Top 7 Sustainable Stays in Botswana
Written by Jess Tyrrell
Botswana’s sweeping plains, rolling hills, and vibrant wildlife create a landscape that has captivated visitors for centuries. With its commitment to conservation and development, Botswana is a vibrant and progressive nation dedicated to preserving its natural beauty and ensuring the well-being of its people. From the iconic Kalahari Desert to the lush Okavango Delta, Botswana is an enchanting destination that will leave you in awe.
Whether you prefer the indulgence of a luxury safari lodge or the seclusion of a remote bush camp, Botswana offers a range of unique, unforgettable, and sustainable stays that will inspire you and connect you to nature. We’ve included 7 of the best sustainable stay options in Botswana and what they are doing to protect the environment and benefit the local people. So read on to discover how you can experience the wilds of Africa while knowing that you’re leaving a lasting positive impact.
Vumbura Plains Camp by Wilderness Safaris is a luxurious oasis on the edge of the Okavango Delta. Its unique location offers a breathtaking view of the Delta, with its shimmering floodplains and lush vegetation. The camp has been built harmoniously alongside the surrounding environment, with each luxurious tent featuring private plunge pools and outdoor decks. Expert guides will take you on thrilling game drives, bush walks and mokoro excursions to explore the area’s diverse wildlife. In the evening, you can enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars and relax around the campfire.
Location: The Okavango Delta
Budget: Fancy
Sustainability:
Vumbura Plains Camp is renowned for its commitment to sustainability. Renewable energy sources power the camp, using solar energy for lighting, hot water and electricity. Vumbura Plains Camp also has its own conservation initiatives, such as the Wilderness Wildlife Trust, which focuses on protecting endangered species in the Okavango Delta. Furthermore, Vumbura Plains Camp employs a team of local guides and staff trained in sustainable tourism practices and passionate about preserving the local environment.
What to look out for:
Spectacular views from the elevated deck
Guided bush walks
High-quality cuisine featuring contemporary African and International flavours
Guided mokoro excursions for an up-close look at the wildlife
Night game drives for a chance to spot nocturnal animals
Private boat cruises for an unforgettable experience on the Okavango Delta
Educational nature talks from experienced guides
Kalahari Plains Camp
Kalahari Plains Camp by Wilderness Safari’s is an intimate safari camp located in Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Nestled in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, it offers visitors an unparalleled safari experience. Guests can explore the vast ochre plains of the Kalahari on game drives, enjoy the starry night skies from their private deck, and observe the unique wildlife and landscapes of the region. The camp is also dedicated to conservation, with many programs and initiatives in place to protect the unique wildlife and habitats of the area. With its luxurious accommodations, attentive service, and unmatched safari experience.
Location: Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Budget: Fancy
Sustainability:
Located in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Kalahari Plains Camp is committed to responsible tourism practices that protect the environment and benefit local people. The camp is powered by solar energy and uses recycled materials to construct its buildings. They also employ local people, helping to create jobs and provide income. Kalahari Plains Camp works with local communities to educate them about sustainable tourism. They also donate a portion of their revenue to conservation and community development initiatives, such as the Botswana Education Fund. By adopting these practices, the camp is helping to protect the environment and the local people and creating a model of sustainable tourism for the region.
What to look out for:
Unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities
Spot nocturnal wildlife on the night game drives
Learn about the African bush and its inhabitants on guided bush walks
Enjoy a unique stargazing experience where you can view the stars without light pollution
Relax in the pool and cool off from the African heat
Enjoy the traditional African cuisine prepared by the camp's expert chefs
Feline Fields
Mantis’ Feline Fields in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Set in the middle of the African bush, it is a place of beauty, tranquillity and relaxation. Its luxurious villas, infinity pool and stunning views make it a truly idyllic. Guests can participate in various wildlife activities, from game drives to bush walks, and learn more about the local environment. The lodge also has its own wildlife sanctuary, where guests can observe the animals in their natural habitat. Expect to see a variety of wildlife, such as zebra, giraffe, cheetah, lion, and wild dog. Birders will also be delighted, as the area is home to more than 200 species. For those looking for a truly unique experience, Feline Fields Lodge is the perfect place to experience the beauty of Botswana, responsibly.
Location: Kalahari Desert
Budget: Fancy
Sustainability:
Feline Fields has installed solar-powered geysers, energy-efficient air conditioning, LED lighting, and low-flow shower heads. They have also utilised green building practices by using locally sourced materials, the inclusion of natural ventilation, and the implementation of composting and recycling systems. Water-conserving strategies include greywater and rainwater harvesting systems. Feline Fields is committed to animal conservation and has implemented many initiatives to protect the local wildlife, such as creating anti-poaching units, monitoring the population of threatened species, and creating awareness campaigns. The lodge is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has implemented a carbon-neutrality program that includes using renewable energy sources and carbon offsetting. Feline Fields also supports the Feline Fields Trust — a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and conserving African wild cats — such as cheetahs, wildcats, servals, and caracals — by working with local communities. The Trust educates local communities on ecotourism and conservation, creating leaders in conservation.
What to look out for:
Enjoy a guided game drive with a knowledgeable guide
Take a horseback safari through the African bush
Visit the Cqwihaba Caves — a World Heritage Site
Sleep under the milky-way in one of the starbeds
Play a game of golf in the African savannah
Indulge in a private Spa treatment
Jack’s Camp
Located in the heart of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Jack’s Camp by Natural Selection is a unique and luxurious wildlife-adventure experience. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, discover the fascinating ecology of the sun-drenched Kalahari Desert and moonlike salt pans, as well as view truly unique wildlife such as habituated meerkat colonies and brown hyena. The camp is located in a spectacular setting, with vast open plains and deep blue skies, surrounded by ilala palm trees, salt pans and ancient baobab trees. Guests can explore the area on game drives and bush walks. With the guidance of experienced guides, you can get up close to the wild animals and take in the sights of the spectacular landscape. Jack’s Camp is a great spot for a romantic couple’s getaway, with its secluded and tranquil atmosphere. It also offers unique cultural experiences, such as visits to the ancient rock art sites and cultural visits with the San community.
Location: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Budget: Fancy
Sustainability:
Jack's Camp by Natural Selection is an example of sustainable travel practices done right. The camp has a strict ‘Leave No Trace’ policy, and all camping materials are locally sourced and biodegradable. Solar power is used instead of generators to reduce the camp's carbon footprint, and all wastewater is treated and recycled. Jack's Camp also works closely with local communities, creating jobs and offering educational and cultural programs to help preserve the traditional way of life of the Batswana and San peoples. In addition, Jack's Camp has been awarded a bronze certification from Ecotourism Botswana for its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its business. All of these efforts have made Jack's Camp one of the most respected and sustainable destinations in Botswana.
What to look out for:
Delicious meals prepared with fresh local ingredients
Game drives and guided walks with expert naturalist guides
Bird watching and photography safaris
Star-gazing in the clear night sky
Exciting night game drives to spot nocturnal creatures
Unique chance to learn traditional skills such as tracking animals and bushcraft from local experts
Seba Camp
Wilderness Safaris Seba Camp is an inspiring, intimate and luxurious safari camp nestled in the pristine wilderness of the Okavango Delta. The camp offers guests a unique and unforgettable African wildlife experience, with the opportunity to explore the untouched beauty of the Delta's lush waterways, lagoons and islands. Guests can enjoy game viewing from open vehicles, bush walks, mokoro trips, night drives and more. The camp also offers luxurious accommodations and amenities, as well as a variety of activities and amenities tailored to each guest's individual needs.
Budget: Fancy
Sustainability:
Wilderness Safaris Seba Camp is another exemplary model of sustainability. The camp is constructed using locally sourced materials, and its design is aesthetically pleasing while preserving the natural environment and habitat of the local wildlife. The camp operates on a low-impact, low-consumption model, using solar power, water conservation, and recycling. All camp staff are local community members, providing employment and economic opportunities for the locals. Additionally, Seba Camp works to support nearby communities by helping to build schools, providing jobs, and offering educational and environmental conservation programs. The camp also implements water conservation techniques, such as collecting rainwater and using eco-friendly detergents, to preserve this precious resource. Ultimately, Seba Camp is a model of sustainability that emphasises the importance of protecting the environment and empowering local people.
What to look out for:
Unparalleled, breathtaking views of the Okavango Delta
Guided game drives and boat safaris in the heart of the Delta
Opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife, from elephants and hippos to zebras and giraffes
Expert local guides to provide insight and knowledge about the area
Nighttime stargazing excursions
Community visits to learn about the local cultures
Meno a Kwena Tented Camp
Meno a Kwena Tented Camp by Natural Selection is an exclusive and luxurious safari experience located along the banks of the Boteti River in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park of Botswana. The camp offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, with several spectacular wildlife sightings available nearby. Guests can explore the surrounding area on a guided game drive or take a more leisurely approach with a walk along the river banks. Guests can also enjoy various activities such as hot air balloon rides, bird watching, and cultural experiences with the local San community. With its stunning location, world-class accommodation, and wealth of activities, Meno a Kwena Tented Camp is the perfect destination for a safari adventure.
Location: The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Budget: Fancy
Sustainability:
Meno a Kwena Tented Camp in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is one of the most sustainable camps in the region. This camp is unique in its use of solar power to generate electricity, meaning that it does not emit harmful pollutants into the environment. Additionally, all waste produced by the camp is carefully segregated and recycled, conserving natural resources and reducing their environmental footprint. Furthermore, the camp has committed to decreasing its water consumption by 20%, and they have installed a water recycling system to conserve as much water as possible. All resources are purchased locally, helping to boost the local economy. Meno a Kwena Tented Camp is committed to supporting local communities. They employ a majority of local staff and provide them with income and training while also giving back to the local area by offering educational programs and other forms of support. These efforts have allowed Meno a Kwena Tented Camp to become a leader in environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
What to look out for:
Incredible views of the Boteti River
Great animal viewing, with sightings of elephant, giraffe and other wildlife
Delicious meals prepared by local chefs and served in the outdoor dining area
The opportunity to take part in cultural activities and excursions, such as a guided bush walk or a visit to a nearby village
On-site spa and wellness centre
Campfire evenings with traditional storytelling and music
Expert guides available to offer insight into the local ecology and history
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp
Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp by &Beyond is an enchanting, luxury safari experience in the heart of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Overlooking Mopane trees and seasonal floodplains teeming with wildlife, the camp offers a unique opportunity to explore this incredible region in comfort and style. Guests can enjoy game viewing, bird watching, and the tranquillity of the delta during their stay. With nine luxury and two family tents, guests will find plenty of room to relax and enjoy the beauty of the African bush. The camp also offers a variety of activities, including guided game drives, walking safaris, and mokoro excursions. With its focus on sustainability, Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp provides an unforgettable experience.
Budget: Fancy
Sustainability:
&Beyond’s Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp in Botswana’s wildlife-dense Okavango Delta is a jewel of a sustainable stay. This camp is unique in that it is situated in a private concession that shares a border with the famous Moremi Game Reserve, offering guests the opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the African bush. Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp is committed to preserving the environment. It has taken several steps to reduce its impact, such as using solar-powered energy, limiting its water and other resources, and using eco-friendly building materials. Additionally, they have a strong commitment to benefiting local people. They hire locally, use locally-sourced food and products, and provide training and employment opportunities to the local community. They also provide employment and training opportunities to local communities and partner with the Botswana Wildlife Conservation Trust to support conservation and education in the area. Their commitment to sustainability makes Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp an ideal destination for travellers looking to experience the beauty and wildlife of Botswana while minimising their environmental impact.
What to look out for:
Luxurious luxury safari tents with private decks, swimming pools and outdoor showers
Private game drives in open-air safari vehicles, with experienced guides
Experiences of the area’s diverse wildlife, including the famed Okavango Delta’s Big 5
Delicious African cuisine, which includes African-style braais (BBQs)
Excursions to nearby villages to learn about the culture of the local communities
A variety of activities, such as photography, bush dinners, fishing, kayaking and sunset cruises — to name a few
Botswana is a magnificent destination that is serious about sustainability. Choosing to stay at sustainable spots is a great way to support the local economy and help protect the environment while experiencing a life-changing adventure — without skimping on comfort or luxury. By choosing to be a sustainable traveller, you can help to reduce their carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and support local communities. You can do all of this — and more — with Viatu, so move on over to our website, where dreams happen.
Tsamaya sentle (Go Well) & ¡Viva la sustainable travel!