Botswana: A Sustainable Safari Destination

Published on: 21/04/2025

Photo title: Giraffe

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Photo Credits: Sarah Kingdom

Wildlife across Africa is under pressure. Recent decades have seen the shrinking of animal populations across the continent. This is a sobering thought. Especially if one is contemplating a safari! Fortunately, a sustainable, conservation-focused approach to safaris is emerging, one that’s delivering low-impact lodges, that leave a minimal footprint on the landscape.

Botswana’s safari camps and lodges are becoming more and more ecologically minded and focusing on preserving the environment. Botswana stands as a beacon of sustainable tourism in Africa, offering travellers the chance to experience the country’s rich biodiversity responsibly. From the vast expanses of the Kalahari Desert to the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s commitment to conservation is about ensuring that its natural wonders remain pristine for generations to come. If you’re looking for an unforgettable safari experience that supports both the environment and local communities, a safari in Botswana could be just the ticket.

Botswana’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

Botswana is recognized as a global leader in conservation-driven tourism. In 2002, the country adopted a “High-Value, Low-Volume” tourism strategy aimed at minimising environmental impact while maximising economic benefits. Instead of mass tourism, Botswana focuses on attracting fewer tourists who are willing to pay a premium for exclusive experiences. This model has been instrumental in preserving the country’s ecosystems while supporting local communities.

With a population of roughly 2 million, the country is slightly larger than France and slightly smaller than Texas, yet over 40% of Botswana’s land is dedicated to protected parks, reserves, and wildlife management areas, ensuring that the country remains a sanctuary for wildlife. Additionally, the government has implemented strict anti-poaching measures, including deploying military forces to protect endangered species like rhinos, elephants, and big cats.

Eco-Friendly Safari Practices in Botswana

Sustainable safari operators in Botswana follow eco-conscious practices to align with the country’s sustainability goals. When planning your safari, look for companies that prioritise the following:

1. Solar Energy Utilisation
Many safari camps and lodges are partially or fully solar-powered, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Solar panels generate electricity for lighting, heating water, and running essential operations while minimising carbon emissions.

2. Water Conservation
With much of Botswana being semi-arid, water conservation is essential. Look for lodges that use water-efficient systems, such as low-flow showers, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling to reduce waste and protect freshwater sources.

3. Plastic-Free & Waste Management Initiatives
Many lodges and safari operators have banned single-use plastics, replacing them with reusable or biodegradable alternatives. Additionally, many have strict waste management policies, ensuring that no pollution is left behind in fragile ecosystems.

4. Low-Impact Safari Vehicles & Activities
• Electric safari vehicles are increasingly being used to reduce emissions and noise pollution.
• Walking safaris and mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions allow for a low-carbon, immersive experience, perfect for a leave-no-trace approach to exploring
• Limited road networks in parks ensure that vehicle impact on landscapes is minimised.

5. Ethical Wildlife Interactions
Sustainable safari companies prioritise ethical wildlife viewing, ensuring that animals are not unnecessarily disturbed or stressed. Responsible guides will also educate visitors on wildlife behaviour and enforce a strict no-touching, no-baiting policy for all safaris.

Photo title: Elephants

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Photo Credits: Sarah Kingdom

Evolve Back Kalahari: An Example of Sustainable Luxury

Evolve Back Kalahari, has embraced a number of sustainably-minded practices:

• Using Solar Energy: The camp operates on solar power, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
• Preserving Cultural Heritage: Evolve Back Kalahari offers immersive experiences with the San people, helping to preserve their ancient knowledge, traditions, and way of life.
• Wildlife Conservation: The lodge is committed to protecting endangered species, funding research projects, and supporting local anti-poaching initiatives.
• Sustainable Design: The camp is built with local, eco-friendly materials, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape.

Visitors to Evolve Back Kalahari can experience a low-impact, high-reward safari experience, knowing their stay directly contributes to conservation and community development.

Top Sustainable Safari Destinations in Botswana

When choosing a destination for your eco-friendly safari, consider the following conservation-focused locations:

1. Okavango Delta – The Jewel of Botswana
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse wetlands in Africa.
• Many lodges here use solar energy and limit their environmental footprint.
• Mokoro safaris allow for a quiet, non-invasive way to explore the delta’s rich wildlife.

2. Chobe National Park – Elephant Paradise
• Home to Africa’s largest elephant population (over 120,000 individuals).
• Sustainable lodges here utilise electric boats and game-drive vehicles to minimise emissions.

3. Makgadikgadi Pans – A Unique Desert Experience
• One of the world’s largest salt flats, offering incredible stargazing and desert-adapted wildlife encounters.
• Choose a camp here that emphasises cultural sustainability, employing and educating local San Bushmen.

4. Linyanti Reserve – A Remote Conservation Haven
• Less crowded than Chobe and the Okavango, providing an exclusive safari experience.
• Wildlife conservation is a priority, with projects aimed at protecting big cats and wild dogs.

How to Plan a Sustainable Safari in Botswana

1. Choose Eco-Certified Safari Operators
Look for lodges and camps accredited by organizations like Botswana Ecotourism Certification, which ensures high sustainability standards.

2. Support Community-Based Tourism
Opt for lodges and experiences that employ local guides, source food locally, and invest in community projects.

3. Travel During the Shoulder or Green Season
Consider visiting during the off-peak season to reduce environmental pressure and support tourism year-round.

4. Minimise Your Carbon Footprint
• Pack reusable water bottles and eco-friendly toiletries.
• Choose direct flights where possible to reduce carbon emissions.
• Respect wildlife and park regulations—keep a safe distance and avoid disruptive behaviour.

5. Participate in Conservation Initiatives
Many lodges allow guests to take part in conservation efforts, such as tree planting, wildlife tracking, or anti-poaching education programs.

6. Pack for a Purpose
When packing for your travels check out the Pack for a Purposeinitiative, which encourages travellers to make a meaningful contribution to the communities they visit, by dedicating any small space in their luggage to essential supplies needed by projects that assist the local people.

Final Thoughts: Travelling with Purpose

Opting for a more sustainable safari in Botswana allows you to experience the thrill of the wild while making a positive impact. By choosing eco-friendly lodges, supporting conservation initiatives and respecting local communities, you’ll become part of the movement to protect Africa’s last great wildernesses.

Ready to embark on a safari adventure that protects wildlife, empowers communities, and leaves the land untouched? Pack your bags, and let Botswana show you the way!

Sarah Kingdom

Travel writer, mountain guide, yoga teacher, trail runner and mother, Sarah Kingdom was born and brought up in Sydney, Australia. Coming to Africa at 21 she fell in love with the continent and stayed. Sarah guides on Kilimanjaro several times a year, and has lost count of how many times she has stood on the roof of Africa. She has climbed and guided around the world and now spends most of her time visiting remote places in Africa. When she is not traveling she runs a cattle ranch in Zambia with her husband.

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Botswana: A Sustainable Safari Destination

Sarah Kingdom