Eco-tourism/Conservation

Santawani lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana, a unique community based enterprise - is the latest resort to open near the southern gate of Moremi Game Reserve. With 6 private chalets, Santawani not only provides a comfortable and exotic vacation experience, but also supports wildlife conservation and a community-based enterprise. The Lodge is fully owned and operated by community members through the Sankujo Tshwaragano Management Trust, a group of 400 local households. This is the first time a local community organization has benefited directly from tourism in the region. The management and staff acquired skills by working for other lodges in the area. Proceeds from the lodge will be distributed by the Trust to community priorities such as health and education. Santawani’s existence and management is directly tied to the conservation of 8,000 hectares of wildlife-rich land leased to the Trust by the government of Botswana. The African Wildlife Foundation provided partial funding to refurbish the lodge, helped train staff, and has established marketing efforts with the Regional Tourism Association of Southern Africa.