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Botswana: A Top Travel Destination in 2020

admin — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 11:05:34 +0000

The international travel and tourism industry has weighed in on which are the top travel destination candidates in 2020 and Botswana has once again been awarded a well-deserved spot on that list.

A land of remote and contrasting wilderness regions, where ticking clocks are replaced by the rising and setting of the sun as the best times for game and bird watching, Botswana has always been one of the – if not the – top travel destinations in Southern Africa for newbies and long-time enthusiasts that want an authentic wildlife safari experience.

“While many southern African countries monetized the safari as an economy of scale, Botswana leaned into exclusivity instead of volume, championing singular, upmarket experiences for the few instead of midrange camps for the many. The strategy paid off as the peaceful nation has garnered an international reputation for its roaring population of wildlife versus a small huddle of tourists” – Harper’s Bazaar, 30 December 2019

Quality over quantity

As referred to by Harper’s Bazaar above, Botswana’s ‘quality over quantity’ ethos has ensured that the wildlife safari experience here has remained true to its origins. So, for example, exploring the bush and encountering wildlife within the private concessions of the Okavango Delta is not marred by the exhaust fumes, clicking cameras and blocked visibility of other 4x4s that can often define a safari in other countries.

Small, open-sided vehicles give all guests good views of the Okavango Delta without negatively impacting on the wildlife they encounter © Melanie van Zyl

Tourism done responsibly

It is this particular approach taken by the government and travel industry that has made Botswana stand out from its neighbours in a way that really counts. Sustainable and responsible tourism initiatives form an integral part of each safari lodge and camp’s investment into community empowerment, wildlife conservation and ecosystem protection.

African wild dogs are one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most endangered species so refuges like Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta are key to their survival © Melanie van Zyl

Wildlife comes first

On the whole, regulations regarding human activity and property development in Botswana’s key wilderness areas are consistently enforced, which results in high standards within the safari industry. For instance, boating on the Chobe River does not disturb the goings on of aquatic animal and bird life as accessibility to this important ecosystem is limited and regulated.

Hippos and other wildlife in the Chobe River are not encroached upon and trained guides understand animal behaviours so as to change course if necessary © Melanie van Zyl

Luxury with respect

Safari camps and lodges ensure guests are afforded modern luxuries but not at the expense of the surrounding environment. Properties are generally small and unfenced so that animals’ natural pathways and access to food and water are, as far as possible, not blocked. Guests are briefed on safari etiquette that is applied when at their accommodation and out in the bush walking, driving or boating.

The ability of animals to roam being freely in their natural habitats is vital for them and a welcome sight by guests at their safari accommodation © Melanie van Zyl

We love Botswana and are confident that you will from your very first safari in its magical wilderness areas. Chat to us if you want to experience this top travel destination in 2020.

Feature image courtesy of Melanie van Zyl.

The post Botswana: A Top Travel Destination in 2020 appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

President & 1st Lady at Chobe Safari Lodge

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:39:52 +0000

Last month, Chobe Safari Lodge hosted His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, Botswana’s First Lady Ms Neo Masisi and other dignitaries of the Botswana government, who were meeting with the Centre for African Resources Animals, Communities And Land (CARACAL), a non-profit and non-governmental organisation based in Northern Botswana.

As part of the tour led by the President and First Lady with CARACAL, the group gathered for a buffet lunch above the cocktail bar at Chobe Safari Lodge to review some of the projects they are running in the area to aid in community development and empowerment. Afterwards, they were treated to a boat cruise on the magnificent Chobe River giving them the opportunity to view the wildlife of Botswana’s northern region with our experienced guides. They were treated to afternoon snacks on-board with the Head Chef of the à la carte restaurant at Chobe Bush Lodge, Kagiso Hlabano.

CARACAL focuses on developing the livelihoods and capacity of local communities as well as securing the health of the ecosystems which communities depend on. The organisation has been operational for about 20 years, continually aiming to support the government in building Botswana and securing a better future for Batswana.

To experience all that Chobe National Park has to offer in terms of wildlife, local community spirit and hospitality, chat to us about staying at one of our lodges based here.

The post President & 1st Lady at Chobe Safari Lodge appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Giving Back: Community Christmas Celebrations

admin — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 19:48:26 +0000

December is the festive season and, for most people, it’s a time to celebrate with friends, families and colleagues. That’s why, as part of giving back to our local community, Under One Botswana Sky throws a Christmas party every year for orphans, vulnerable children as well as those with physical and mental disabilities.

This year, Chobe Safari Lodge was the place to be as we celebrated the 9^th Annual Christmas Party in a special way. This year, 220 children, 60 caregivers, 20 staff volunteers and 20 attachment trainees celebrated with Santa on a three-hour cruise along the Chobe River. From the river, they were escorted to the camp site where entertainment and lunch was served. As the day came to a close, the children were treated with goodie bags and handballs, before they went home dancing with joy!

This initiative started in 2009 in collaboration with organisations such as Red Cross Orphanage, Orphans from Chobe District Council, Children’s Ark, Metlayabofelo and Kachikau Special Unit Primary School. In 2013, we officially adopted the Kachikau Special Unit and are both privileged and proud to be part of this important organisation. Also at the event were representatives from the Chobe Regional Education, Social Work Department, District Commissioners Office, Fire Department, among various other stakeholders who had donated supplies and gifts for the event.

We believe in promoting a country of compassionate, just and caring people, which is why we throw this party to demonstrate genuine care and love to these children. Through this, we aim to help dispel the stigma that society has towards those who have disabilities as well as stressing that financial aid is not the only thing that children need that heart-felt affection goes a long way too.

Next year, it will be the 10^th Annual Christmas Party held by Under One Botswana Sky and we intend to continue this tradition for many years to come.

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Chobe Safari Lodge Shows Support to the Kachikau Special Unit School

admin — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 12:04:32 +0000

Chobe Safari Lodge has been a proud supporter of Kachikau Special Unit School for children with special needs since 2013. The lodge has been involved with the school through donations, repainting of the premises and annual Christmas parties.

The lodge adopted the school in 2013 as part of the Botswana government’s Adopt a School initiative, and has pledged to continue to support Kachikau until 2020. The special unit has 31 learners in total with disabilities ranging from mild to severe.

Boitumelo Samunzala is a student at Kachikau. She said, ‘Staff of Chobe Safari lodge love us and they continue to shower us with gifts throughout, I am grateful for that.’
Making a difference in the lives of others is a gift of the best kind, and the Chobe Safari Lodge team does just this.

Chobe Safari Lodge Contact Details:

Web: www.chobesafarilodge.com 
Email: reservations@chobesafarilodge.com
Tel: (+267) 625 0 336

The post Chobe Safari Lodge Shows Support to the Kachikau Special Unit School appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.

Boat Cruise Outing

Kelly Kidson — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 15:22:46 +0000

There is never a dull moment with Under One Botswana Sky. Here is a recent outing that brought the community together for a wonderful cause and a lifetime of memories.

We organized a one-of-a-kind boat cruise with snacks and refreshments for 72 of the children from Red Cross, plus some of their minders and members of the organization. As you can see in these photos there was absolute pure joy in the children’s’ faces!

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Blisters for Sisters: Kasane Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

Kelly Kidson — Sat, 31 Aug 2013 14:27:31 +0000

On the 31st of August 2013, Kasane’s streets were pretty and pink for breast cancer awareness. 12 pink motorbikes, 4 pink vehicles and 235 walkers of all ages participated on the Journey of Hope, a sponsored event held for a good cause. Chobe Safari Lodge and Nata Lodge helped make it possible this wonderful event successful!

The post Blisters for Sisters: Kasane Breast Cancer Awareness Walk appeared first on Under One Botswana Sky Blog.