Nestled along Botswana’s sprawling floodplains and lush forests lays a remote paradise comprised of a mere handful of some of Africa’s most authentic and celebrated eco-tourism accommodations. For those looking to experience an intimate vacation, far from touristy hot spots and busy city life, Botswana is the place to visit. Its authenticity allows visitors to unplug themselves from daily life stresses and connect with nature, while receiving a glimpse into a world rich with culture, beauty, and exotic wildlife.
Below are three Botswana eco-tourism accommodation spotlights:
Delta Camp:
Set against a lush forest and glistening Delta, the Delta Camp strives to preserve local traditions, culture, and the natural surroundings of the quaint island it claims residency. Through sustainable design, earth-conscious recycling and cleaning practices, and local employment opportunities, the Delta Camp implements both environmentally and socially responsible tourism practices.
The camp is comprised of thatched chalets built from reeds and other sustainable materials that are elevated above the ground to give guests the ultimate view of the Delta, without endangering the local wildlife and fragile eco-systems.
In addition to sustainable building practices, the Delta Camp offers traditional wooden Mokoros safaris, led by qualified natives, for a highly authentic experience one of the camp’s most celebrated activities. Using traditional handmade Mokoros instead of fiberglass boats, Delta Camp’s local guides immerse their guests into the local traditions and lifestyles of Botswana, while opening their eyes to the many natural wonders of the Okavango Delta.
The Delta Camp also prides itself on fuel-free practices. Therefore, there are no game drives or generators, simply the peace and serenity of nature.
Grassland Lodge:
With something new to experience each and every day, guests at the Grassland Lodge can take part in an array of rewarding activities both adventurous and relaxing. From cultural activities with the local Bushmen to participation in the Predator Protection Project, and horse safaris to game viewing, Grassland Lodge is built from a socially and environmentally responsible vision.
For those interested in partaking in exciting cultural activities, they can experience a day in the life of the Bushmen. During this experience, the local Bushmen welcome guests with open arms and are delighted to teach their visitors about their survival, hunting, and cooking skills, and educate them on the medicinal purposes for indigenous plant species. This cultural experience promotes socially responsible practices as it enables the ancient Bushmen culture to remain alive and be shared with others.
Aside from socially responsible practices, Grassland Lodge also utilizes environmentally friendly practices to reduce the increasing human / wildlife conflicts. These conflicts arise when an animal leaves its residential reserve in search of food and water. When they come across villages, they often stay around as there is plenty of food and water. However, the food they eat is often the livestock and the crops owned by famers a mistake that often results in the farmer killing the animal.
In order to greatly reduce human / wildlife conflict and prevent further endangerment of animals, the Grassland Lodge created the Predator Protection Project. This project enables Grassland Lodge to work closely with the Department of Wildlife to provide a living environment for animals found in villages. This project enables the animals to be held in semi-captivity in order to prohibit species from becoming extinct, and increase their breeding rates. The animals are eventually reintroduced back into a natural safe haven, far from threats.
Guests of the Grassland Lodge are allowed to see the animals in their semi-captive state at no extra cost.
Sankuyo Bush Camp:
Situated along the border of the Moremi Game Reserve, Sankuyo Bush Camp’s prime location makes it the ideal setting for experiencing highly adventurous game drives and relaxing walks. Comprised of an eco-friendly, thatched lounge and dining area, and six luxury tents, Sankuyo invites its surrounding natural elements to influence the mood and ambiance of the entire camp.
In terms of the camp’s eco-tourism efforts, Sankuyo is one of Africa’s best. With en-suite, hot water showers powered by solar power, and 50% of daily profits going to the community, Sankuyo Bush Camp is redefining sustainability in not just Botswana, but in all of Africa.
In addition, Sankuyo runs the Botswana Predator Conservation Project, which works to research lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. For visitors interested in learning more about the research projects underway, they can arrange to speak to one of the researchers.
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