CapeNature has launched its flagship self-catering eco-accommodation in the World Heritage Site Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve in the south-western Cape.

Named ‘Oudebosch’ (old wood), the facility consists of five self-catering cabins, an eco-pool and a small function area. The aim is to attract leisure tourism, eco-tourism, weddings and the corporate sector for conferencing, team-building and incentives.    

Opening the facility on February 3, Western Cape MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said it had
already achieved international recognition in the form of the prestigious Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction and set a new benchmark in sustainable construction and cutting-edge eco-technologies in South Africa.

To blend in with the pristine environment, the cabins are built on stilts and constructed from locally sourced timber and stones. A special feature are the roof gardens and glass fronts, which afford visitors sweeping views over the landscape. Each cabin consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, lounge and dining area. Creature comforts include a combustion fireplace and stylish, locally produced furnishings. Boardwalks provide an eco-friendly link between the separate buildings.

Oudebosch replaces an existing site and restoration of previously bare land. Its landscaping comprises indigenous plants sourced from the reserve. Wise water usage from water sources within reserve and low carbon emissions were prioritised. Other eco-friendly innovations include an eco-pool that uses no chemicals and substantially less energy than a regular swimming pool as filtration is done by means of wetland plants; solar water geysers; and high-efficiency appliances. “A cabin occupied by four people will consume around two kilowatts per day, which represents 10% or less of the typical electricity use of a middle-class South African household,” explained CapeNature CEO, Manana Moroka. “Installation of composting eco-toilets, flow control and use of low-flow showers and faucets has reduced water use to only 3% of the previous set-up.”

Bredell said the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve annually invested R3,5m in employment opportunities for surrounding underprivileged communities by funding alien plant clearing, fire fighting, footpath and road maintenance and cleaning, and the provision of gate services on the reserve. The reserve also indirectly helps to stimulate local economic development by promoting tourism to the area.