Tour operators have expressed concern over plans to build a 40-room safari camp in Moremi Game Reserve.
Tourism Update understands that the project is on hold due to an incomplete Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other regulatory issues.
Victor Leoketsa, CFO of Babereki Investments, recently told the publication that the development would see the construction of a 40-room safari camp in Moremi Game Reserve, which will start operations in May 2017.
Semma Badenhorst, GM of Sense of Africa Botswana, says she was surprised by news of the development. “Tourism in Botswana operates under the deliberate ‘low volume, high value’ policy adopted by Government as best practice for sustainable development due to the fragile ecosystem of the Okavango Delta,” she explains. She adds that the development of a 40-room lodge is unlikely. “I was advised by Joseph Mangate of the Department of Tourism Botswana, that as per the current Okavango Delta Management Plan, the maximum number of beds in any lodge within any game reserve and national park is set at 24 (12 rooms) therefore a plan of a 40-room lodge would seem highly unlikely.”
David Wood, Marketing and Product Development Director at Air Holidays, said the Okavango Delta would be “completely and utterly ruined” if a development of this nature was to go forth, irrespective of whether it would be located inside or outside of the reserve. “The only way it could work is if it was half or a quarter of the size of the proposal,” said Wood.
He added that the impact of the development could have two effects. “Firstly, introducing the high number of beds will mean discounting in order to try and fill them, putting pressure on other suppliers to lower their prices, which means everyone makes less money. Secondly, it will result in large groups in game vehicles queueing at sightings of animals.” Wood said internationals may then decide that the experience in Botswana was no longer for them.
Leoketsa declined to comment on the development when contacted by Tourism Update.
