At Kings Camp Private Game Reserve, every sunrise brings not just the beauty of the African wilderness, but a renewed commitment to protecting it. As the world paused to celebrate Earth Day on 22 April, we are proud to share how Kings Camp is doing its part to ensure that tourism not only coexists with nature but nurtures it. From rhino protection to solar power, from community empowerment to waste reduction, responsible tourism is our way of life. In this blog we are highlighting a handful of our top initiatives to help the environment.
Focused on Conservation
In 2018, Ralph and Perdita Lubbe- Scheuermann and regular visitors to Kings Camp from Germany sponsored our first K-9 detection dog, Calimero. Calimero is a specialized K-9 Detection dog trained to detect the contraband of rhino horn, elephant ivory, weapons, and ammunition. K-9 Calimero was deployed at the main entry point into the Reserve, the “Enkhulu gate” where he searches vehicles entering and exiting the reserve. In 2021, Calimero was joined by two new K-9 heroes, Rihati and Matimba from Germany again through the incredible generosity of Ralph and Perdita.
These three incredible animals are owned by our camp managers Warren and Lisha Moore and fulfil a very important role in our antipoaching campaign.
Rhino Conservation Experiences
Guests can join real rhino darting operations where microchips are implanted, and vital data is collected to help build a national rhino DNA database.
Our Ecological Footprint
- Solar Energy now powers 100% of our daytime energy needs.
- Water Recycling via our greywater treatment system nourishes our gardens without wasting a drop.
- Plastic Reduction is supported through guest water bottles and refill stations. We have just installed Topia Touch water machines which reduce our carbon footprint while eliminating plastic.
Focused on Our Community
Kings Camp believes the heartbeat of conservation lies in the community. We support local entrepreneurs like Benidictor of Benica Projects, supplying fresh produce to the lodge. We showcase locally made crafts from Munene Arts & Crafts in our curio shop.
We’re proud of team members like Lindiwe Mathebula, who started her own hospitality training business, and Lodick Selinda, who launched a sustainable waste removal company. Hayley Cooper who regularly gives back to the community through free workshops to help them become “work-ready”.
Food Sustainability
Kings Camp is one of Africa’s leading vegan safari destinations. We became the first property to become Vegan Hospitality Certified in Africa. We are also the only lodge in Africa with a certified Vegan Hospitality Consultant inhouse (Hayley Cooper), we ensure vegan, plant-based or flexitarian guests enjoy luxury, sustainability, and compassion all in one unforgettable experience.
At Kings Camp we are also passionate about food waste, and this is a topic we are currently learning about via an online course with a food waste expert!
Timbavati Traverse Event
What began as one passionate person, Grant Murphy our head guide running 92 km through the Timbavati has become an annual event. The Timbavati Traverse raises funds for anti-poaching units and community conservation programs, letting runners quite literally go the extra mile for wildlife.
Three of the Kings Camp management are part of the founding committee and do an amazing job at raising funds for the initiatives we are passionate about.
At Kings Camp, Earth Day isn’t just one day, it’s embedded in every decision we make, every partnership we build, and every guest experience we offer. On the day we also did a rubbish pick up around the lodge with our staff while the guests are out on safari!
