Eco- Tourism operator, Desert and Delta Safaris – a subsidiary of Chobe Holding Limited has won the Sustainable Tourism destination – Southern Africa region category of the World Luxury Travel Awards 2024.
Desert and Delta Safaris operates lodges and camps in the Okavango Delta, Chobe and the Makgadikgadi.
Chobe Holding Limited, Managing Director, Lempheditse Odumetse announced the news with great pride, revealing that “this accolade is a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated teams on the ground, who work every day to preserve the natural environments in which we operate, educate and empower local communities, and inspire responsible tourism leadership in Botswana.”
Odumetse further indicated that Chobe Holdings pillars of sustainability permeates every aspect of their business, adding that the advancements the company has made in ethical and sustainable practices are positively shaping the tourism landscape for the better.
“From our humble beginnings, our aspirations have remained steadfast: to provide a platform for Batswana to preserve and protect their natural heritage. We believe that by empowering local communities and promoting sustainable practices, we can create a thriving tourism sector the benefits both the environment and the people,” he reflected.
Sustainable tourism as defined by the UN organs World Tourism Organisation and Environment Program, “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”
Additionally, they say that sustainable tourism “refers to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability”
Desert and Delta Safaris’ portfolio of properties includes Camps Moremi, Okavango, Xakanaxa and Xugana Island Lodge – all in the Okavango Delta; Chobe Game Lodge in the Chobe National Park and on the banks of Chobe River, Chobe Savanna Lodge on the Chobe’s Namibian side, Leroo La Tau in the Makgadikgadi, Savute Safari Lodge in the Savute region and Nxamaseri Island Lodge in the Okavango’s panhandle.
The company, has response to the award shared that sustainability is woven into each of these facilities –camps and lodges, through various recycling initiatives, solar-powered operations, water saving action, conscious exploration and beyond.
“Moreso we believe in in local employment, women empowerment, safeguarding Botswana’s heritage because preservation is as much about culture and people as it is about the environment.”
One of the women empowerment initiatives at Chobe Game Lodge, one of Desert and Delta Safari’s properties is the world famous Chobe Angels, an all-female guiding team. Chobe Game Lodge was the first to introduce e-mobility safari, with electric powered boats and game viewer vehicles.
Meanwhile has expressed gratitude to, “our teams, partners, and communities we serve for their unwavering support and commitment to our shared vision. Together, we will continue to lead the way in responsible tourism and ensure that Botswana’s natural treasures are preserved for generations to come.”
