Responsible Tourism
Commitment to Conservation and Responsible Tourism
The formal conservation of Botswana’s natural resources, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage began in 2002 with the adoption of the country’s National Ecotourism Strategy. These principles have since played a pivotal role in shaping the Botswana Eco-tourism Certification System, a voluntary program run by Botswana Tourism. With approximately 240 performance standards, this system encourages and supports tourism businesses to adopt responsible environmental, social, and cultural practices.
At Okavango Expeditions, we see responsible tourism as a powerful way to address both conservation challenges and local community development. Over the years, ecotourism has proven to be an effective tool for enhancing livelihoods while supporting conservation efforts.
Our MD, Clint Gielink, shares:
“Our team at Okavango Expeditions has achieved impressive results over the past few years, with 99% positive feedback from our guests. The next step was a challenge never attempted by a mobile safari company in Botswana – achieving the Botswana Tourism Eco-certification.”
Previously, this prestigious certification was only held by a small number of Botswana’s premier lodges and camps. Okavango Expeditions is proud to be the first mobile safari company to earn this recognition.
The journey involved making small, meaningful changes that yielded significant results: improving our working environment, supporting local communities, and reducing our ecological impact. This ensures a balanced and rewarding experience for our guests, knowing their visit contributes positively to Botswana, its people, and its environment.
A mobile safari inherently carries a light ecological footprint, and many of the eco-certification requirements were already part of our operations. Pursuing certification was therefore a natural next step in our commitment to sustainable tourism.
Some notable changes are:
- Ensuring we created the correct working environment for all members of our team and that each person would benefit from the long term success of the company this involved introduction of significant staff benefits many an industry first.
- Tangible contributions to MAWS (Maun Animal Welfare Society) and the AGLOW project to assist our destitute elderly folks.
- The introduction of filtered water on safari thus eliminating approx. 9000 plastic bottles of water per year.
- Our back up trucks are being designed to ensure our recycling program starts right there on our safari.
- Solar charging systems on the back up trucks for both fridges and guests tents.
- The introduction of eco – friendly detergents.
- The efficient recycling of used vehicles oils and batteries by accredited suppliers.
- We plant a tree for every guest who joins us on safari, helping to restore habitats and support a greener future.
- Our staff share directly in the success of every safari through a profit-sharing program that rewards their dedication and passion.
A summary of the key eco-tourism requirements:
- Compliance with Relevant Laws & Regulations of Botswana
- Ensure the company is comprehensively insured for both guests and our staff
- Energy conservation policy
- Preventative maintenance plans
- Fire prevention plan
- Water use & Conservation policy
- Waste management policy
- Plan to source primarily from local suppliers
- Environmentally responsible supplies & services
- Responsible & environmentally sensitive marketing materials
- Minimizing negative impact on Environment produced by operations
- Towel & linen reuse program
- Separation & Recycling program
- Solid waste storage
- Use of biodegradable cleaners
- Support to local producers
- Support to local suppliers
- Employee training & welfare
- Visitor Experience, Impact & interpretation
- Maximizing local community benefits
- Contribution to conservation
We pride ourselves on being good at what we do. Years of experience and a commitment to giving our guests the best possible safari experience have helped us build our reputation.
We have on two separate occasions been awarded the Botswana Guides Association “Safari Operator of the Year Award“.
But is that enough? Does that make us a good safari company? We believe that to answer this question, we need to look beyond the logo to see what really drives us.
What makes us different is our people – not just the people who work with us, but everyone whose lives are touched by what we do. Our attitudes to our team members and the communities we operate in define us as a company.
Traditional approaches to conservation have tended to focus on iconic species. We’re convinced that this is only half of the story. If people are part of the conservation problem, then they are also to be part of the conservation solution.
Thank you to BTO for leading the way and for awarding us an Eco – certification “Green+” certificate.
Our challenge to you:
- Humans don’t have the best track record as citizens of this planet, but it’s not too late for us to make amends. In fact, this isn’t an option. We need to get this right, and the answers begin with all of us as future travellers.
- Insist that your visit to every corner of the globe results in positive change for yourself, the country its people and the environment.
- Insist on details before you travel …request it from your Tour Operator who must request it from us the suppliers of the experience …challenge all of us!
- If we work together surely we can make meaningful tangible positive change to the country the people and the environment.
Conservation and Community Fund
Travelling with us really makes a difference. Starting in April 2021 we will initiate our “Community and Conservation Fund”.
We are passionately dedicated to Responsible Travel and for each and every guest booked on our safaris we will contribute US$1 per person per night to this fund.
Community and conservation projects in Botswana will be identified by our selected team of staff ensuring we are actively involved in uplifting our local communities.
The fund will be used to support local Botswana projects, from assisting local primary schools, alleviating the plight of the destitute elderly to conservation.
Feel free to visit while you are in Botswana. We will gladly arrange and accompany you.
The projects will be highlighted on our website and social media pages.