Botswana and Zimbabwe Ivory Route lodge tour

Planet

Small Group Travel
We specialise in small group safaris, with a maximum of 12 and a minimum of 4 clients per tour. Travelling together means transport and activities are shared between a limited number of travellers, while our experienced guides manage the driving and logistics.

Fuel Use
Our purpose built safari trucks average approximately 25L/100km. With an average of 9.5 clients on board, this equates to approximately 2.6L/100km per passenger. For comparison, a typical 4WD rental using 12L/100km and carrying two people uses around 6L/100km per passenger. Actual fuel use varies according to the vehicle, route, road conditions and passenger numbers.

Waste and Water
We follow a leave no trace approach and collect waste for disposal at appropriate facilities. At our workshop, we recycle used oil and containers, use oil traps and use biodegradable cleaning products wherever practical. Our safari vehicles carry tanks of clean, safe tap water, which clients can use to refill reusable bottles, reducing the need for single use plastic water bottles.

Resources and Wildlife
Where practical, we use gas rather than wood or charcoal for cooking, particularly in remote areas where firewood is limited. We also ask clients to use water thoughtfully, especially in the drier regions we visit. Our guides follow established wildlife viewing practices, including maintaining appropriate distances, avoiding unnecessary disturbance and never feeding wild animals.

People

Local Crafts and Markets
When visiting curio markets, we encourage clients to buy locally made crafts and to consider smaller wooden items rather than large pieces. This supports local artisans while reducing the amount of timber required for larger carvings. When bartering, we encourage clients to do so respectfully and remember that even a small purchase can be meaningful to a local vendor.

Tours for Young People, South Africa
We run educational trips to South Africa’s national parks for young people aged 14 to 18 from Johannesburg, in partnership with the PEN Organisation. Many participants have never visited a protected area or experienced wildlife in the wild. The trips provide an opportunity to learn about nature, conservation and careers in tourism.

National Park Fees
National park entry fees contribute towards the operation and management of protected areas. Depending on the park, these funds can contribute to infrastructure, conservation activities and services for park staff and surrounding communities. Clients can ask their guide about the park fees included in their safari and how they are used.

Locally Owned Accommodation
Where practical, we use locally owned lodges, guesthouses, B&Bs and tented camps. Staying at locally owned properties means that our accommodation spend contributes to businesses operating in the areas we visit, including through local employment and the use of local services and suppliers.

Local Guides and Community Experiences
Our safaris include two professional Sunway guides, and we also use local guides and community experts for specific activities. Their knowledge provides a direct connection to the places we visit, while the activities provide income and employment within local communities.

Okavango SOS Trees Project, Botswana
For generations, mokoros in the Okavango Delta have been made from sausage trees. As tourism has increased, so has demand for mokoros. To reduce the need for new trees, the host company supports the use of fibreglass mokoros, which are more durable than traditional wooden mokoros. A portion of the tour fee contributes to this project, and guests can also make additional donations. Since the project began, more than 30 traditional mokoros have been replaced with fibreglass versions, while local poler communities continue to benefit from mokoro based activities.

Matobo Rhino Trust Support
Rhino conservation is an important part of protecting Zimbabwe’s wildlife and the natural areas in which rhinos live. Sunway Safaris supports the Matobo Rhino Trust, an organisation involved in rhino monitoring and protection in Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe. Established in 2013, the Matobo Rhino Trust works with teams involved in protecting rhinos and monitoring populations in the park. The work can involve long periods in rugged terrain and challenging conditions. Sunway has donated equipment to support the Trust’s field teams and continues to raise funds for practical items needed during their work.