Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge

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Albasini Dam, Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge

© Chris Marais

In 2003, Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge in Limpopo province became one of the very first tourism destinations in the world to be awarded the Fair Trade in Tourism (FTTSA) South Africa certificate. It has maintained this status ever since.

Yet at first glance, Shiluvari is not an ostentatiously ‘green’ destination. Instead it looks very much like a comfortable country lodge, set in scenic surrounds, close to the lovely Albasini Dam - a short drive from the little town of Elim. And so it is. It is also a very popular base from which to explore the world-famous Ribolla Venda Art Route.

It’s only when you start talking to staff, examining the décor and noticing the care for environment that you’ll begin to understand the reasons by Shiluvari’s prestigious certification.

FTTSA guarantees visitors that FTTSA destinations pay fair wages, offer fair working conditions, and run a fair operation that respects cultures, human rights and the environment.

Shiluvari staff are not only well paid, but exude a contented sense of ownership in the business. They are offered training opportunities and a chance to rise in their careers, and so they have flourished along with the lodge.

The Girardin family, who owns Shiluvari, has focused on uplifting the lodge's employees, but has also helped many of the local sculptors, just setting out, get a little more established. Local sculptors were commissioned for the many sculptures and wooden carved objects you’ll find around the lodge. In fact, many famous artists had their start here.

But it’s not only about the spectacular art. The cupboards in the rooms, for example, were made by the Rivoni Society of the Blind. Much of the fabric is locally painted or decorated. And many plants dotted about the gardens and lodge grow happily in locally made Mashamba Venda pots with their characteristic red clay and silvery graphite trim.