In Botswana, ecotourism and conservation draw travelers

By Olivia Yasukawa and Katie Pisa, for CNN
3 minute read
Updated 4:53 AM EDT, Mon June 13, 2016
Botswana has a thriving ecotourism industry, thanks in part to the country's initiative to make it a leader in this field.
Botswana has a thriving ecotourism industry, thanks in part to the country's initiative to make it a leader in this field.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images/file
The Okavango Delta is the world's largest inland delta and is home to an abundance of wildlife.
The Okavango Delta is the world's largest inland delta and is home to an abundance of wildlife.
A woman on a boat ride in the Okavango Delta viewing various wildlife. Botswana relies heavily on tourism, and ecotourism in Botswana is said to contribule 4-5% towards the country's GDP.
A woman on a boat ride in the Okavango Delta viewing various wildlife. Botswana relies heavily on tourism, and ecotourism in Botswana is said to contribule 4-5% towards the country's GDP.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
The number of visitors in Botswana each year is between 2.6 and 2.7 million, greater than the country's population of around 2 million.
The number of visitors in Botswana each year is between 2.6 and 2.7 million, greater than the country's population of around 2 million.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images/file
A guide behind the wheel of Chobe Game Lodge's first electric game viewing vehicle, at Chobe National Park in Botswana.
A guide behind the wheel of Chobe Game Lodge's first electric game viewing vehicle, at Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Erin Conway-Smith
Chobe Game Lodge says it has made huge strides to reduce its waste footprint by using electric vehicles and recycled water.
Chobe Game Lodge says it has made huge strides to reduce its waste footprint by using electric vehicles and recycled water.
Courtesy Chobe Game Lodge
Mombo Lodge in Botswana prides itself on its eco credentials.
Mombo Lodge in Botswana prides itself on its eco credentials.
Courtesy Mombo Lodge
The family-run Meno a Kwena lodge lies under a riverine canopy on the Boteti River, one of northern Botswana's so-called "miracle rivers." The lodge has a lounge roof made of a parachute.
The family-run Meno a Kwena lodge lies under a riverine canopy on the Boteti River, one of northern Botswana's so-called "miracle rivers." The lodge has a lounge roof made of a parachute.
Kingspool Luxury Safari Camp in the Okavanga Delta follows Botswana's trend to keep tourism more environmentally friendly.
Kingspool Luxury Safari Camp in the Okavanga Delta follows Botswana's trend to keep tourism more environmentally friendly.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images/file
An elephant reaches for branches outside the Kingspool Luxury Safari Camp.
An elephant reaches for branches outside the Kingspool Luxury Safari Camp.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images/file
The tranquil waters of the Okavango Delta are enticing to animals and tourists alike.
The tranquil waters of the Okavango Delta are enticing to animals and tourists alike.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images/file
A hippo emerges from the water outside a camp located deep in the wetlands, which spring to life in June or July every year.
A hippo emerges from the water outside a camp located deep in the wetlands, which spring to life in June or July every year.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images/file
The country where ecotourism is making waves

Story highlights

Tourism is Botswana's second contributor to its economy, after diamonds

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the largest inland deltas in the world

Since 2002, Botswana has made efforts to conserve natural resources and wildlife

CNN  — 

Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated nations in the world, a country the size of France but with just over 2 million people.

Though its population may be scant, the southern African country has no shortage of wildlife. Home to 40% of Africa’s entire elephant population, the country sees a larger number of tourists coming each year than its entire population.

“The number of visitors we have into Botswana is between 2.6 and 2.7 million, which is more than the population of Botswana,” said Tshedidi Khama, Botswana’s Minister for Environment, Wildlife and Tourism.

In terms of the country’s economy, tourism ranks second in Botswana after the diamond industry. An African success story, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of $17,700 in 2015.

Though it’s still early days, ecotourism in Botswana is said to contribute 4-5% towards the country’s GDP.

Survival of the fittest in Namibia and Botswana

Eco focus

“We have made a deliberate decision to grow tourism in this country and become imaginative in the way in which we’re doing that,” said Khama.

In 2002, the country adopted a national ecotourism strategy aimed at conserving Botswana’s natural resources and wildlife, explains Khama.

Conservation started in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, which is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Kalahari” by locals, one of the largest inland deltas in the world.

The Delta springs to life several months each year, when the rains from Angola reach its neck, transforming it into a rich wetland attracting wildlife including zebras, hippos, impalas, lions and leopards.

All the concessioners who operate in the Delta are now encouraged to have solar lighting and to recycle water, said Khama. “I believe we are probably the best destination in the world with ecotourism.”

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