6 Affordable Eco-Safaris in Africa – going ‘green’ on a budget.

You can, indeed. These excursions demonstrate that it is possible to locate affordable, eco-friendly travel options.
These so-called ‘green’ safaris go to eco-lodges that are more ecologically conscious than the standard; in other words, they are more responsible travel options. Although the safaris listed below have less of an impact on the environment and a smaller carbon footprint than others, they are not the perfect carbon-neutral solutions.

The main question is: what makes ecotourism important?

Since many safari hotels and camps in Africa are situated in unique and pristine environments where conservation is a top priority, this “eco-lightness” is especially crucial in their case. The same can be said for safaris themselves; they contribute significantly to the preservation of Africa’s wildlife and the untamed areas that tourists travel from all over the world to see.
1. Oddballs’ Enclave & Camp Savuti, Botswana’s Okavango Mokoro & Savuti Wildlife Safari
This low-cost safari combines two environmentally aware camps in Botswana: Oddballs’ Enclave in the Okavango Delta and Camp Savuti in the Linyanti Concession.

Oddballs’ Enclave Eco: What is it?

Due to its solar electricity and lack of motorized activities, Oddballs’ Enclave is regarded as an environmentally friendly lodge. Oddballs’ uses solar power instead of the energy-intensive generators that are frequently found at isolated lodges, which lowers noise, pollution, fuel consumption, and related transportation costs.

One of the biggest environmental effects lodges have is the lack of motorized activity, therefore this is a very notable accomplishment. Fuel-intensive and polluting activities that are more prone to disturb wildlife and harm natural environments are still the main offerings of many eco-lodges.

By allowing guests to explore the pristine Okavango Delta on foot or in traditional mekoros (dug-out canoes), Oddballs’ significantly lessens its influence on this priceless natural setting.
Trash is flown (cough) out of the delta rather than being burned or dumped in landfills, and the tents are also elevated on wooden platforms to reduce permanent infiltration.

This environmentally friendly camp’s biggest flaw is that it can only be reached by plane, which means the trip is carbon-intensive. However, the lodge generally follows environmentally friendly practices, which is a big win in the pristine delta where tourism is still growing.

What qualifies Camp Savuti as an eco-friendly lodging establishment?

Taking environmental care a step farther than others, this camp’s waste treatment plant is its main ecologically innovative feature. In order to maintain the cleanliness and health of the Savute Marsh and Channel environment, the grey water and sewerage are cleaned before being released. In addition to using a hybrid power system that reduces generator usage from 24 to 8 hours per day, Camp Savuti only has seven tents situated on wooden platforms.

The fact that Camp Savuti supports research and wildlife conservation initiatives in the Linyanti region and throughout Botswana is among its most noteworthy environmental features.

Oddballs’ Camps and Camp Savuti are combined in these two lodge safaris:

Oddballs’ Enclave and Camp Savuti are the destinations of the Okavango Mokoro & Savuti Wildlife Safari.
The eco-friendly Oddballs’ Camp in the delta is visited by the Budget Delta Mokoro Trail & Savuti Safari, which also stops at Camp Savuti.
Since both are fly-in safaris, you should offset the carbon footprint of your flights if you are serious about being environmentally conscious.

 

2. Thambo Tree Camp in Klaserie, South Africa, offered by Exclusive Kruger Park Eco Camp Safaris
The eco-smart camp where these three low-cost South African safaris stay is located in the exclusive Klaserie Nature Reserve, which is a component of the Greater Kruger National Park.

What is ‘green’ about these safaris in South Africa?

The eco-camp’s five chalets, which are made of canvas, thatch, and wood, have water heated by solar energy. The chalets have been constructed between the existing trees and are elevated on decks, which lessens the camp’s structural impact.

The camp has a recycling program and a greywater system (which is not the same as sewerage treatment) to conserve water. Overall, the Thambo Tree Camp has been planned to minimize its impact on the surrounding environment. It is hoped that they would eventually move off the main power grid and continue to flourish in an environmentally responsible manner.

3. Elephant Eco-Lodge Safari & Victoria Falls in Chobe Bakwena, Botswana, and Elephant’s Eye, Zimbabwe
This safari stops at two opulent eco-lodges: one in a private concession that borders Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park. With no ‘green’ characteristics, the lodging at Victoria Falls is a standard lodge.

What is the ecological ethics of Elephant’s Eye at Hwange?

Elephant’s Eye uses less wood and has less of an impact on the environment because it is made of steel and canvas. Additionally, extra timber and materials from nearby sources were utilized for the buildings’ natural features. The lodge draws water from a borehole and is powered by solar energy. In addition to recycling and cleaning wastewater, the swimming pool’s salt water needs fewer chemicals than other types of pools. Additionally, Elephant’s Eye Lodge uses eco-friendly products and offers biodegradable items to its visitors.

Regarding lessening effects on the environment, one of the most notable qualities is:

Since the land is surrounded by a naturally occurring waterhole, there is no need to build one, and the area’s natural topography remains unaffected.

In terms of social responsibility, the resort employs locals and sources its fresh goods locally. Finally, Elephant’s Eye seeks to raise awareness of the critical role that nature conservation plays in maintaining Africa’s animals and the beauty of its natural areas. The major activity offered here, like at other safari lodges, is game drives, which are not the most environmentally friendly activity available. Instead, there are game walks, visits to the Painted Dog Conservation Centre, and bird viewing.

What qualifies Chobe Bakwena Lodge as an eco-lodge?

Bakwena Lodge is built utilizing eco-beam frames packed with sandbags, a common eco-friendly building technique, using locally obtained, sustainable materials. The lodge’s carbon footprint is further decreased by this construction method’s lower resource requirements and the structures’ decreased need for artificial heating and cooling.

The lodge structures have not been painted or varnished with hazardous chemicals; instead, biodegradable cleaning supplies are utilized, trash is recycled, and organic waste is fed to blackfly larvae, which are then fed to the hens. When feasible, the resort uses solar electricity and energy-efficient equipment and lightbulbs. Their swimming pool is also environmentally friendly, as it uses plants rather than chemicals to maintain clean water.

Bakwena’s sustainability strategy is notable for its meticulousness, commitment to socially conscious travel, and support of local communities.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safaris, located in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The majority of our Ugandan gorilla trekking safaris stay at Buhoma Camp, which is close to Bwindi, along with a few other lodges (some of which are also “green” and low impact, depending on the package).

The reason Buhoma Community Camp is an eco-spot is because of my own preference. Near Bwindi National Park, the Buhoma Community Bandas is the starting point for gorilla trekking, a sustainable type of travel that promotes habitat preservation, community development, and gorilla conservation. Mountain riding in the Bwindi forest and village walks are two additional environmentally beneficial sports. Just by virtue of the nature of the business, this is a huge gain because the actions are pro-conservation and do not harm the environment.

The main reason for Buhoma’s success is the advantages it offers to nearby communities, as revenues are distributed to support community initiatives.

“Buhoma Mukono Community Development Association (BMCDA) has brought together over 7,000 community members for the benefit of development, improved livelihoods, and conservation of natural resources.”

The camp is managed by the local community, is constructed using locally sourced materials, uses locally grown produce, and is illuminated by solar electricity.

5. Chobe Elephant Camp, Botswana: Moremi & Chobe Botswana Lodge Safaris
For the Chobe portion of their itineraries, these two Botswana safaris stay at Chobe Elephant Camp. Several ‘green’ characteristics of this recently constructed lodge make it an ecotourism destination.

What are the ‘green’ credentials of Chobe Elephant Camp?

Sandbags filled with native Kalahari sands were used to build this farm-style tent, reducing the carbon footprint of construction and offering insulation that reduces energy use. Because the resort is made of sandbag buildings, it uses solar energy to heat its water, LED lights, and avoids air conditioning. On-site, renewable timber was used to construct the building structures, and recovered or renewable wood was used to produce the furniture.

“Chobe Elephant Camp makes every effort to keep its carbon footprint as small as possible, while at the same time never compromising guest comfort.”

I appreciate how Chobe Elephant Camp incorporates environmental consciousness into operational considerations, striving to reduce fuel consumption through careful camp logistical planning. Although this resort makes an effort to be fuel-conscious, the game drives are still the major fuel-guzzlers, as is the case with most safari operations.

The eco-camp’s sewerage treatment plant, which prevents pollution from entering the water table and floodplains, is one of its most advanced clean-up initiatives. Similar to Camp Savuti, this action distinguishes Chobe Elephant Camp from the rest, where problems with grey water and sewage treatment are typically ignored. Instead of building a landfill on the property or burning trash, solid waste is sorted and disposed of at a waste plant, where it is likely to be recycled wherever feasible. Grey water is also treated in this case.

Since the camp is situated on public property, it is connected to the Sibuya community, providing 30 residents with job training and other benefits. Additionally, Chobe Elephant Camp works to educate kids and raise awareness about conservation, the ecology, and the advantages of travel.

 

6. Domwe Island in Lake Malawi, Malawi, Zambia, and Luangwa Lodge Safari
Compared to other tours, this Zambia & Malawi Safari is more socially conscious, emphasizing local development and community outreach. Travelers on safari provide a hand at a nearby school or conservation project in the Dzalanyama Forest. The safari is more ecologically friendly thanks to the kayaking and hiking components, and the tour stops at an eco-camp on Domwe Island.

What is ‘greener’ about Domwe Camp?

Electricity is not used at this camp on Domwe Island in Lake Malawi. Lighting is provided by wind-up torches and solar electricity. Regretfully, they too employ low-carbon and dirty paraffin (petroleum-based) lamps.

Dry compost toilets are available at the camp, and the waste is taken off the island. When the material is ready to be used as compost, it is buried in pits. Sorted kitchen garbage is removed from the island and either recycled, composted, or burned (the latter being less environmentally friendly). The water is pumped from the lake and sanitized, and the camp uses gas or rocket stoves, which are extremely efficient wood-burning stoves, for cooking. This raises concerns regarding the source of drinking water and the treatment and disposal of wastewater.

Domwe Camp’s construction is one of its environmentally friendly features; the materials are locally produced from sustainable woods, and the tents and thatched decks can be taken down without permanently harming the environment.

“On Domwe, our challenge was to make as little environmental impact as possible in order to maintain the pristine nature of the island.”

Regarding the social aspect of sustainability, the camp provides microloan funding to its employees, supports community activities, and employs local villagers. Whenever possible, they employ locally made furniture and décor that is made from cane, textiles, and other locally found materials.

 

Really, eco-travel in Africa?

There is still more work to be done before eco-tourism can keep up with the growing claims of greenwashing, and it is far from ideal. Nonetheless, some of the most environmentally conscious travel agencies and lodging establishments have made efforts to lessen their influence on Africa’s natural environments and the environment at large.

The employees, the local communities, the local and even national economies that profit, the livelihoods that are bolstered by tourism, and the conservation benefits of sound social development are all important considerations for any responsible safari operator or resort. In terms of social responsibility, the tourism industry is also evolving (yay!). Many operators are now placing a higher priority on education, skill development, and community empowerment.

Overall, however slowly, environmental norms are showing signs of change. Most significantly, travelers’ own attitudes and expectations are changing!