BOTSWANA


It also acknowledges that many consumers are now ‘eco-travellers’ and would prefer to book with ‘responsible’ tour operators and stay in a property that adheres to the highest standards of environmental protection. In fact, for a recent survey by


Tourism Concern in the UK, 96% of travellers stated they would rather stay in an environmentally responsible resort than a five-star property. To help them decide which operators and lodges adhere to eco ‘best practices’, Botswana Tourism has introduced a three-tiered Eco- Certification System, which reflects supplier commitment and the


involvement of communities. To qualify for certification organisations must show they are enhancing cultural resources, socio-economic


responsibilities, nature conversation, environmental management and ‘interpretation of the surroundings’. For example, eco-tour packages offered to international visitors must take travellers off the mainstream circuits and encourage a genuine


exchange with the natural environment, local communities and culture, and provide them with a deeper appreciation of the diversity of


Botswana and its people. To date


seven camps


have achieved


certification standard and three of these have already


gained full eco- tourism certification. Elsewhere, guests at Sanctuary Stanley's Camp and Sanctuary


Baines' Camp can now take a walk in the bush with three semi-habituated elephants, which were orphaned and


‘adopted’. The elephants 'take' guests on long walks, show them how they look for food, strip leaves from


branches with their trunks 32 July/August 2012 • www.sellinglonghaul.com


and take showers in the lagoons of the Okavango Delta.


Tourism Talk DAWN PARR


Botswana Tourism UK and Ireland “Botswana is the ultimate


safari destination. For clients who have been on safari before, those who are looking for maximum luxury or simply to escape the crowds on an exclusive wildlife experience, Botswana has it all. Huge pristine wilderness areas teem with game and birds and, with small numbers of tourists, each safari experience is extraordinary and personal. “With accommodation options that


range from luxury lodges to participation mobile safaris, there is a safari adventure for all budgets.”


From The Front Line CHRIS FORTESCUE


Africa Collection “Botswana is recommended for clients


looking for that ultimate safari experience, with both water- and land- based safari activities. It is one of the true remaining wilderness areas in Africa, with 35% of the country set aside for wildlife and conservation. It has the second-largest area (in percentage terms) allocated to nature, of any country in the world and is committed to conserving wildlife. "A visit to Botswana is not complete without seeing the Okavango Delta, the largest land-locked river delta in the World. Chobe National Park is renowned for its elephants and big cats. Both Moremi Game Reserve and Savute are very popular due to their high populations of game and both offer an excellent safari experience. The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is an up-and-coming destination due to its combination of culture and wilderness."


SANDRA HARRISON, Product Manager -– Africa, Elegant Resorts “Due to the strict


regulations and high import taxes, Botswana is far less developed as a tourist destination than other parts of Africa. Its untamed wilderness is less


accessible and is fairly expensive in comparison to other SA safaris, but this is part of what makes it special. “Botswana is perfect for repeat safari clients, adventurers and birding enthusiasts; often providing a ‘closer’ experience to wildlife, flora and fauna. The camps tend to be smaller and more exclusive offering a tailored bush experience. The water-based activities are amongst marshes, waterways, riverine forests and grasslands – not to mention huge elephant herds in the dry winter months.”


Where To Book It AFRICA COLLECTION – 01403 256 655


www.africacollection.co.uk The classic Botswana six-night fly-in safari starts at £2,115pp, exclusing international flights. Included are stops at Savute Safari Lodge in Chobe National Park, Xugana Island Lodge in the Okavango Delta and Camp Moremi on the Xakanaxa Lagoon in Moremi Game Reserve. The itinerary can be shortened or lengthened.


ELEGANT RESORTS – 01244 897538 www.elegantresorts.co.uk Six nights from £6,760pp covers two nights at Vumbura Plains Day in the Okavango Delta; two nights at Mombo Camp, Moremi Game Reserve; and two nights at Kings Pool Camp, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, including flights.


RAINBOW TOURS – 020 7666 1250 www.rainbowtours.co.uk Prices with Rainbow Tours start from £4,350pp for two people sharing in low season for a six-night trip. Included are international flights (via Johannesburg), three nights at Sanctuary Stanley's Camp and three nights at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, an elephant excursion at Sanctuary Stanley's Camp, all meals, all gaming activities, park fees, laundry services and beverages.


Getting There There are no direct flights from the UK to Botswana. Air Botswana, South African Airways and South African Express all fly between Johannesburg and Botswana. Air Botswana also flies between Cape Town and Maun, making a twin-centre holiday possible.


Visas UK passport holders do not require a visa to visit Botswana.


Agent Training Botswana Tourism was scheduled to hold an agents’ workshop in both Cardiff and Edinburgh in early July and will host similar events in the autumn, possibly in Northern Ireland and Ireland. •


Safaris in the Okavango Delta can often involve a combination of both walking and gliding through the streams and channels


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