Terres d’Afrique Amenities - Why we are Passionate about this Range

Every Luxury Lodge in Southern Africa should consider this Unique Range of Amenities.

It has always been puzzling to me why so many Lodges has Black and White Amenities with the word CAPE TOWN on it? That Lady from Cape Town has become very common and no longer something special. 

The Terres d’Afrique Amenities are Inspired by Africa; looks like Africa and has the unique scent of Africa.  It is made from ingredients Unique to Africa and has a very important social responsibility program behind its production.  

“Terres d’Afrique is about a passion for nature, for Africa, for travelling the continent, exploring and discovering new plants, places and people. This passion allows us to create truly unique natural skincare and enriching experiences that capture the imagination and encourage people to explore wellness beyond the limits they are familiar with. The true spirit of Africa.”
– Stephan Helary, CEO & Co-founder

Terres d’Afrique (TDA) is an organic skincare brand. There are no animal ingredients, colour additives, synthetic fragrances or any other potentially harmful chemicals used in TDA products.

AFRICAN INSPIRATION: BOGOLAN DESIGN

Bogolan means ‘made from mud’ in Bambara. The Bogolan technique of dyeing and printing cotton is entirely organic and uses dried leaves and tree bark as dye stuff. Bogolan is the quintessential West African textile, also called mud cloth made in large parts of Sub-Saharan West Africa, although particularly associated Mali and above the river Niger.

The mud comes from the river Niger, and through a fascinating process of oxidisation it reacts with the natural dyes, producing a rich black when it has dried and washed off the fabric. This process is traditionally done on the banks of the Niger or its tributary the Bani where the fabric is spread out to dry in the sun.

AFRICAN SCENT

The fragrance was formed on the Axis of resinous African grasses. Heralded for its freshness, depth and warmth. A clean, yet unexpectedness prevails with the inclusion of vetiver and omumbiri - two African notes that are rare and precious. A sophistication has been achieved by subtle design, rather than overcomplicating the composition.

It is also functional, light and interesting but not too sweet, not too dominant.
Vetiver is a grass that grows in Madagascar. We distil its root (rhizome) to find the precious liquid oil that has scent qualities of freshness, resin and an earthy and grassy sweetness.

Omumbiri or Namibian myrrh is an African resin with fresh lemony top notes, and a lasting warm radiance.

Ylang Ylang is a scent that evokes the complexities of these drooping tropical blooms from the island of Madagascar. The scent of the floral oil on the humid air, slowly releases green and bright yellow citrus at first. The heart scent has creamy tones, rich and sweet while still vibrant and finishes with subtle warm vanilla and a lasting floral accord

GREEN POLICY
People

Terres d’Afrique endeavours to provide the safest and healthiest products possible based on the current scientific knowledge of ingredients available.
Therefore, we created an amenity range free of sulphates, mineral oils, parabens, silicones, artificial colouring agents and GMO’s. Our amenity products have not been tested on animals.

Planet

To achieve our sustainability and preservation of biodiversity goals, our amenities are close to 100% biodegradable. We carefully select ingredients that shows no bioaccumulation to protect the fragile ecosystems in which your properties are located. We use 100% recyclable or recycled plastic (PET). All wood and paper products must be FSC certified. We also offer a sustainable (ceramic) refillable packaging option

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Omumbiri or Namibian Myrrh has been used traditionally by the Himba to make their traditional perfume. The resin is mixed with fat and ochre and Himba women rub their skins with this mixture daily to skins protect themselves from the sun and the harshness of the climate

Himba tribes live in the Kunene region, a vast desert land in Northwest Nambia. Because of their seclusion from outside influences, they have managed to maintain much of their traditional lifestyle.

The IRDNC (Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation) has developed a sustainable project in the Kunene region of Namibia using Commiphora (Omumbiri) resources for income generation among the Himba. The Omumbiri project has helped them to maintain their nomadic life style and culture, which they are very proud of. By using Omumbiri in our amenity range, Terres d’Afrique is supporting this initiative and contributing to empowering Himba women in Namibia.