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 personalised luxury experiences that support sustainability by partnering with accommodations and excursions in our various destinations that share these values.

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 and unforgettable travel experiences across Southern & Eastern Africa, with sustainability at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to designing eco-conscious stays and experiences, supporting local communities, and reducing our environmental footprint. By promoting responsible travel, we strive to protect the region’s natural wonders and cultural richness – preserving them for generations to come.

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Safari Planner

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 55 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Andre W. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 14 Tage Gardenroute *****
Das 1. Mal mit Evaneos und immer wieder eine Reise wert, perfekt geplant, professionell beraten, super Kommunikation. Ein Traum Südafrika Urlaub von Kapstadt mit Sonnenschein auf dem Tafelberg und am Kap der guten Hoffnung. Pinguine, Robben, Wale auf der Ozeansafari Big 5 in Hermanus, Erdmännchen, Cango Caves und Straußenfarm in Oudshoorn, Addo Elephant Park, spektakuläre Plettenbergküste mit Tsitsikamma und Robberg und 3 Nächte in der bezaubernden Nungubane Game Lodge im Waterberg Reserve mit allen was das Safari Big 5 Herz begehrt. Es war ein Traumurlaub mit wunderbaren Gastgebern in wunderschönen Unterkünften. Perfekt organisiert durch Kathrin.
Vielen vielen Dank für diesen unvergesslichen Urlaub, jeder Tag voller Highlights die man gar nicht in Worte fassen kann.. man muss sie fühlen
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anna-Lena Wolf 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Unsere Südafrika-Reise war rundum gelungen. Von der Vorbereitung und individuellen Ausarbeitung bis zur Betreuung während der Reise hat alles bestens funktioniert. Die Auswahl der Hotels war wirklich toll und die gesamte Reise sehr gut organisiert, ohne dass dabei Wünsche offenblieben.

Auch während der Reise war jederzeit jemand ansprechbar, sodass wir uns durchgehend gut aufgehoben und wohlgefühlt haben. Ein besonderer Dank geht an Katrin und Sonja für die persönliche und zuverlässige Betreuung.

Südafrika selbst hat uns mit seinen vielfältigen Landschaften, der Tierwelt und den vielen besonderen Eindrücken sehr begeistert. Insgesamt eine wunderschöne Reise, an die wir uns gerne zurückerinnern!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   marla trenke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We couldn’t have asked for a better travel experience organized by Esther! From start to finish, everything was professionally organized, thoughtfully planned, and executed with incredible attention to detail.

The itinerary was packed with amazing experiences, to maximize every adventure possible within our time frame. Each destination, activity, and accommodation was carefully selected to ensure we saw the very best of everything while still travelling responsibly and sustainably. We especially appreciated the eco-friendly focus and commitment to supporting experiences that respect the local environment and communities.

The value for money was exceptional. Every detail had been considered, and we always felt like we were in capable hands. What truly set this travel agent apart was the personal care and handholding throughout the entire journey. From the initial planning to the smallest details while travelling, to checking us in for flights while we were away we felt supported, looked after, and never left wondering what came next. Esther was available 24 hours in case we ran into any issues( which we did not)

Their professionalism, knowledge, organization, and genuine care made an incredible trip even more special. You could tell that creating a memorable experience for their clients was a priority—not simply booking a holiday.

If you are looking for a travel agent who combines expertise, exceptional organization, great value, sustainability, and genuine personal attention, we would highly Esther at eco travel boutique She truly went above and beyond, and we will absolutely use her again for our next adventure in beautiful Africa !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dan Ekstrand 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A perfectly curated trip in every aspect - I would HIGHLY recommend Eco-Travel Boutique!!!  Esther’s professionalism/thoroughness was on full display from planning through to the final day of our trip.  Every detail was fulsomely communicated (including a comprehensive advance itinerary) and all elements (transfers/support/transportation/lodging) were seamless as a result.  Esther pro-actively checks in periodically to ensure logistics are proceeding as scheduled and troubleshoots if/when necessary.  Her authentic commitment to the environment/community is noteworthy and should be highlighted.  We have worked with other travel consultants before and there is simply no comparison - Esther’s service was an 11 out of 10.  We will definitely be using Eco-Travel Boutique for our next adventure (and recommending to friends/family).

*It is also worth noting that the lodging images in our advance itinerary were accurate and in most cases, the actual accommodations were better than advertised/exceeded expectations.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Maria Krill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Diese individuelle, erlebnisreiche Südafrikareise kann man mit Worten kaum umschreiben. Man  muss sie  selbst planen, erfahren-erleben.
Wir verdanken das alles unserer direkten sehr  persönlichen Betreuung vor Ort-fürsorglich, aufmerksam, unterstützend, sehr zugewandt, immer erreichbar, aufgetretene „Problemchen“ überlegt und sehr zügig gelöst.
Die Gesamtplanung lag von Anfang an in der gleichen Hand-mit Vorschlägen, mehreren Telefonaten.Ein erfolgreiches Konzept!
Der Abschied viel ziemlich schwer-Freunde, vermeintlich weit weg -und doch so nah🦒🐘🐆🦛🦏🐒🦓☺️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sanjay Kalra 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We worked with Eco-Travel Boutique and Sonja for our trip to Africa and visited Capetown, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg. It was an excellent experience. They organized our airport transfers, hotels, and tours, and it was a seamless process. The hotels that they suggested were par excellence, both had excellent staff and hospitality and gave a very authentic nature experience. One was in a less developed area of Kruger (the Klaseri Nature Reserve) with excellent guides so we had a very authentic safari and saw the Big Five. It was a wow experience. In Johannesburg, our guide gave an excellent background of apartheid while showing us the museums and Soweto and the city comprehensively in the short time we had. Sonja was very good about combining our tours with flights and kept in touch with us throughout our time there. We were very happy with our travel experience and have returned with memories of a lifetime for Africa. I would give Eco-Travel a very high recommendation.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   James Burns 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent and very responsive service from Esther, especially when our trip had to be rescheduled following a coup in October 2025.

The trip itself was very well planned with excellent transfers, accommodation and communication throughout.

Madagascar is a beautiful country, with amazing and friendly people, and I would thoroughly recommend a visit.

We will hopefully return!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Martin Wechsler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A very professional travel agency. They (Sonja) were organizing a three week trip to South Africa, which was amazing. Everything worked, the communication with Sonja was easy and straightforward, and we had a wonderful time. I would again work with this agency.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Thomas Hackenberg 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vielen Dank an Kathrin und ihr Team. Wir hatten eine tolle Zeit in Südafrika und haben uns bei The Eco-Travel Boutique sehr gut aufgehoben gefühlt. Angefangen vom ersten Kontakt, der individuellen Reisezusammenstellung bis hin zur Betreuung während der Reise: Wir waren sehr zufrieden!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Petra Ziegler 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tolle Vorschläge und Planung. Wir hatten viele Fragen und alle wurden sehr geduldig und freundlich beantwortet. Die Reise war genau die richtige Mischung aus Abenteuer und Entspannung. Während der Reise war Sonja immer ansprechbar und hat auch zwischendurch nachgefragt, ob bei uns alles in Ordnung ist. Wir  haben uns immer sehr gut betreut gefühlt. Eine echte Traumreise, Danke dafür!
  
 
  
  
 
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Meet Our Team

Esther
Owner & Founder

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. After 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 travelling 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!

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 personalised tour just for you.

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

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.

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!

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!”

Why choose

The eco-travel boutique?

Personalised itineraries and experiences

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

Luxury and intimate accommodations

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.

Local expertise and insider knowledge

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.

Focus on sustainability and responsible travel

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.

Flexible, hassle-free planning and concierge services

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.

Unique, authentic experiences

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.

Exclusivity and privacy

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.

Seamless travel logistics and VIP treatment

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.

Focus on wildlife and nature conservation

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.

Small-scale, high-quality service

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.