Community buffer zones
Most of the Okavango delta is divided into concessions that act as buffer zones between the Moremi reserve and the agricultural areas outside the veterinary fence. The veterinary fence, which runs all around the delta, prevents the spread of disease between wild and domestic ungulates. These concessions, which are arranged around the national reserve, cover very large areas, and in most cases offer a concentration of wildlife similar to that of the reserve itself. Each one is identified by an official "matricule" - NG for Ngamiland, the large region in the north-west of the country, for example - followed by the concession number. A few private operations are exceptions, as they operate within the Moremi Reserve. In line with government directives, they focus on ecotourism, minimizing their impact on nature while helping to protect the delta. To this end, they are leased by the Botswana government to private companies for periods averaging ten to fifteen years. In most cases, these companies work in partnership with the local communities attached to each concession. These communities thus benefit from tourism, which is a strong driver of their development, thanks in particular to the tax on collective investment and the job creation generated by the installation of lodges. Through this participatory management approach, the government seeks to involve the often disadvantaged village populations in the conservation of their natural heritage.
High-end ecotourism
Generally speaking, ecotourism in these concessions is of the highest quality. Prices are therefore expensive, ranging from US$400 to US$3,000 per night per person! Generally, everything is included in the daily package, except transfers and exceptional activities such as the aerial safari. Access to the concessions is usually exclusive, with a very limited number of beds per camp and access only by air cab. Reservations should be made well in advance, especially during the high season from June to October. The camps compete in beauty. Atmospheres vary: some are relaxed, "close to the bush", others are more sophisticated. It goes without saying that all these camps are extremely comfortable, with architects and interior designers working miracles to make every visitor feel at home. Service is impeccable, exclusive and attentive to every detail. An example that speaks volumes: in winter, you'll find a hot-water bottle wrapped in a pillow to warm up the otherwise extremely comfortable bed!
Plenty of activities
At the heart of this exceptional environment, which extends over almost 20,000 km2 in northern Botswana, the flora and fauna are nothing short of spectacular. Unlike the Panhandle, which offers more limited wildlife viewing due to the omnipresence of water, the concessions in the heart of the delta feature very rich terrestrial ecosystems, as diverse as the Moremi Reserve. It should be noted, however, that the northern concessions are seasonally flooded, while the southern concessions are less so. Logically, the closer you get to the source of the delta, the "wetter" the concessions and the more water-based activities such as boating and fishing are favoured. Conversely, the further away you get, the "drier" the concessions, and the more land-based activities such as photo safaris and hiking are favored. Mokoro rides are available throughout the delta, when there's not too much water. Some lodges also offer horseback riding for experienced riders, while others offer air safaris aboard a private plane or helicopter, to admire the full splendor of the Okavango Delta. In the vast majority of these concessions, regulations are much more flexible than in the Moremi Reserve, allowing for diversification of safari activities. For example, it is possible to go out at night(night-drive), to go on foot(game or nature-walk) and to drive off-road, three activities strictly forbidden in the reserve.
Wilderness Safaris, glamorous ecotourism
Many tourism companies are very committed to the preservation of the environment in Botswana. Wilderness Safaris, the country's largest agency, is a leader in this field. In its various concessions, it employs local people from the communities. Its Children of the Wilderness educational program closes some camps to the public at certain times of the year to accommodate children from difficult backgrounds. All staff receive agency-specific training at a camp reserved exclusively for Wilderness employees. Its environmental department works in conjunction with the government's wildlife and national parks department. On Chief's Island, they worked together to reintroduce white and black rhinos that had been exterminated by hunting and poaching in 2001. Mombo Camp and Duma Tau are, among other things, powered entirely by solar panels. This is in line with the new guidelines that the government is trying to implement, with new laws requiring all major tourist facilities in the country to become self-sufficient and powered by renewable energy. This managerial line, as well as the simple beauty of the camps and the quality of its service, has allowed this company to achieve the greatest notoriety in the region. These lodges have been frequented by celebrities such as Steve Jobs, who distributed free iPads to all staff members. This luxury chain manages to minimize its ecological footprint in an exemplary manner.
