Chobe and Victoria Falls adventure vacation, Botswana

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
The Chobe & Victoria Falls Adventure prioritizes reducing operational carbon emissions through strategic transport choices and low-impact activities, ensuring a sustainable exploration of Zimbabwe and Botswana. By eliminating internal flights, the itinerary relies on road transfers, such as from Victoria Falls International Airport [VFA] to Phezulu Guest Lodge and from Victoria Falls to Kasane, minimizing the carbon footprint of regional travel. Walking-based activities, like the guided Tour of the Falls on Day 1 and parts of the Chinotimba Township Tour on Day 2, span at least three days, promoting human-powered exploration of Victoria Falls’ UNESCO World Heritage site.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
This 6-night adventure actively supports biodiversity conservation by contributing to protected areas and engaging local expertise, fostering a nature-positive impact in Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. All park fees for Victoria Falls National Park (Days 1-3) and Chobe National Park (Days 4-6) are included, directly funding anti-poaching efforts and habitat preservation for species like elephants, lions, and rare birds, with Chobe hosting an estimated 120,000 elephants. The itinerary employs local guides, such as those from Kalahari Tours in Chobe, who are certified in regional wildlife and conservation, providing educational game drives and boat cruises that highlight the Zambezi and Chobe ecosystems. Vegan meals are served daily at the each property ensuring a low impact on the environment.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
The Chobe & Victoria Falls Adventure channels tourism revenue into local communities by prioritizing locally owned accommodations and cultural engagement, ensuring economic benefits for Zimbabwe and Botswana residents.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Phezulu Guest Lodge, Kalahari Tours’ camping experience, and Lenyebi River Lodge are all locally operated, with Phezulu employing Victoria Falls residents and sourcing from local suppliers, and Lenyebi supporting Kasane’s artisans through its design. The Chinotimba Township Tour on Day 2 drives income to Nambya and Tonga vendors at local markets, while meals at Coffee Buzz restaurant (Day 4) and PheZulu Restaurant (Days 1-3) feature ingredients from nearby farmers. Local guides lead all activities, including the Zambezi Sunset Cruise and Chobe game drives, maximizing employment opportunities and reinforcing the itinerary’s commitment to community prosperity. Over 90% of staff, including guides, drivers, and lodge employees at Phezulu, Kalahari Tours, and Lenyebi, are from local communities in Victoria Falls and Kasane, trained to deliver authentic experiences. The Chinotimba Township Tour supports women and low-income vendors, while Phezulu employs women in key roles like housekeeping, addressing gender disparities in tourism. The trip is LGBTQ+ friendly, with lodges maintaining inclusive policies to ensure a safe experience for all guests. Although not explicitly designed for limited mobility, the itinerary’s activities, such as boat cruises, can accommodate some accessibility needs, and our commitment to diversity ensures equal employment opportunities across race, gender, and nationality, fostering an inclusive travel experience.