South Africa: Whalesong Lodge gets Fair Trade Tourism-certification

The Whalesong Lodge, a small intimate guesthouse perched on top of the rugged De Kelders Cliffs overlooking the picturesque Walker Bay, recently got certified by Fair Trade Tourism (FTT). The lodge offers five spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a  comfortable open-plan lounge and dining room, as well as a wooden deck and a small swimming pool.
The Whalesong Lodge uses ecologically sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning products. The products are carefully chosen and a conscious effort is made re-use and recycle wherever possible, as well as to reduce the use of disposable and consumable goods (e.g. buying items in bulk and storing food in glass containers, while recycling all packaging, etc). Guests at Whalesong Lodge are informed about the lodge operator's green initiatives and activities in the service directory (e.g. recycling, composting, involvement in Trees for Tourism, support of sustainable food supplies, etc).

The Fair Trade Tourism (FTT) certification is an independent endorsement of fair and responsible tourism practices by tourism establishments 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.

Albino Southern Right Whale in the Walker Bay (video)

The little village of De Kelders is one of the world's best whale watching spots. Located right at shores of the famous Walker Bay and only 5 km north of Gansbaai and a about 30 minutes’ drive from Hermanus, De Kelders is renowned as the home of the Southern Right Whales. The whales are coming to stay in the warm waters of the Bay with its rocky inlets and sheltered bays usually between June and December year after year to mate and calve.

Lloyd Koppel, a local from De Kelders, filmed a rare albino Southern Right Whale along with other whales in the Walker Bay in November 2011. All the footage in the video was shot from land, indicating just how close the whales come. Kudos @ Lloyd Koppel