Namibia fly in safari holiday

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Kulala Desert Lodge operates on a hybrid solar-diesel power system, using solar energy during daylight hours and a backup diesel generator during low-light or high-demand. Across both Kulala Desert Lodge and Doro Nawas, sustainable dining practices are prioritised by offering fresh vegetarian and vegan menu options daily, alongside sourcing seasonal produce locally whenever feasible to cut food-mile carbon footprints. Furthermore, human-powered activities - such as guided nature walks are incorporated into the daily itinerary, reducing the reliance on motorised game drives while providing an intimate, low-impact connection to the environment.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Etosha Mountain Lodge is situated on the 60,000-hectare Etosha Heights Private Reserve where a portion of guest stay revenues directly funds 24/7 dedicated anti-poaching units to protect endangered black and white rhinos.

At Kulala Desert Lodge, strict environmental management policies enforce a complete ban on single-use plastic water bottles, saving millions of plastic containers over time, while conserving scarce desert water resources through low-flow fixtures and water treatment systems. In addition, wildlife encounters and tracking activities are strictly led by highly qualified, local expert nature guides trained to adhere to low-impact viewing protocols that prevent stress to desert-adapted fauna.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Tourism in the areas included in this itinerary directly empowers local communities through groundbreaking joint-venture models, most notably at Doro Nawas, which operates in direct partnership with the local Doro !Nawas Conservancy. Through these conservancy structures, a portion of tourism revenues flows straight into the local community to fund infrastructure, education, and village developments. To maximise local economic benefits beyond accommodation stays, guests are introduced to local artisans, craft initiatives, and cultural visits that channel financial benefits directly into rural households.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All the accommodations included in this itinerary prioritise employing local people and providing them with training opportunities throughout their employment. Wilderness Safaris is the operator of both Kulala Desert Lodge and Doro Nawas - from 2016 to 2025 they have employed 400 people, paid USD45 million
to staff, USD20 million paid to the Namibian Government, USD98 million in purchases of goods and services in the local economy and USD4.7 million paid to communities.