Botswana and Zimbabwe highlights tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

In order to make this trip as carbon-friendly as possible all three of the safari camps included - Davison's Camp, Chobe Bakwena and MmaTsebe Camp are powered 100% by solar energy.

Throughout the trip there are activity options that do not involve vehicles, for example walking safaris are possible from Davison's Camp in Hwange and from Chobe Bakwena. It is also possible to explore to do a bicycle tour from Chobe Bakwena and a mokoro trip from MmaTsebe.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Chobe Bakwena is one of the most eco-conscious lodges in the Chobe area. When the lodge was built they sourced as much of the building material as possible from local and sustainable or renewable natural sources. This includes the sand for the wall in-fills as well as the thatching grass for the roofing, which comes from nearby Pandamatenga. The close proximity and use of natural materials not only accounts to a financial saving but is an integral part of maintaining a low carbon footprint. All decking is pine, sourced from sustainable plantations. Where furniture has been made, for example the beds and tables; these have been made on site using only sustainably sourced wood. As well as this the treatments used on all wooden surfaces are not harmful to the environment as they are made from natural oils and plant extracts. The walls are treated and finished with ‘green paints’.

The operator behind Davison's Camp works with Zimbabwe Parks, Wildlife Management Authority to support the important work of the Scorpions Anti-Poaching Unit. This protects around 56,000 hectares in the south-eastern region of Hwange. Since inception in 2011 the unit has reduced poaching levels within the park and by visiting Davison's Camp you provide funding for the unit to continue making progress.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Chobe Bakwena is proudly Batswanan and all the staff, including the owners, are from nearby villages and wherever possible materials used in the lodge are sourced locally.

MmaTsebe Tented Camp, works to engage and upskill the local community by predominantly employing staff from the local Khwai village and training them as needed to the standard required by the lodge.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

The operator behind Davison's Camp works closely with the schools and communities that lie on the perimeter of Hwange National Park. They have provided numerous resources including classrooms, medical clinics and free school meals.

They also participate in Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travellers to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination.

Pack for a purpose is a charitable organisation that was set up in 2009 and offers travellers the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the local communities of their travel destination. It is a global initiative that helps contribute essential supplies in over 60 countries. Pack for a purpose supports various initiatives such as education, child welfare, animal welfare and socioeconomic development.

All travellers can participate and it is as simple as choosing supplies you wish to take with you from a list of specific items requested for the area and project. The supplies you bring are then left with us and we make sure to deliver them on to the project. The items can vary from pencils, deflated soccer balls, pet supplies, through to stethoscopes and band-aids. It is a way for travellers to make a huge impact with very little effort.