Responsible Tourism

In 2012 Chobe Game Lodge was among the first 10 properties to be awarded the highest Ecotourism level in the country by the Botswana Tourism Organisation, in recognition for the Lodge’s ongoing commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Some pioneer work led to the launch of the first electric-powered safaris in Botswana and developing the most advanced technology for electric-powered boats and vehicles in the African tourism industry.

Being the only permanent property inside the Chobe National Park and the oldest 5-star lodge in Botswana, sustaining the precious natural environment is paramount. Equally important to tourism development in Botswana is creating opportunities for local communities to benefit from the tourism industry.

With this in mind, Chobe Game Lodge has embarked on a multitude of environmental and social projects to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lodge and the protection of the precious Chobe National Park.

The Community

Chobe Game Lodge provides financial contributions to over 20 different initiatives including the Chobe Enclave youth centre and the Turning Heads Beauty Salon – a project designed to provide employment for vulnerable women removed from the sex working industry in the Kasane/Kazangula area.

Biogas Plant

A sophisticated biogas plant using two 10 000 litre tanks to process over 100 kg of biodegradable waste produced at the lodge everyday. The gas created through the breakdown process contributes to the running of the lodge kitchens. This project has ensured better control of food waste produced at the lodge.

Grey water recycling

Approximately 60, 000 litres of grey water are processed safely every day through the large above ground water treatment plant located at the lodge. The grey water is used as part of the irrigation water system to create the lush green surrounding enjoyed by our guests at Chobe Game Lodge.

Recycling

Approximately 95% of Chobe Game Lodge's waste is sorted and recycled through a variety of methods including glass crushing, for manufacturing bricks on site; tin crushing, for easy transportation to the nearby recycling depot; and crushing of plastic bottles which are returned to the supplier for recycling.

Boardwalk and Deck

The 250+ meter Chobe boardwalk and deck is built from recycled timber-plastic decking and the poles sourced from a sustainable forestry operation. The decking is maintenance free, removing the need for harsh cleaning chemicals which would otherwise end up polluting the Chobe River system.

Empowerment of Women

More than 65% of all the staff members at Chobe Game Lodge are women. This includes our all-female team of professionally qualified guides – a successful initiative aimed at increasing the number of qualified female guides within the Botswana guiding fraternity.

Share profit scheme

To further assist with financial growth, every member of the lodge staff receives an annual share dividend at the end of every financial year, just like all our shareholders. This profit scheme not only provides additional income but also creates a sense of ownership among our staff as the scheme is based on financial performance.

Staff wellness

Special care is taken to ensure that all members of staff have the mental and physical support they need. Every Wednesday there is a volunteer staff counsellor available at the lodge to assist with personal growth and development. For medical assistance, the company doctor visits monthly for consultations with the staff.

Youth development programme

Since 2006 our specialised youth training program has been educating and training youths within the local community to help them improve their skills and further their careers in the tourism industry. To date the lodge has trained just under 200 youths of which fifty-five have been permanently employed at Chobe Game Lodge.

Environmental and Community Projects

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