About The Eco-Travel Boutique

At The Eco-Travel Boutique, we believe that travel should enrich both the traveler and the destination, ensuring a future where both can thrive. We are committed to curating personalized luxury experiences that support sustainability by partnering with accommodations and excursions in our various destinations that share these values. 

At The Eco-Travel Boutique, we believe that sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s about making informed choices that genuinely benefit both the environment and the local communities we visit. A truly sustainable holiday goes beyond minimizing carbon footprints; it supports conservation efforts, respects cultural heritage, and ensures that local economies thrive.

To this end, we carefully vet every accommodation and experience we offer, to ensure they meet high sustainability standards, from eco-friendly practices to offsetting carbon footprints and community upliftment.

By selecting properties and experiences within our portfolio, you will not only enjoy a world-class, tailor-made adventure, but also make a positive impact on the places you visit. (You can read more about this on our ‘Sustainability’ Page).

We aim to design truly sustainable holidays that make a genuine difference. It’s about creating a positive, lasting impact that allows future generations to enjoy these incredible places, just as we do today.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to design unique, tailor-made travel experiences across Africa that leave a positive impact on the places and people we visit. With sustainability at the heart of everything we do, we design journeys that support local communities, protect nature and wildlife, and celebrate the cultural richness of each destination. We aim to transform tourism into a force for good – preserving Africa’s natural and cultural treasures for generations to come.

Meet Our Team

Hi! I’m Esther, the owner and founder of The Eco-Travel Boutique.

Ever since I went on my first solo trip to Australia at age 19, travel has been my passion. Ater moving to South Africa over 13 years ago, I’ve been fortunate to explore some of the most incredible places across the continent.

With more than 18 years in the tourism industry, I love using my personal experiences to help clients design their dream holidays, particularly luxury safaris in Southern Africa.

Sustainability is at the core of what we do. While it’s a complex topic in travel, I believe choosing the right kind of holiday can positively impact the destination, even when traveling long-haul. We’ve curated a selection of the best, most sustainable lodges in Southern Africa, offering both pre-made packages and tailor-made itineraries.

Our focus is to ensure you experience your dream holiday while making a positive impact on the places you visit. By working with partners who prioritize conservation and community support, we aim to create an unforgettable, eco-conscious African safari for you!

Our Travel specialists

Nokuthula
Travel Specialist

Hi there! I’m Nokuthula, your dedicated South African travel specialist. With a deep love for this beautiful country and years of experience crafting unforgettable journeys, I’m here to bring your dream adventure to life. From breathtaking safaris to charming winelands, iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’ll create a personalized tour just for you.

Let’s make your South African experience truly spectacular and start your journey today!

Tshepo
Travel Specialist

I am Tshepo Lyckhage, Travel Specialist for Southern Africa. I absolutely love travel because it connects us to the world’s beauty and unforgettable experiences. Let’s create your next incredible adventure together!

Sonja
Travel Specialist

Sonja has been living in South Africa for many years and has worked in tourism for quite some time. Thanks to her love for this beautiful country and her many travels across the region, she knows southern Africa really well. She’s happy to share insider tips – whether it’s a great little restaurant, a scenic hike, or a nice spot to pick up local souvenirs along the way.

Angelique
Travel Specialist

“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, Kill nothing but time.

We do not travel to escape life, we travel so that life does not escape us!”

Lucy
Concierge

I was born in Johannesburg and now live in Cape Town, which I am convinced is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. What I love about my country is the melting pot of cultures, history, food, nature but most importantly the warmth of our people.
The most rewarding part of being a concierge is finding hidden gems for clients and hearing feedback that they loved my recommendations!

Why choose
The eco-travel boutique?

Tailor-made journeys: Each tour is crafted specifically for individual preferences, with custom experiences that cater to clients’ tastes, interests, and needs.

Exclusive access: Offering private safaris, authentic cultural encounters, and unique accommodations that are often unavailable to larger groups or mainstream operators

Boutique lodges and private villas: Emphasis on small, intimate luxury properties that offer an authentic African experience without sacrificing comfort.

Private guides and chefs: Personal guides, private chefs, and exclusive-use properties ensure a highly personalized, luxurious experience.

Deep regional knowledge: A focus on Southern and Eastern Africa allows for detailed, expert advice on hidden gems and lesser-known destinations, with connections to local communities and conservation efforts.

Exclusive insider access: Partnerships with local operators provide access to off-the-beaten-path experiences, such as private reserves, special wildlife viewing, or cultural interactions that only locals know.

Eco-friendly luxury: Offering environmentally conscious luxury options, including stays in eco-lodges and participation in conservation programs.

Community-focused travel: Opportunities to engage with local communities in a meaningful way, contributing to their livelihoods and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.

End-to-end planning: From arranging domestic / regional flights, and accommodations to handling any special requests, every aspect of the trip is managed with attention to detail.

On-call support: 24/7 in-destination concierge service for any needs or last-minute changes during the trip.

One-of-a-kind experiences: Offering rare opportunities such as private helicopter safaris, intimate wildlife photography tours, private mobile camping in remote areas, or hot air balloon rides over iconic landscapes.

Cultural immersion: Tailored experiences that go beyond sightseeing, such as visiting Maasai villages, tracking gorillas in Rwanda, or participating in tribal ceremonies, with expert local guides enhancing authenticity.

Private tours: All tours are entirely private, ensuring a personalized, intimate experience with no crowds or group schedules to follow.

Secluded locations: Hand-picked, remote locations provide unrivaled privacy, away from the typical tourist trails.

Luxury transport options: Including private charter flights, helicopters, and luxury vehicles for effortless travel between destinations.

VIP airport services: Fast-track services, private lounges, and personal assistance at airports for a stress-free experience.

Exclusive wildlife experiences: Priority access to some of the best national parks and private game reserves in Africa, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters.

Support for conservation: By booking with the operator, guests contribute to wildlife conservation and protection initiatives, with opportunities to engage firsthand in conservation efforts like anti-poaching programs or wildlife tracking.

Attention to detail: As a small-scale operator, the business can focus on delivering a high-touch service with an emphasis on quality over quantity, ensuring that each guest feels like a VIP.

Personal relationships: Clients develop a direct relationship with their travel specialist, creating a more personal and collaborative planning experience, from the first contact to the end of the trip.