Tourist Guide

Three Tree Hill Lodge is the first tourism accommodation establishment to be Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa(FTTSA)-certified in KwaZulu Natal. This recent addition to the FTTSA family is situated against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains between Ladysmith and Bergville, overlooking the historical site of the Battle of Spionkop.FTTSAcertification is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism practice in South Africa. It is based on adherence to specific criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair distribution of benefits, ethical business practice, and respect for human rights, culture and the environment. Certification is offered on a voluntary basis to providers of tourist accommodation, activities and attractions.One of FTTSA’s key principles is Respect for Environment, which can be measured in relation to planning, operational management, and investment in conservation activities. In order to reduce their overall environmental footprint, Three Tree Hill Lodge has comprehensive procedures and systems in place to reduce  energy usage and to manage waste responsibly.

For example, they use energy-saving light bulbs throughout the lodge, insulate walls and ceilings and purchase appliances and equipment with energy saving in mind – the recentlypurchased solar cooker being one example that is proving to be a big hit (and source of curiosity) with staff and guests alike! A monthly electricity monitoring chart is posted in the kitchen, which helps everyone to keep a tab on energy consumption trends.  A very thorough recycling programme ensures that not only paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and tins but also printer cartridges, old stationery, soap and candle wax are re-used in various forms and then recycled. Cereal & biscuit boxes, toilet rolls  and magazines are taken to the community preschool for use in their art classes. All garden and kitchen waste is composted or fed to earthworms to produce vermicompost (fertiliser for the on-site vegetable and herb garden). Guest amenities are South African and biodegradable and are decanted into glass containers in order to reduce packaging. To maximize the positive impact of their environmentally-sensitive measures, all Three Tree Hill Lodge staff receive a sustainability induction training where they learn about good environmental practices, which apply not only to reducing their environmental impact in the workplace, but can also be  applied in their homes and communities.

Three Tree Hill Lodge also concentrates on maximising benefits for the local economy. For example, fresh produce is either obtained from the local farmer’s co-operative in Bergville or from within a 50 kms radius of the lodge. All other food products are South African and wherever possible preference is given to those without preservatives and colourants. The excellent wine list at the lodge – for which they received the accolade of the Diner’s Club Wine List, Gold in 2010 – provides guests with information about which wines have been endorsed by various ethical and environmental initiatives, e.g. Fair Trade, the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, and Sulfite Free, to name a few.

Three Tree Hill Lodge is also very active in the local community. The Lodge fundraises through the Three Tree Social Community Fund to benefit local schools, including provision of a feeding programme, maintaining the outside area and building a jungle gym as well as embarking on setting up a computer room! Two students who were sponsored by the Department of Economic Development completed their practical training at the lodge for a year, enabling them to gain a diploma in National Tourism Guiding; one is now permanently employed at the lodge. A local cattle herdsman is sponsored to run in the Two Oceans Marathon in Cape Town. His most recent participation earned him a 19th overall placement – a wonderful achievement! Of course, employment opportunities are given to the local community as a first priority and subsequent training not only includes job-related skills development but also personal development such as personal budgeting / savings, relationships and conflict resolution, and wellness training including HIV/AIDS through Life Line, which was conducted in Zulu.

This is what Cheryl Blackburn, Owner of Three Tree Hill Lodge, said about FTTSA-certification “We are delighted to be accredited with FTTSA so we can build on our existing framework with like-minded properties.”

Kathy Bergs, General Manager at FTTSA adds, “Three Tree Hill Lodge is a great role model for other tourism businesses operating in KZN.  We applaud them for their efforts and are proud to include them as part of the FTTSA family!”