Tswalu achieves The Long Run’s Global Ecosphere Retreat® certification
Tswalu is Setswana for ‘a new beginning’, which aligns with our creed to leave the world better than how we found it. As the largest private game reserve in South Africa, Tswalu’s successful conservation legacy of ecological restoration safeguards diverse habitats for fauna and flora to thrive. The reserve is dedicated to research-led conservation, cultural preservation, and the socio-economic development of a remote, under-resourced region of South Africa. Offering privately guided safaris and exclusive access to 118,000 hectares of restored wilderness, Tswalu harnesses the net-positive impact of nature-based tourism to protect and regenerate the fragile Kalahari ecosystem for the benefit of all.
With accountability and transparency in the tourism space becoming increasingly important, Tswalu chose The Long Run as a certification partner and was accepted as a fellow member in 2020. The charity was founded in 2009 by entrepreneur Jochen Zeitz as a blueprint for tourism businesses to conserve wilderness in perpetuity. Today, The Long Run is a global community of over 70 properties, travel partners, and experts committed to protecting and regenerating ecosystems for future generations.
The Long Run holds privately protected areas to account when it comes to sustainable and regenerative practices. It supports, connects and inspires members to operate according to a balance of the 4Cs — Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce. This framework ensures that travel will have a positive impact and that conservation, community and cultural initiatives are financially sustainable.
An essential milestone on this journey is the attainment of Global Ecosphere Retreat® certification, The Long Run’s most advanced sustainability standard. Tswalu was proud and delighted to achieve this incredible recognition in November 2024.
“Achieving Global Ecosphere Retreat certification is a critical milestone in Tswalu’s sustainability journey. Tswalu’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and research to protect the region's most endangered species is truly inspiring and vital for preserving this important biodiversity for future generations,” commented Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner, Executive Director of The Long Run.
Global Ecosphere Retreat recognition is earned rather than granted, following a rigorous assessment process. Tswalu is one of only 12 properties worldwide to have met the standards set by a comprehensive audit, underwritten by Preferred by Nature and endorsed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and Travalyst.
Much more than a compliance assessment, certification is a vehicle to support Tswalu’s journey of continuous improvement, not only mitigating negative environmental impact but positively impacting the planet’s well-being. Global Ecosphere Retreat status is granted for six years, which includes a compulsory review after three years to ensure compliance. In a sense, the real sustainability work begins now.
“Applying for this accreditation has built momentum, laid new foundations and changed the mindset of the entire Tswalu community. The influence of this conscious, disciplined approach to sustainability will be felt for generations to come,” said LW van der Merwe, Property Operations Manager on the reserve.
Tswalu is excited to continue improving, learning and collaborating as an esteemed member of The Long Run community, a network of like-minded businesses harnessing tourism as a force for good.
Image credits: Marcus Westberg (images 1, 3, 5), SaltyLuxe (image 2), Trevor Kleyn (image 4)
