One of the original safari operators in Botswana, founded in 1982, Desert & Delta Safaris eight camps are set in prime locations in northern Botswana’s famous game reserves and national parks with one just across the Chobe River in Namibia’s Eastern Caprivi Strip, celebrates 40 years of operation.
Since its inception in 1982, Desert & Delta Safaris has been empowering Botswana through tourism. In 2022, Desert & Delta celebrates their 40th Anniversary, and to commemorate the incredible journey, a stunning new book documenting an impressive and remarkable history marks the occasion. Titled ‘Empowering The People of Botswana Through Tourism; Our Journey Together.’ The 132-page, full-colour, book showcases Botswana, and its people and chronicles the growth of Desert & Delta as a company, whilst maintaining their core principles and ethos.
A true celebration of the history of Botswana, an inspirational story of a company with a passion for the country, which has led to the destination being widely regarded and respected as an international model of ecotourism development. A model that creates local employment and preserves the natural wilderness and wildlife while still providing valuable revenue to the country’s economy.
‘Empowering The People of Botswana Through Tourism; Our Journey Together' is introduced by Africa’s youngest ever female minister in the Botswana government, Bogolo Kenewendo. With chapters dedicated to the rise of female trailblazers in the destination, including Desert & Delta’s very first female guide Florence Kagiso who joined Chobe Game Lodge in 2007, the company is proud to support women and 50% of the entire camp management team across all seven camps are women.
“We have so much to be proud of” comments MC Odumetse (Group Managing Director). “From launching Africa’s only all-female guiding team at Chobe Game Lodge, to becoming one of the first luxury safari circuits to be managed exclusively by local citizens.”
“The stories shared in every chapter are inspiring” shares James Wilson (Marketing Director). “Every chapter will take you on a journey of how the company and the destination have evolved through the stories and experiences from generations of Desert & Delta staff. Our book aims to make everyone aware that their support in booking a trip to Botswana with us is actively helping promote responsible tourism development.” Enthuses James Wilson.
As well as reflecting on the history and growth of Desert & Delta Safaris, the book looks forward to the investment in new regions. Sedia Riverside Hotel was recently added to the group as a well-located property in the heart of Maun. In September 2021 the group purchased Nxamaseri Island Lodge to develop the incredible cultural heritage site that is Tsodilo Hills. Nxamaseri Island Lodge is in a prime location to combine both the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills.
“Botswana is a world-renowned wildlife tourism destination, but we want to use our resources and network to bring awareness about some of the remarkable cultural heritage we have. Tsodilo Hills hosts over 4,000 amazingly preserved ancient rock art paintings dating back thousands of years. If a place like Tsodilo Hills was in any other country that didn’t have such a thriving safari industry, it would be one of the most popular places to visit.” Remarked Mc Odumetse.
Starting with just two camps, Camp Okavango and Camp Moremi, Desert & Delta founded one of the first luxury safari circuits in Botswana. From humble beginnings when the country was barely known, with no infrastructure or trained staff and resources, to where we are today – a world-class destination leading the way in female empowerment and run and managed by the citizens of the country, Desert & Delta Safaris has always been a company to innovate and not imitate.
This year Desert & Delta Safaris celebrates everything that has been achieved through the story of ‘Empowering The People of Botswana Through Tourism; Our Journey Together’ a visually, captivating representation of the rich, vibrant and interesting story showing how commitment to the local people, protecting the natural resources and developing on a philosophy of sustainability will ultimately lead to success.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
