Going green is the new way. We are not saying you should live off shrubs and that which Mother Nature has to offer. What we're suggesting should be kept in mind for your next holiday - try living in a tree.

But don't be alarmed, being an eco-warrior doesn't mean skimping on luxury.
South Africa, with its scenic beauty and incredible wildlife, is loaded with environmental and cultural diversity. It is almost impossible to tour the country without having some sort of nature experience. But all too often we do more harm than good. Giving something back to the environment is also important.

Benefiting the environment needn't all be doom and gloom. Have you considered eco-friendly activities such as Green Flag hiking? If you're ecologically and socially conscious then you probably have. The concept behind Green Flag hiking is to ensure that trail owners and users are environmentally responsible. Green Flag accreditation has wrongfully been used by many as a marketing gimmick. The main aim has always been to preserve popular destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural are the main attractions.

Strict criteria regulate the rating process. After all a quality hiking experience is dependent on a number of different aspects and is subject to individual taste. Grading takes the following into consideration:

• Service and trail facilities
• Accommodation
• Type of environment
• Properly rating the trail according to difficulty
• Management of facilities in an environmentally responsible way.

Green Flag is synonymous with preservation and information. Travellers can expect to be well-informed about the specifics of the hiking trail, be it rigorous or a leisurely amble. Learning about nature and the culture of the location is also a given.

The Garden Route, well-known for its wonderful scenery, welcomes an eco-friendly lifestyle with open-arms as it serves up two of the best eco-friendly lodges.

Experience life in a tree house at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountain Range. But the accommodation at Teniqua Treetops is unlike the tree-house you had as a kid growing up. These are built on hand crafted platforms and are carefully positioned in the forest to limit the impact on the surrounding nature reserve. With names such as the Forest Elders, Philosopher’s Perch, Tranquillity, to name but a few, each tree house emphasizes characteristics of an eco-warrior. At least we'd like to think so.

The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve, in the heart of the Garden Route, whispers a special kind of magic. This private nature reserve of 147 hectares offers a unique bio-diversity experience as it spans the Afromontane forest, Cape coastal fynbos and estuarine wetlands. Extreme construction care was taken not pollute the area with wet cement. These tree suites are supported on pre-made concrete and steel reinforced ‘pads’, which were placed at the bottom of hand-dug holes. The policy of the Reserve is ‘touch the earth lightly’ and they've done exactly that.

So the next time you're thinking of taking your normal holiday, try something new - have a go at an eco adventure.

Eco warriors can click here for our latest bush packages.