SUSTAINABILITY
Guppy Huys and Sustainability
In all that we do, we try to have as light a touch as possible on the environment while still providing a comfortable and relaxing stay.
The eco-wood deck is manufactured from recycled plastic rather than unsustainably harvested hard woods. As much as possible we choose for environmentally friendlier products, including the Afriearth shampoos, soaps and other amenities.
The solar geysers provide most of our hot water and this is supplemented by an electric boiler, if at any point you need more hot water. This will switch on the electric supplementary heaters. They turn off again when they reach 55 degrees.
We are fortunate that De Kelders does not have a water shortage or any water restrictions, but nonetheless we try to minimize water wastage. All taps are low-flow and we harvest rainwater for use in the garden.
The lighting at Guppy Huys Eco-Bungalow is also fitted with low-energy LED lighting and the slow combustion fireplace is designed to optimize heat while reducing the amount of wood used. All of our new appliances, like the dishwasher, oven and refrigerator are A rated (or better) for low energy consumption.
Gansbaai has been chosen as the most responsible destination for tourism by the Responsible Travel organisation and website, and we are proud to be part of this community.
You can help by ensuring you turn off all lights when you leave Guppy Huys Eco-Bungalow and avoiding water waste whenever possible. In a place of such amazing natural beauty, conservation just makes sense.
Surrounded by Nature
The bungalow is also surrounded by many different types of natural fynbos. We are delighted to have such a bounty of nature directly around us. We do all we can to not disturb this natural environment, and encourage our guests to do the same.
The area surrounding Guppy Huys Eco-Bungalow is home to dozens of species of birds. Other nearby residents include dassies, tortoises, mongooses and a variety of lizards. On rare occasions, we have even seen a cape genet, a cape otter and small bokke. The deck also provides the pefect view for the Southern Right Whales that live in the bay during their mating and birthing season (June to November). Additionally, we often see dolphins and the occasional seal.
Birding at Guppy Huys and Surrounds
Wake to the gentle call of the Cape spurfowl that nest and forage around the villa. The indigenous fynbos and coastal location overlooking Walker Bay attract dozens of bird species in the direct surroundings of Guppy Huys Eco-Bungalow. That means that every day is a good day for birding. For the more serious birder, you can take an early morning guided walk with our freelance guide, Christoff Longland (FGASA, Level 3 specialist). Book with him directly by phoning +27(0)7 95 90 03 83.
Common bird species around the villa also include the Cape sugarbird with its curved beak and long tail darts between its fynbos favourites. The small Cape robin-chat picks delicious insects from the shrubs. You are likely see cormorants gathered on the surface of the water or drying their wings on the rocks below. Cape gannet eagerly dive for their dinner when small fish are plentiful in the bay.
If you are eager to explore nearby IBA’s (Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas) with literally hundreds of species, the Overberg wheat belt has the world’s largest Blue crane population, with other larger birds such as the Stanley’s bustard and Cape vultures (both vulnerable) and White Bellied Storm Petrel also making appearances. De Hoop Nature Reserve has more than 260 bird species in a variety of habitats, while the Eastern False Bay Mountains, including the Kogelberg and Hottentots Holland nature reserves, are a 45 minute drive from Guppy Huys Eco-Bungalow. Just 10 minutes from Guppy Huys Eco-Bungalow you can catch a boat to Dyer Island and stop at the penguin sanctuary on the way. We are proud to be recognised as a “birder-friendly” accommodation by Birdlife International.
Visit the Overberg Birding Club’s website for more information about local bird species, the best birding spots and more.
The South African Reforestation Trust
While we have tried to reduce our impact to a minimum, we have also partnered with Trees for Tourism so guests can easily offset the emissions of their travel and other activities through a certified tree planting programme in a nearby indigenous forest. You can sponsor the planting of one tree for just R130, and you will receive a personalised certificate of offset.
