Conservation 101

Conservation efforts across the globe have been increasing in recent years in reaction to the impact of overpopulation and unsustainable living practices which have devastated natural environments and ecosystems. In Southern Africa, we have witnessed the loss of large areas of indigenous habitats due to the spread of urban development and farming land. 

So far, a shocking 50% of the world’s forests have been lost to make way for urban development. Consumption rates are increasing exponentially as our population continues to grow at an alarming rate. This increase in population and demand for natural resources has also meant a huge upsurge in water usage, placing strain on many water bodies throughout Africa, affecting many people as seen in the recent drought.

It is in response to these sorts of global pressures that at Tomjachu Bush Retreat we continue to develop proactive strategies to ensure that we do our part locally, by ensuring that the bushveld habitats surrounding the retreat remain pristine for generations of guests to enjoy.

Conservation at Tomjachu Bush Retreat

At Tomjachu we pride ourselves in our progressive conservation efforts. This ensures that we maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem on the reserve to support an abundant diversity of animal, insect and plant life. 

We have implemented the following initiatives to maintain a healthy ecological environment:

Recycling/reuse:

We recycle up to 60% of our waste. All food waste is converted to compost (or fed to the staff livestock) and all recyclable plastic & tin is separated on site and transported to Nelspruit to be recycled.

Water:

We are highly aware of our water consumption and wastage, especially in light of our recent drought, and we are implementing a number of water-saving systems, and encourage all guests to be sparing of their water usage to help us conserve water.

Water requires energy to extract and purify. So try to save water wherever you are, even if there is a lot of it! 

Save Water = Save Energy 

Guest Experience:

At Tomjachu we  aim to provide positive wildlife experiences for all our guests, whether you just want to sit and enjoy the unspoiled mountain bushveld views or seek out some of the 265 species of bird and hundreds of mammal, plant, insect and tree species which call the reserve home. We encourage our guests to get out and about to explore their surroundings and reconnect with nature and each other in a peaceful environment. We believe that we are not separate from nature, but are very much part of it!

Land/wildlife management:

We reinvest a large percentage of our profits back into the property in order to improve our conservation efforts. This includes the careful management of the delicate ecosystems on the property through controlled burning, invasive species control, synthesized migration, reintroduction and breeding of indigenous wildlife, and many other animal and land management activities.

Although burning and clearing bushveld may seem destructive, they do in fact play a key role in the life cycle of the bushveld by allowing new grasses to emerge, returning nutrients to the soil, opening wooded areas to increase grazing land, and helping to control parasite populations.

Tomjachu Bush Retreat also focuses on the protection of bird and animal species. The team works hard to protect and maintain their natural habitats, ensuring that migrant species return each year.

Construction, development, and renovation:

In any new buildings, renovations or improvements we aim to use and reuse as much locally sourced and renewable material as possible, including stone, reeds, thatching grass, sand and gravel from the property itself.

The majority of the reserve was once farming land and we are continuing to rehabilitate it back to indigenous bushveld. The Fillery family has sought to extend the reserve by buying up neighbouring land when available and rehabilitating the farm land. Since it came into the Fillery family the property has grown from 150ha to 550ha.

We invite you to be part of our continuing story, and remember – Conservation starts at home! 

Why not start now? Plant a tree for your travel