These have become 'buzz words' within the travel industry and it is understandable that you may wish to know what steps these lodges take to preserve the environment and reduce your travelling carbon footprint. Botswana as a country has implemented a governmental code of conduct ensuring environmentally friendly practices are used by all safari operating companies.
Officials regularly do checks on the lodges and safari companies to ensure these practices are being adhered to. Many lodges and tour companies also have their own policies and procedures as well. If you are looking for an environmentally conscience accommodation option during your stay in Botswana, here are a few tips on how to choose an eco-friendly lodge:
An Eco-friendly lodge will usually aim to hire local people as their staff providing not only income to the community but also increasing their skills. This in turn allows the employees to better educate their children, improving their futures and the futures of those around them.
The use of locals as guides and staff within the lodges also instils a sense of pride for the property in the community. Guests may also enjoy being able to chat to their game drive guide or a member of the staff about the area, their cultures and beliefs, providing greater insight into the country or area there are visiting.
An eco-friendly lodge that is working hard at being as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible will usually be extremely excited to provide measurable statics and percentages relating to how much they have reduced their kitchen waste, water waste and other consumables.
If you are looking for an eco-friendly lodge, ask the manager of the lodge or travel agent you are enquiring through about how the lodge measures their conservation and what they have done recently to help protect the environment, grow the skills in the local community or help a local charity.