The mission of FTTSA is to promote the concept and principles of Fair Trade within the South African tourism industry, so that communities and employees benefit and in turn the industry is more sustainable. The FTTSA certification mark is the first in the world to endorse fair and responsible tourism practice. It is awarded to tourism businesses that adhere to Fair Trade criteria such as fair wages and working conditions; fairness in operations, purchasing and distribution of benefits; ethical business practice; and respect for human rights, culture and environment.
Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse is an exclusive country lodge situated on a farm and nature reserve only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, near the winelands. Guests can enjoy walking or hiking in the reserve, mountain biking through wheat fields, windsurfing, birdwatching, and boating on the dam. Or just indulging in the sweet art of idleness by lounging around the extensive rose-filled gardens, brunching at the boathouse, reading a book on a bench under an oak tree, or relaxing on the deck of the saltwater swimming pool.
At day’s end, guests retire to the meticulously renovated Victorian homestead with its four double bedrooms and separate suite looking up to the towering mountain backdrop. Also available is the child-friendly self-catering Wild Olive House and its adjoining cottage, separately sited from the main farmhouse.
On the food and wine front, Bartholomeus Klip specialises in French cuisine with a local flavour, complemented by an extensive local wine list. A particularly splendid high tea is served, with a lavish spread of both sweet and savoury temptations.
Since the Farmhouse is situated on one of the largest wheat and sheep farms in the Western Cape, there is always plenty of farming activity for guests to inspect. This includes the breeding of disease-free buffalo, now an impressive herd of over 50 animals.
But the glory of Bartholomeus Klip is its 4 000 hectare fynbos nature reserve, with its many rare plant species, its important population of the endangered geometric tortoise, and its herds of eland, springbok, bontebok, black wildebeest and red hartebeest, as well as zebras from the world-famous Quagga Project. The farm’s enthusiastic nature conservation officer has encouraged the formation of an Eco-Schools Club at a nearby school, which makes regular visits, and leadership camps have been held in the reserve for local high school children.
According to FTTSA Executive Director, Jennifer Seif, Bartholomeus Klip’s addition to the FTTSA portfolio will further increase the visibility of Fair Trade in Tourism within the tourism sector, in line with growing consumer demand for unique travel and leisure experiences that impact positively on people and nature. By certifying and supporting new entrants to the South African tourism industry, and by linking good quality “fair” products to new travel channels and consumer markets, FTTSA is contributing to the growth, diversification and transformation of South African tourism.
About Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa
FTTSA is an independent non-profit organisation that promotes sustainable and equitable tourism development in South Africa. Its role within this dynamic environment is to advocate for a culture of fairness and inclusion within the tourism industry, and to help create the conditions for the practice of Fair Trade within South African tourism. This is done through education and awareness raising, and the facilitation of a voluntary certification programme that awards the world’s first ‘Fair Trade’ label to tourism establishments in South Africa that operate according to fair trade principles and criteria.
