment to waste management includes recycling, food waste composting, and avoiding single-use plastics. We use 100% compostable take-out containers and cutlery. Food waste compost bins are provided in all rooms to enhance waste reduction efforts. We aim to reduce waste as much as possible.
Conservation Efforts:
Biodiversity is on display at Ngoye Lodge coupled with soil care (erosion prevention, thick mulching and compost making) Dead wood is used to promote fungi growth. Ngoye Lodge supports conservation by maintaining a lush garden with indigenous plants that attract and support local wildlife, including the Palm Nut Vulture and other Birds unique to this area. Our staff are actively involved with Alien Invasive Plant (AIP) removal in the village.
Guest Education:
We prioritise guest education on responsible tourism practices through in-room materials such as guest books and brochures. Our staff actively engages with guests, emphasising principles such as “Gardening Gods Way”, sustainable farming, and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling. We have labelled our trees in order to educate our guests on the indigenous trees in our gardens.
Local Employment and Fair Wages:
Ngoye Lodge is committed to local employment, with all staff members recruited from the surrounding communities. Our staff receive fair wages, and we encourage “Each One, Teach One”, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing within the community.
Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Ngoye Lodge welcomes guests of all demographics and is committed to promoting inclusivity in tourism practices. Most rooms have a small step to enter, and we have standard sized door ways. Nguni Cottage main room has a flip-down shower stool. Please contact us to discuss any access requirements and we can discuss whether we are able to accommodate you.
Sustainable Supply Chain:
We prioritise a sustainable and ethical supply chain by supporting local businesses and small suppliers wherever possible.