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Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris

Ecotourism & Conservation
in Botswana

By traveling with Cheesemans’ to Botswana, you will enjoy a mobile camping adventure that leaves as little evidence as possible of your stay on the landscape. Our local operator takes every precaution possible to protect the environment. They use filtered water from boreholes and provide reusable drinking bottles as well as ecofriendly shower gel and shampoo. All supplies are sourced as locally as possible and are transported with the safari rather than being shipped or flown in separately. The camps do not use generators; phones, cameras, and any other needed items are charged in vehicles during drives with converters and secondary batteries.  No permanent buildings are erected, and all temporary structures are moved with each safari. Campsites are relocated periodically to ensure bush regeneration. The goal is to leave no sign of ever being there.

Botswana’s ecotourism industry is essential for the livelihoods of people who work directly in the field and their immediate families but also for extended relations who may live far away and have no means of financial support. Our operator, a wholly citizen-owned company, employs 60 staff year-round, offering job security and regular pay. A sister company, African Guide Academy, provides free training and certification for locals funded though tuition paid by students from other countries. The education provided to the safari guides regarding responsible tourism combined with the reliance of the Botswanan people on the revenue generated by providing spectacular wildlife experiences work in tandem to generate a culture of protection over Botswana’s ecosystems.

Leopard photo by Tom Murphy with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris

How Can You Make A Difference?


How You Can Actively Contribute

CONTRIBUTE

  • Keep an eBird list for each outing – you don’t need to track EVERY bird you see. See our Reading and Resource List for more details.
  • Take GPS-referenced wildlife and nature photos, and upload to iNaturalist. See our Reading and Resource List for more details.
Sharing

SHARE

  • Give a talk about your experience to a local wildlife or nature group or host a virtual webinar to reach a much wider audience!
  • Post your experiences on social media so others can learn more.
  • Submit a written, video, or audio testimonial for Cheesemans’ to share with future travelers.
Acting Locally

PRESERVE

  • Support local vendors if you buy memorabilia to take home.
  • Travel in small group sizes to limit the impact on the environment and wildlife.
  • Refill the reusable water bottles provided by your operator rather than obtaining single-use plastic containers.
  • Use biodegradable soap and shampoo provided by your camp to save waterways. This can also help minimize plastic bottle waste by reducing the amount of plastic brought into Botswana.

Organizations You Can Support

Travel for Impact – This social enterprise connects the travel industry with community projects. TFI has developed partnerships with Safari companies that donate portions of their revenue to community projects with the following areas of focus: children & youth, conservation, culture & heritage, and women.

Bana Ba Letsatsi – This community program offers a safe place for orphans and vulnerable children and provides ongoing support in areas such as counseling, education, skills training, medical care, and self-care.

Cheetah Conservation Botswana – This organization seeks to protect cheetahs and other large carnivores and preserve their populations.  CCB engages in scientific research, community outreach, environmental education, and rural community engagement to promote coexistence.