Botswana delta and desert safari

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION:
We are committed to responsible travel, which led us to develop our ground-breaking carbon scoring system – the first of its kind. This tool enables us to assess the environmental impact of every bespoke vacation. By collaborating closely with our suppliers through a comprehensive carbon survey, we gain a clear understanding of successes and identify opportunities for meaningful improvements.

ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE:
The Okavango panhandle area isn’t a formal reserve, but its wetlands are alive with wildlife, from abundant bird species to hippos and some of Africa’s largest crocodiles. Lodges here offer fishing and mokoro excursions, providing excellent opportunities to observe these animals in their natural habitat without bringing too much disturbance to wildlife.
Deception Valley Lodge is committed to low-impact tourism, conserving the fragile desert ecosystem in connection with the indigenous community of resident San people. As well as supporting the cultural and economic wellbeing of local communities, this offers guests a rare chance to connect with the region's heritage and tradition. The Tsodilo Hills, near Deception Valley Lodge, are home to ancient San and Bantu tribes rock art, which adds a fascinating spiritual and historical dimension to this vacation.
Shinde Footsteps is small by design, with a light environmental footprint and a strong community focus.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY:
Shinde Footsteps supports Chobe Impact, an independent not-for-profit initiative, and a portion of every full-paying guest’s stay supports vital work in education and wildlife research, contributing to community empowerment and conservation of the area, as well as supporting local economy. Long-standing support also continues for initiatives such as Bana Ba Letsatsi, which works with vulnerable children, and the Dinaka Rhino Conservation Fund.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY:
A stay at Deception Valley Lodge is enriched by a walk with the San people, where you can witness their remarkable survival skills first hand; giving guests the unique opportunity to gain insight into the ways of the desert through the eyes of its ancient inhabitants.
All lodges in this trip offer employment to people from local communities. For example, Deception Valley Lodge offers roles in the hospitality sector, as well as operating a dining room, bar, pool and gym. This is alongside the outdoor activities on offer, with local people being employed for game drive services plus bird watching and guided walking expertise.