The Borana Lodge Safari Experience

Eco-Friendly Design and Operations

Use of Sustainable Materials

The Borana Lodge is constructed using natural, locally-sourced materials such as 'natural stones, granite and basalt basement boulders and rocks from the valley floors' as well as 'palm tree stalks and palm tree fronds'. This helps the lodge blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment. (Amara, 2017)

Renewable Energy Sources

The lodge operates on renewable energy, with 'no electricity grid' and instead using 'solar heated showers, battery lamps and torches, and braziers using wood for fuel'. This minimizes the environmental impact of the lodge's operations. (Amara, 2017)

Water Conservation Measures

Due to water scarcity in the region, the Borana Lodge employs 'water conservation measures and water saving systems' for its water supply. This includes using a 'high altitude water well' as the main source, with the water distributed through 'gravity flow through pipes'. The lodge also has a system to treat and reuse 'grey water' for irrigation. (Amara, 2017)

Waste Management

The lodge has no 'sanitary sewage network' but instead uses 'sanitary composting toilets' to manage waste. Additionally, the lodge aims to minimize waste generation and 'create less waste or eliminating waste' through measures like 'changing to reusable packaging where possible' and 'donating edible, unused food to locals'. (Amara, 2017)

Commitment to Ecotourism and Conservation

Protecting Biodiversity

The Borana Lodge is located within the Saint Catherine Protectorate, which is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including 'over 472 plant species, 19 endemic to Sinai and 115 known for their medicinal value', as well as endangered species like the 'Nubian ibex, Dorcas gazelle, Arabian wolf and striped hyaena'. The lodge's operations are designed to minimize impact on this fragile ecosystem. (Amara, 2017)

Promoting Ecotourism

The Borana Lodge is part of the broader efforts by the Egyptian government to 'turn the spectacular Sinai's protectorates into green destinations' and 'promote environmental stability' through ecotourism. This includes initiatives like 'Bedouin eco-lodges, a center for medicinal herbs research and marketing, a hotel, and a cable car for Al-Tur Mountain'. (Amara, 2017)

Community Involvement

The Borana Lodge actively involves the local Bedouin community, who 'play a vital role in supporting the protectorate as community guards, guides and hosts for ecotourism'. This helps preserve the traditional culture and provides economic opportunities for the local population. (Amara, 2017)

Unique Natural Attractions

Stunning Landscapes

The Saint Catherine Protectorate, where the Borana Lodge is located, is known for its 'spectacular' natural landscapes, including 'the highest mountain in Egypt, Mount Catherine, and many other peaks over 2,000 m (6,600 ft)'. Visitors can also enjoy 'springs, creeks, water pools, and narrow canyons, steep valleys with huge boulders, amazing rock formations, and barren plains with islands of lush vegetation'. (Amara, 2017)

Unique Ecosystems

The protectorate is home to a 'unique high altitude ecosystem' with 'many interconnected basins' at the top of the mountains. It also features 'permanent granite water pools' and 'a double fountain in Wadi Tubug' that provide a reliable water source for the local wildlife and community. (Amara, 2017)

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Saint Catherine Protectorate is home to numerous 'pre-historical sites, and relics from the Byzantine, Pharaonic and later eras', including the 'small orthodox chapel at the top' of Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa). This rich cultural heritage adds to the unique appeal of the Borana Lodge safari experience. (Amara, 2017)

The Borana Lodge Safari Experience

Eco-Friendly Design and Operations

Environmentally Sustainable Construction

The Borana Lodge is built using natural, local materials such as 'stones, granite, and basalt boulders' from the surrounding valley floors. It also incorporates 'palm tree stalks and fronds' in its construction, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. (Amara, 2017)

Renewable Energy and Water Conservation

The lodge operates on renewable energy, using 'solar heated showers' and 'battery lamps and torches' for lighting. It also has 'no electricity grid' and relies on 'braziers using wood for fuel' for heating. Water is sourced from a 'high altitude water well' and distributed through a 'gravity flow system', with 'grey water' being treated and used to irrigate the on-site orchard. (Amara, 2017)

Waste Management

The lodge has 'no sanitary sewage network' but instead uses 'sanitary composting toilets' to manage waste. It also aims to minimize waste through measures such as 'changing to reusable packaging where possible' and 'donating edible, unused food to locals'. (Amara, 2017)

Immersive Cultural Experience

Bedouin Community Involvement

The Borana Lodge is 'owned, managed and operated by the local Bedouin community', who play a vital role as 'community guards, guides and hosts for ecotourism'. The Bedouin have 'long-standing conservation ethics' and are integral to the lodge's operations. (Amara, 2017)

Authentic Cultural Experiences

Guests at the Borana Lodge can engage in a range of authentic cultural activities, such as 'trekking and pilgrimage' to nearby sites like the 'small orthodox chapel at the top of the mountains'. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local Bedouin culture and traditions. (Amara, 2017)

Unique Natural Environment

Diverse Ecosystems

The Borana Lodge is situated within the Saint Catherine Protectorate, which is home to a 'surprising diversity of flora and fauna'. This includes '472 plant species, 19 of which are endemic to Sinai, and 115 known for their medicinal value'. The area also supports a range of wildlife, such as 'Sinai agamas, harmless foxes, rockhyraxes, and the endangered Nubian ibex'. (Amara, 2017)

Stunning Natural Landscapes

The Saint Catherine Protectorate boasts a variety of 'natural sights', including 'springs, creeks, water pools, and narrow canyons, steep valleys with huge boulders, amazing rock formations, and barren plains with islands of lush vegetation'. The 'highest mountain in Egypt', Mount Catherine, and other peaks over 2,000 meters offer 'spectacular views' for visitors. (Amara, 2017)

Responsible Tourism Practices

Eco-Labeling and Certification

The Borana Lodge is part of an effort to develop an 'eco-label scheme for tourism activities' in the Saint Catherine Protectorate. This involves 'travel companies reporting regularly on their environmental management measures and performance' to ensure responsible practices. (Amara, 2017)

Visitor Management and Education

The Saint Catherine Protectorate has implemented a 'visitor management plan' to help manage the impact of tourism, including 'redesigning the visitor parking area and circulation system for the monastery'. Additionally, 'Bedouin eco-guide certification programs' are training local guides to become 'eco-guides', educating visitors on sustainable practices. (Amara, 2017)

Conservation Efforts

The Saint Catherine Protectorate has implemented a 'zoning plan' to protect 'high ecological sensitivity areas' from the impacts of tourism. The Ministry of Environment is also working to 'put together a biological database and monitoring system' to better understand and protect the area's biodiversity. (Amara, 2017)