Zimbabwe and Botswana honeymoon

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION:
We take responsible travel seriously, which is why we created our pioneering carbon scoring system – the first of its kind. This allows us to measure the environmental impact of every tailor-made vacation. By working closely with our suppliers through a detailed carbon-scoring survey, we gain clear insight into what’s working well and where we can make meaningful improvements.

We aim to use alternative forms of transport in our vacations, such as the human powered traditional mokoro excursions seen in this trip.

National parks in Botswana such as Chobe operate a conservation fee and community levy. These funds help support conservation initiatives in the area. All the lodges in this itinerary have a strong commitment to conservation, with ideas such as employing solar power and directly supporting various community projects. Old Drift Lodge’s presence within a national park ensures that their environmental footprint is low and that there is ongoing investment into the protection of the area’s wildlife and ecosystems. Ngoma Lodge’s design puts an emphasis on sustainability, built using local materials and blending into the natural environment. Little Machaba is similarly designed to minimise the environmental impact, likewise, using solar power.
Ngoma Safari Lodge is in a Forest Reserve, meaning both walking and night drives are permitted and activities such as game walks on the concession are allowed, where you are escorted by an armed and professional guide.
During your trip, you will have the opportunity to see a host of wildlife, with over 75 species of mammals calling the Chobe Forest Reserve home. This includes zebra and buffalo, plus of course the famous Chobe elephants! There is plenty of aquatic creatures and birdlife available to view too.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY:
Ngoma Safari Lodge operates a joint community project, with the local communities benefitting directly from schemes such as land leasing.
Little Machaba supports local employment and conservation initiatives, as it operates within a community-run concession. Private concessions in Botswana are exclusive partnerships between local communities, conservation groups, and safari operators, where tourism directly supports wildlife protection and community development. Unlike national parks, they offer limited visitor numbers and greater flexibility in activities, giving guests a more personal and meaningful way to experience some of Africa’s wildlife-rich wilderness.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY:
Ngoma Safari Lodge offers employment to local people through a wide range of activities and sectors, including hospitality work, guiding game drives, and working on boat cruises. There are also cultural visits to nearby villages where travelers can learn more about the culture in this part of Botswana, including to the local school and to the clinic.
Old Drift Lodge offers a range of expertly guided activities, including 4x4 game drives, river cruises, walking safaris and excursions into Victoria Falls town. The blend of river and land-based adventures ensures varied and enriching encounters with the region’s flora and fauna, as well as regular employment for locals.
Machaba offers a diverse range of activities: morning and afternoon game drives, night drives, guided bush walks, mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions, and cultural visits to nearby villages.