Radisson Hotel Group has announced that Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit in South Africa has become Africa’s first Verified Net Zero hotel, marking a significant step toward more sustainable hospitality on the continent. Located in Limpopo Province near Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, the 138 room property combines renewable electricity, electrified operations, waste reduction and lower carbon guest experiences.
A Milestone for Sustainable Tourism in Africa
The achievement demonstrates how an existing hotel can reduce its environmental impact through changes to energy use, dining, waste management, water conservation and procurement while maintaining guest comfort. The hotel’s transformation forms part of Radisson Hotel Group’s wider effort to integrate sustainability into everyday hospitality operations.
The Verified Net Zero Hotels program addresses emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3, covering direct emissions, purchased energy and value chain activities. According to the group, the program prioritizes emissions reduction and uses carbon removal credits to address residual emissions. Independent verification by TÜV Rheinland provides an additional layer of accountability.
Renewable Energy and Electrified Hotel Operations
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit combines on site solar power with renewable electricity procurement. The hotel also plans to use a solar wheeling agreement from 2027, under which solar generated electricity is supplied to the national grid and an equivalent contracted amount is allocated to the property’s electricity consumption.
Electrification extends to several areas of hotel operations. Electric kitchen equipment, heat pumps for guest room hot water, and electric golf carts and utility vehicles help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. These measures support the hotel’s efforts to lower operational emissions while maintaining services for visitors exploring the surrounding safari destination.
Waste Reduction, Water Conservation and Sustainable Dining
The hotel recycles wastewater through its own treatment plant and works with specialist partners to manage recyclable materials and food waste. Initiatives include composting, worm farming, reusable glass water bottles and bulk bathroom amenities supplied through a closed loop recycling system. Guests can also help conserve resources through towel reuse and flexible housekeeping options.
Sustainability measures extend to food and beverage services. Working with food sustainability platform Klimato, the hotel is introducing carbon labelled menus to help guests understand the emissions associated with their dining choices. The property is also prioritizing lower carbon food options, responsible sourcing and reduced packaging, while staff training and energy monitoring support resource efficient operations.
Radisson Targets 100 Verified Net Zero Hotels by 2030
Radisson Hotel Group says the Hoedspruit launch expands its Verified Net Zero program into Africa, building on initiatives in the United Kingdom and Nordic markets. The program aims to demonstrate how existing hotels in different destinations can reduce emissions through practical operational changes rather than relying on energy supply improvements alone.
The hotel offers 138 rooms and suites, including options with private pools, alongside dining venues, spa facilities and meeting spaces. Its location near major wildlife and natural attractions makes it a notable example of sustainability focused hospitality in a safari destination. The launch supports the group’s ambition to reach 100 Verified Net Zero hotels by 2030.
