Botswana Conservation & Sustainability
Discover how Botswana and Wilderness lead global conservation efforts while balancing tourism and ecological integrity.
Conservation in Botswana
Conservation in Botswana
A pioneer of the conservation tourism model in Botswana, since 1983 Wilderness has grown a substantial hospitality offering in the region, allowing us to have a significant conservation impact. Through government and community partnerships, human-wildlife coexistence initiatives, and wildlife monitoring, we help protect Botswana’s pristine wildernesses while creating sustainable livelihoods.
Botswana’s conservation success
Botswana is a global leader in conservation through its high-value, low-volume tourism model. By using this approach, the country generates substantial revenue from concession payments while minimising environmental impact. Wilderness has been at the forefront of this model since the beginning, demonstrating that conservation and tourism can thrive together.
Conservation foundations
Modern conservation began in the 1960s with the establishment of Moremi Game Reserve in 1963, followed by Chobe National Park in 1967. Importantly, community-owned, privately run concessions were then established within areas like the Delta, balancing wildlife protection with sustainable tourism. This balance has helped maintain these iconic ecosystems while giving exclusive access to visitors.
History
Botswana's conservation owes its beginnings to visionary policies aimed to benefit not only wildlife but people too. When Wilderness was founded in 1983, hunting dominated northern Botswana. Through the implementation of our pioneering model, however, we showed that tourism could provide a sustainable alternative for local communities. Since then, the model has been replicated across the industry.
Wilderness' Philosophy
We believe that without wilderness, there is no Wilderness. Our business depends entirely on healthy ecosystems and thriving wildlife populations, creating powerful incentives to invest in conservation. Guided by our three Impact pillars – Educate, Empower, and Protect – we focus our efforts on conservation and development initiatives that benefit people and wildlife.
Botswana's Model
Our high-value, low-volume model works because it generates maximum revenue per visitor while minimising environmental impact. It’s also labour-intensive, creating substantial local employment. Wilderness, for example, employs 3.4 people per guest bed on average. For every BWP1 netted by shareholders, government receives BWP5.16, and staff receive BWP8.27, demonstrating the model's effectiveness.
Impact
We have always existed to protect, explore and expand the world’s wilderness. Today, we help protect 2.2 million hectares (5.4 million acres) of land. We channel our conservation and hospitality business as a force for lasting, positive impact. To achieve this, we focus our conservation and community empowerment programmes under three key impact pillars: Educate, Empower and Protect.
History
History
Botswana's conservation owes its beginnings to visionary policies aimed to benefit not only wildlife but people too. When Wilderness was founded in 1983, hunting dominated northern Botswana. Through the implementation of our pioneering model, however, we showed that tourism could provide a sustainable alternative for local communities. Since then, the model has been replicated across the industry.
Philosophy
Wilderness' Philosophy
We believe that without wilderness, there is no Wilderness. Our business depends entirely on healthy ecosystems and thriving wildlife populations, creating powerful incentives to invest in conservation. Guided by our three Impact pillars – Educate, Empower, and Protect – we focus our efforts on conservation and development initiatives that benefit people and wildlife.
Model
Botswana's Model
Our high-value, low-volume model works because it generates maximum revenue per visitor while minimising environmental impact. It’s also labour-intensive, creating substantial local employment. Wilderness, for example, employs 3.4 people per guest bed on average. For every BWP1 netted by shareholders, government receives BWP5.16, and staff receive BWP8.27, demonstrating the model's effectiveness.
Impact
Impact
We have always existed to protect, explore and expand the world’s wilderness. Today, we help protect 2.2 million hectares (5.4 million acres) of land. We channel our conservation and hospitality business as a force for lasting, positive impact. To achieve this, we focus our conservation and community empowerment programmes under three key impact pillars: Educate, Empower and Protect.
Wilderness Impact
Wilderness Trust
Our NPO dedicated to raising & disbursing funds for conservation & development in Africa.
Wilderness Trust
Ecoexist
An NGO that fosters coexistence between elephants and people living on the edge of the Delta.
OUR PARTNERSHIP TO COLLAR ELEPHANTS
CLAWS
This NGO fosters coexistence between lions & people through science & community.
WORKING TOGETHER TO MITIGATE HUMAN-LION CONFLICT
CITW
The dedicated youth empowerment programme of the Wilderness Trust.
CITW – INSPIRING POSITIVE ACTIONCommunity conservation
Sustainable practices
Through our Group Environmental Minimum Standards (GEMS), we maintain a minimum of 80% compliance across all our camps, ensuring our operations have the lightest footprint possible on the environment.
How to contribute
Success stories
CITW
Through CITW, more than 2,700 children have participated in Eco-Clubs.
How CITW Changed My Life – Wandile Moyo
African wild dogs
Through the conservation of wildlife corridors, we help protect Botswana’s 1,000+ Endangered wild dogs.
Wild dog dynamics in the Okavango Delta
Avian conservation
Through active participation in SABAP2, we are helping map the distribution of the 464 bird species in the Okavango Delta.
HELPING SAVE BOTSWANA’S VULTURES
Payments to Govt
Wilderness makes highest-ever annual payments of USD17.1M in FY25.
WILDERNESS & GUESTS’ CONTRIBUTION TO CONSERVATION & RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Future conservation goals
Future conservation goals
Wilderness aims to double the amount of land we help conserve in the next decade. Through expanding partnerships, innovative technology, and continued investment in communities, we're building a sustainable future where people and wildlife thrive together.
Frequently asked questions
Tourism
Conservation
Community
Our journeys change lives
Travel with purpose
Come and experience our pioneering conservation tourism model that has sustainably benefitted people, wildlife, and wilderness in Botswana for over 40 years.
Discover our Impact
Let’s plan your next journey
Ready?
When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.