South Africa Leads the Industry in Vegan Hotel Certifications
/This article was written by Hayley Cooper, Co-Founder of Vegan Hospitality, and Ingrid Geertsema, Certified Vegan Hospitality Consultant
Hayley Cooper | VH Co-Founder
With 26 years of hospitality experience, I found my base in the Timbavati, Greater Kruger National Park, 13 years ago. I believe I live in one of the best and most unique places in the world, with lions and elephants often just a glance away. From my office, I can see our waterhole, which is regularly visited by wildlife throughout the day.
I’m surrounded by lodges, each one unique in its own way and offering something special in this beautiful part of South Africa. Because of this, I feel especially passionate about helping lodges become more vegan-friendly. They attract a large number of international guests, yet vegan travellers often receive an experience that falls short of the same standard offered to other guests.
The new generation of travellers is looking for true sustainability, not greenwashing. Take a look at this BBC article on guilt-free safaris to see how much things are shifting! There are many ways to work towards this. Some businesses are hiring sustainability managers or creating internal teams to lead the way. One of the most effective actions, though, is to partner with a third-party certification that brings both credibility and support.
Ingrid Geertsema | Ubuntu Vegan Travel & Hospitality Services
Based in the town of Knysna, along South Africa’s peaceful Garden Route, I’ve always had a strong connection to nature and adventure. It’s a region known for its forests, ocean views, and calm bays. I’ve worked in the adventure travel industry for over 25 years and have a good sense of what international visitors are looking for when they explore our country.
In 2018, I chose to follow a whole-food vegan lifestyle. Like many vegans, I quickly realised how difficult it can be to travel through South Africa while staying aligned with that way of life.
That’s when everything changed for me. In October 2024, I became South Africa’s fourth Certified Vegan Hospitality Consultant. My goal is to make travel in South Africa not just accessible to vegans, but memorable and enjoyable too. I’d love to see South Africa become one of the top three vegan-friendly destinations in the world. To make that possible, we need more certified properties across the provinces that international travellers visit most. This includes Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
By building a stronger portfolio of certified places to stay, we can help guests have great experiences wherever they go: from boutique hotels and eco lodges to safari camps and retreats.
Leading a New Path for Hospitality in South Africa
With both of us actively working with hospitality businesses across the country, South Africa is starting to set a new standard for what it means to offer inclusive, conscious hospitality.
Through on-the-ground support, in-person and online conversations, and practical resources, we are helping properties create a vegan friendly guest experience worth marketing. The changes we are supporting include more than just adding a menu item or hosting the occasional wellness retreat. We help businesses align their operations with values that matter to them, such as compassion, sustainability, and guest care.
Currently Certified Vegan Hospitality Establishments in South Africa
These certified properties believe that vegan, plant-based, and flexitarian guests should feel welcomed and have the same quality of experience as every other guest.
Kings Camp - Timbavati Reserve, Limpopo
Tucked away in the heart of the Timbavati, Kings Camp offers an unforgettable 5-star safari experience that blends luxury with a deep respect for nature. This elegant lodge and private villa overlook an open savannah teeming with wildlife, providing front-row seats to the rhythms of the bush. As a Vegan Hospitality Certified property, Kings Camp is committed to conscious dining, offering beautifully crafted plant-based meals that complement the immersive safari journey.
Sashwa River of Stars - Greater Kruger, Limpopo
More than just a lodge, Sashwa River of Stars is a sanctuary for healing, reconnection, and transformation. Located in the Greater Kruger region, this wellness-focused retreat combines plant-based living with sacred ceremony, sound journeys, yoga, and deep rest. The lodge is purposefully intimate, allowing each guest to experience personalised care and nourishment, from the food to the energy of the land itself. Every detail invites you to slow down and align with nature’s rhythm.
Klaserie Drift - Klaserie Reserve, Limpopo
A stylish, boutique 5-star luxury safari escape in the Klaserie, Klaserie Drift is a gem in the Greater Kruger landscape. With its beautifully appointed suites and serene setting along the riverbank, this lodge is the epitome of barefoot luxury. Guests can enjoy curated safari experiences alongside exceptional vegan-friendly dining that celebrates fresh, local ingredients. The lodge’s dedication to sustainability and mindful hospitality makes it a perfect choice for conscious travellers.
Three Tree Hill - Drakensberg, Kwazulu Natal
Perched at the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg mountains, Three Tree Hill offers a unique blend of heritage, nature, and comfort. This eco-conscious lodge is steeped in South African history, with strong connections to the Anglo-Boer War, and it brings storytelling to life through guided tours and immersive experiences. Beyond its rich past, the lodge is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and foodies alike—with hearty vegan meals served against a breathtaking mountain backdrop.
Old Joe’s Kaia – Mpumalanga
A serene escape nestled in the scenic Schoemanskloof Valley, Old Joe’s Kaia is a trailblazer in sustainable, plant-based hospitality. Since 2017, owners Paul and Marian have reimagined their business as a hub for change, creating a haven for small group retreats (10–18 guests) in an intimate setting. Their pop-up restaurant concept offers bespoke vegan culinary experiences, rooted in ethical and conscious living.
Peace of Eden Vegan Nature Lodge – Knysna, Western Cape
Tucked away along the peaceful Rheenendal Road, Peace of Eden is a forest retreat that speaks to the soul of every nature lover. Here, guests can unwind amid tranquil woodlands, explore pristine beaches, hike along world-class trails, and soak up the magic of the Garden Route. Their famed vegan breakfasts are a must—just be sure to book in advance!
Hotel Verde – Cape Town, Western Cape
Africa’s greenest hotel, Hotel Verde in Cape Town, is a shining example of sustainable innovation and conscious hospitality. As the first Vegan Hospitality Certified hotel in the city, it offers a 100% carbon-neutral stay. From eco-conscious building design to operations that continuously strive for greener solutions, Hotel Verde sets the standard. Their vegan-friendly menu is both extensive and exquisite.
We also have a certified property in East Africa
Gibbs Farm - Tanzania, East Africa
Nestled on the lush outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater, Gibbs Farm is a sanctuary for the senses and the soul. This historic farmhouse-turned-luxury lodge offers panoramic views, vibrant gardens, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and community. Guests are invited to slow down and savour the farm-to-table experience, with plant-based dishes crafted from the property’s abundant organic gardens. With wellness at its core, Gibbs Farm is a place of renewal, connection, and quiet luxury in the heart of East Africa.
About the Vegan Hospitality Certification
We certify travel accommodations that are vegan-friendly or fully vegan. This includes:
Hotels, resorts, and hospitality groups
Boutique hotels, lodges, and B&Bs
Retreat centers, cruise ships, and yachts
Our certification is designed to support properties that want to offer something meaningful to their guests. We help ensure that the vegan experience is just as thoughtful, delicious, and enjoyable as what every other guest receives.
Each certification includes:
A full team training video, with certificates for every staff member
A strategic planning workbook
Guidance to help the business make real improvements, from menus to guest experience
Whether your property is already plant-based or just starting to make changes, the certification process helps your team take a clear, confident step forward.
Want to Know More?
If you’re a property owner, manager, or travel business in Africa and want to explore what becoming certified could look like, we’d love to connect with you.
We’re committed to making South Africa a top vegan destination, and we believe there’s space for more people to be part of this mission. Visit: www.veganhospitality.com/certified or connect with Hayley at hayley@veganhospitality.com.