Botswana is raking in accolades, and operators anticipate increased air access will drive demand

Botswana’s low-volume, high-yield approach to inbound tourism is well known, and leaves some frustration among tour operators, such as Henk Graaff, MD of SW Africa Destination Management, who experiences demand for affordable safaris that exceeds supply.

That demand seems set to increase.  Semma Badenhorst, GM of Sense of Africa’s Maun-based operation, points out that Botswana was named by Lonely Planet as the No 1 Top Travel Destination in the World for 2016, upping media attention. Further, Airlink’s expansion of its network to include flights from Cape Town to Maun in March this year, coupled with the rebuilding of Victoria Falls airport, has increased the potential for more air access.

Moreover, the building of a new terminal at Kasane International Airport, gateway to the Chobe National Park, a facility set to handle 387 000 passengers a year, is expected to reach completion by June 2017. There are also plans for the extension of Maun International Airport.

With the accent on exclusivity, it is perhaps little surprise that the Botswana Tourism Organisation is looking to tap into the affluent markets of the UAE. Residents of the UAE have also been exempted from pre-entry visa applications.

But the country, which celebrated 50 years of independence at the end of September and is one of Africa’s most stable, has made some progress in diversifying its market.  Badenhorst says nowadays Botswana’s product suits every pocket, from the upmarket tented camp experience to the more budget-friendly self-drive safari.

Botswana’s conservation record also stands out in the current climate of widespread rhino slaughter. As neighbouring countries seem to make little impact in the fight against poachers, Botswana’s relocation programme is hailed as a success story.

New and trending

• Sanctuary Retreats’ rebuilt property in the Delta, Sanctuary Chief’s Camp, has a kids’ room, orientation room and gym. In addition, the new ultra-luxurious Geoffrey Kent Luxury Suite is in much demand. The suite sleeps up to six and guests are treated as royalty, but with discretion. Named after a famed explorer, it includes kitchen, indoor lounge, private boma and secluded deck areas.
• Since the launch this year of Drifters Adventure Tours’ Botswana private camping safaris, demand has grown dramatically. Tours can accommodate from two to 12 clients, with private guide and vehicle. The tour operator has also introduced a 16-day accommodated Botswana tour for 2017, limited to 12 participants.
• Airlink operates direct flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg to Maun for travellers to the Okavango Delta, as well as direct services from Johannesburg to Kasane for those wanting to experience a river safari on the Chobe River.
• A renovation programme at Chobe Game Lodge includes the pairing of rooms to create larger suites with bigger bathrooms, a new gym and spa. The lodge will close from December 1-17 for the final completion.
• Plans for a controversial 40-room safari camp by Babereki Investments in the Moremi Game Reserve are on hold while the environmental impact is assessed.  Some stakeholders feel the size of the development is detrimental to conservation.