Wilderness highlights tourism’s wider impact in Botswana

From jobs and local procurement to community investment and wilderness protection
Wilderness says its tourism model is helping keep more of the value generated by Botswana’s safari industry within the country.
Ellanie Smit
  • 1 Hour Ago

More than four decades after pioneering conservation tourism in Botswana, Wilderness says its long-term investment in people, protected areas and local enterprise continues to deliver economic and conservation benefits across the country.

According to the company’s latest Wilderness Botswana Impact Report, more than US$71 million was paid to the government over the past decade, while US$6 million went directly to neighbouring communities.

Almost US$108 million was paid to staff, with more than US$167 million spent on locally sourced goods and services.

Wilderness Botswana currently employs 960 people, 98% of whom are citizens. The company said the revenue generated through tourism also contributes to protecting some of Botswana’s most important wilderness areas.

“Botswana is where Wilderness began, and it continues to shape who we are as a business,” said Kabelo Binns, chairman of Wilderness Botswana.

Binns said the company had learnt that conservation creates the greatest value when communities are genuine partners and beneficiaries. He said the report demonstrated what could be achieved when tourism supports livelihoods, strengthens conservation and protects wilderness for future generations.

Supporting local businesses remains a key part of the company’s approach. Excluding aviation businesses, which rely on international suppliers for aircraft parts, more than 86% of Wilderness Botswana’s procurement by value now comes from Botswana-based suppliers.

The company said this helps keep a greater share of tourism revenue in the national economy, while supplier development programmes are creating opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.

Wilderness’ contribution to the wider tourism sector is also reflected in the US$25 million worth of business that its travel shops around the world directed to other tourism operations in Botswana during the 2026 financial year. Over the past decade, this third-party business has exceeded US$167 million.

Through Wilderness Air Botswana, 41 citizen pilots have been trained, while accredited training and leadership development programmes continue across the company’s operations.

The company’s Children in the Wilderness programme has also reached thousands of young people. More than 2 700 children participated in Eco-Clubs over the past 10 years, while more than 2 200 attended annual environmental education camps at Wilderness and partner properties.

Conservation remains at the heart of the model, with Wilderness operating across more than 257 000 hectares in Botswana. Over the past decade, US$26 million has been contributed by Wilderness and its guests towards the use and protection of these landscapes.

Binns said the achievements reflected collaboration between staff, communities, government, conservation partners, suppliers, guests and trade partners.

He added that the company remained committed to creating lasting value for Botswana’s people, wildlife and wild places.