Written by Jess Tyrrell

“To travel is to see” – Setswana Proverb

Botswana is known for its pristine beauty and abundance of wildlife, making it a top destination for luxury travellers and adventure seekers alike. Beyond its natural wonders, Botswana is also an excellent destination for sustainable tourism. Botswana is globally revered as Africa’s most forward-thinking tourism destination, with a big emphasis on high-value, low-volume tourism. In this blog post, we'll look at why Botswana is a jewel destination for sustainable tourism, from its triumphant efforts to minimise environmental impact to its inspiring initiatives that maximise positive social, cultural, and economic influence.

As we did with Namibia and South Africa, we scored Botswana according to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria. The GSTC provides a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach to measuring sustainable tourism by assessing the overarching themes concerning: sustainable management; socio-economic impact; cultural impact; and environmental impact.

According to our application of the GSTC Criteria, Botswana scored an impressive 83%. Here is a clear breakdown of the total scores of the respective 4 sustainability themes:

• Sustainable Management: 78%

• Socio-economic Sustainability: 81%

• Cultural Sustainability: 92%

• Environmental Sustainability: 81%

From its commitment to conservation and respect for the environment to its extensive eco-tourism initiatives, Botswana has a lot to offer sustainable tourists. So, whether you're looking for an adventure-filled getaway or a relaxing and peaceful nature escape, Botswana is sure to provide a sustainable vacation you won't soon forget.

Read on to find out why a trip to Botswana is rewarding for not only you but for Botswana and her people.

Sustainable Management

The high-value, low-volume tourism model in Botswana is a strategy for promoting tourism that focuses on quality over quantity. It involves offering visitors a unique and exclusive experience tailored to each traveller's individual needs and preferences. This model emphasises the importance of conservation and sustainability in tourism and providing high-quality services and amenities that will attract and retain visitors. The goal is to create a sustainable tourism industry that offers long-term benefits to the country and its people.

Botswana has implement the 'Responsible Tourism' policy, designed to ensure that the country's tourism industry is managed sustainably and responsibly, with consideration for the environment, local communities, and resources. The government has also introduced the Botswana Tourism Levy, which funds various tourism and hospitality-related projects. There are deliberate initiatives to promote eco-tourism, preserve local cultures and traditions, and a strict 'no littering' policy. 

Collaboration, Co-operation and Co-existance

Sustainable tourism in Botswana is an industry supported by various key players, including:

The Government

The government of Botswana — and the Botswana Tourism Board — are responsible for developing and implementing sustainable tourism policies and regulations, as well as providing the necessary financial and technical support to ensure the industry's success. The tourism board promotes responsible practices, such as reducing pollution and waste, limiting human impact on wildlife, and supporting local communities. By working together, Botswana's government and tourism board are helping to ensure the country can enjoy a sustainable future.

The Private Sector

The private sector, including tour operators, accommodation providers, and transportation companies, are essential for developing, promoting, and delivering sustainable tourism services and products. Companies can help to reduce environmental impacts by implementing green practices, such as reducing waste and emissions, improving energy efficiency, and investing in renewable energy sources. Companies can also help to create jobs and invest in local communities, helping to increase economic growth and reduce poverty. Additionally, businesses can help to promote responsible governance and transparency and ensure that their products and services are socially and environmentally responsible.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — like the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) 

NGOs provide valuable advice and support on encouraging and managing sustainable tourism initiatives. NGOs are responsible for raising awareness about the importance of sustainable development and promoting practices and policies that promote sustainability. They help to provide financial and technical assistance to local communities, enabling them to manage their natural resources better and adapt to climate change. Additionally, NGOs work with the government to develop and implement sustainable development strategies and actions. Finally, NGOs help monitor the progress of sustainable development and ensure that the strategies work effectively.

Local Communities

Botswana is big on Community-Based Tourism and encourages local communities to develop and manage tourism businesses. Local communities play a significant role in ensuring sustainability. They have a long-standing tradition of conserving their natural resources and protecting their environment. They have adopted traditional land management practices such as rotational grazing, which helps to prevent overgrazing and soil erosion. Communities are also involved in managing protected areas, such as national parks and game reserves, by restricting access to certain areas and engaging in community-based ecotourism. Moreover, local communities are involved in the sustainable use of natural resources such as water, fish and wildlife and are committed to preserving their traditional ways of life.

Planning for Future Change

Botswana’s government is taking proactive steps to ensure its nation is prepared for future environmental change. They are investing in a national climate change adaptation strategy, which focuses on building the necessary infrastructure and resources to be resilient to climate change impacts. This includes investing in renewable energy, increasing water conservation efforts, and early warning systems to anticipate extreme weather events. The government is also encouraging sustainable land management and land use practices to ensure that natural resources are managed responsibly. Through these efforts, the Botswana government actively plans for future environmental changes and ensures the nation is prepared for any potential impacts.

Socio-economic Sustainability

Botswana recognises the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving and promoting the local social well-being of its citizens. The government has prioritised sustainable tourism as a critical driver of social development through initiatives such as the Botswana Tourism Development Fund. This fund is used to provide grants for projects that focus on developing and implementing sustainable tourism practices. The government also provides tax incentives for businesses that promote local development and generate job opportunities. All these measures aim to ensure that Botswana's social and economic growth is sustainable and beneficial to its citizens. 

Botswana also places a big emphasis on Community-Based Tourism (CBT). This inspiring form of tourism ensures that local communities have ownership and management of the tourism experience in their country. CBT includes developing local tourist operators through training and improving infrastructure, promoting local guides who lead visitors on wildlife safaris and cultural tours, offering homestays in rural villages, and providing opportunities for tourists to learn traditional skills. In addition, communities have established craft shops and restaurants to provide economic benefits and create jobs. These initiatives promote sustainable economic development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. 

Cultural Sustainability

The government of Botswana is committed to protecting the nation's cultural heritage through sustainable tourism. They have established a Tourism Development and Conservation Programme to promote tourism opportunities while protecting Botswana's cultural heritage. This includes preserving traditional and indigenous cultures and cultural sites through research, education, and interpretation. Specific regulations are in place to ensure that indigenous communities' traditional knowledge, beliefs and practices are respected and valued. Furthermore, the government has established partnerships with local tour operators to ensure that cultural heritage sites are appropriately managed and maintained. These partnerships help promote respectful local cultural heritage through sustainable tourism and ensure its preservation for generations to come.

An example of an important cultural site is Tsodilo Hills — a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Kalahari Desert — which is an iconic cultural and spiritual site that the San people have been visiting for thousands of years for ancient ceremonies. Another is Tswapong Hills — a region of high hills and valleys located in the eastern part of Botswana and home to ancient rock paintings, archaeological sites and remains, and indigenous groups.

Environmental Sustainability

Botswana's government has taken several steps to prioritise nature conservation and promote sustainable tourism, while maximising its economic benefits. These measures include granting protected status to large land areas, creating national parks and wildlife reserves, and investing in infrastructure for low-impact ecotourism activities. Additionally, Botswana's government has implemented several environmental policies and regulations to ensure sustainable tourism practices, such as ensuring that all tourism activities comply with the principles of conservation and environmental respect. The result of these efforts means that Botswana is now known as one of the most successful African countries regarding nature conservation through sustainable tourism.

Wildlife Conservation

Botswana is an African nation with a rich and diverse natural landscape. As such, it has been a leader in conservation efforts for many years, with nearly half of the country set aside for conservation. Botswana’s wild spaces are carefully protected through large sprawling national parks and reserves, allowing citizens to experience nature in its purest form. The country is home to some of the largest intact ecosystems in the world, including the Okavango Delta,  Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Moremi Game Reserve, the Chobe Region, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and numerous other protected areas. Botswana has also invested heavily in its national parks, making them some of the most successful conservation areas in the world. In addition, the government has actively sought to protect endangered species such as the African wild dog, African elephant, and rhinoceros. As a result of these efforts, Botswana is now home to a thriving wildlife population and unique ecosystems.

Some of Botswana’s most successful initiatives include the Biodiversity Conservation and Tourism Project, both of which help to reduce human activities' impact on natural habitats. The project aims to reduce the consumption of natural resources, restore degraded habitats and increase the protection of existing wildlife. Additionally, the government has established the Department of Wildlife and National Parks responsible for managing and conserving the country's wildlife and natural resources. Other initiatives include establishing the Botswana Environmental Management Authority, which promotes and monitors environmental management and conservation. Furthermore, the government has implemented legislation to protect the country's wildlife and habitats, including the Botswana Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act.

Conserving Resources

The government of Botswana has taken a responsible approach to managing the country's precious resources. This has included establishing a legal framework for the sustainable use of land, wildlife, and water resources. The government has also implemented policies to protect the environment, such as hunting and fishing regulations and establishing protected areas. Additionally, the government has taken steps to ensure that the country's resources are used for the benefit of all citizens, such as providing access to clean water and sanitation services and investing in renewable energy sources. The government has also invested in education, healthcare, and other social programs to ensure that all citizens can easily access these essential services.

Managing Water Resources

Botswana’s government has taken steps to manage its precious water resources responsibly. It has implemented stringent water use restrictions, focusing on conservation and efficient water use. The government has implemented several initiatives, such as the National Water Master Plan, which sets out the country’s water resource management goals and a plan for achieving them. The government is also investing in water infrastructure to ensure the efficient delivery of water to citizens. Additionally, the government has implemented water pricing policies to discourage wasteful water use. These policies, combined with public education campaigns, have resulted in more efficient water use in Botswana and have helped to ensure that the country’s water resources are managed sustainably.

Managing Waste

Botswana's government has taken many steps to responsibly manage the nation's waste, including waste segregation and recycling programs.  The government has launched several waste disposal facilities, including landfills and incinerators, to ensure waste's safe and responsible disposal. Finally, the government has implemented public awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to reduce and properly dispose of their waste. Through these initiatives, Botswana is taking effective steps in responsibly managing the country's waste.

Managing Carbon Emissions

Botswana's government is committed to responsibly managing carbon emissions and reducing the country's emissions intensity. They have implemented several initiatives and policies to achieve this goal, including the National Climate Change Strategy and the National Environmental Management Plan. In addition, the Green Economy Strategy helps promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and green investments. Furthermore, the government has committed to investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind and creating jobs in the green energy sector, committing to shift the country’s power generation mix to renewable sources by 2036. To ensure these initiatives are successful, the government is working with international partners to share best practices and leverage resources to reduce carbon emissions further.

Sustainable Escapes

Botswana's sustainable hospitality industry has made great strides in recent years. The country's commitment to sustainability has enabled it to remain competitive in the ever-changing hospitality industry. Botswana has adopted many strategies to ensure its hospitality sector is sustainable and environmentally friendly. Additionally, local communities have been involved in the planning and development of the hospitality industry, ensuring that the industry is beneficial to all. The Botswana Tourism Board has also developed and implemented several programmes to support the sustainable hospitality industry. These include the Green Star Certification Programme, which rewards businesses for their commitment to sustainability, and the Eco-Tourism Certification Programme, which encourages tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices. These programmes have helped to create a culture of sustainability within the industry. Finally, the country's commitment to sustainability has been further demonstrated by its participation in international initiatives, such as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

Botswana is home to some of the most sustainable hospitality groups in the world. From luxury resorts and hotels to eco-friendly lodges and camps, a range of eco-friendly options is available for travellers seeking to explore the country sustainably. Many hospitality groups strive to reduce their carbon footprint, support local communities, and promote sustainable tourism practices. 

Here’s a list of our Top 7 Sustainable Stays in Botswana, with plenty more for you to explore on our website.

Tourism Statistics

• Tourism density is only 3 tourists per square kilometre

• Population density is only 4 locals per square kilometre

• 12.85 metric tons of carbon dioxide were emitted per person in 2021 (Qatar emits 35.6 per person)

• 29.1% of total terrestrial area is protected

• Botswana’s Human Development Index score is 0.735

• Ranked 48 on the Global Peace Index

Botswana is a world-class sustainable tourism destination due to its commitment to preserving its natural environment and cultural heritage. Its well-managed wildlife reserves, national parks, and game reserves allow tourists to experience the region's beauty without disrupting its ecosystems' natural balance. Additionally, Botswana has a robust set of policies and laws to protect its environment, ensuring that the region remains an attractive destination for visitors worldwide. With its commitment to sustainability, Botswana is an ideal destination for those seeking a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Viatu will take you there, so check out our trips to Botswana, or create your own.