April 14 2024
Our Environmental Impact
Nestled on Impalila Island, along the Chobe River, within close proximity to the lush and diverse Chobe National Park in Botswana, we do our best to combine eco-conscious tourism with our dedication to the communities in which we operate.
Our deep commitment to conservation guides each aspect of our operation. From energy consumption to waste management and water conservation, our systems are meticulously designed to minimise our environmental impact.
Water Conservation
We wholeheartedly embrace the MANTIS ethos of “Man and Nature Together Is Sustainable.” Water conservation isn’t just a priority for us—it’s a fundamental belief. Situated on the banks of the Chobe River, which is the lifeblood of our region, we understand the critical importance of preserving this precious resource.
By implementing innovative water-saving technologies and advocating for responsible water usage, our aim is to minimise our impact on the environment to help ensure the sustainability of this invaluable resource for both local communities and wildlife.
To achieve this:
We have installed water-saving fixtures and systems throughout the lodge to significantly reduce water consumption.
Our facilities exclusively utilise self-abstracted and treated water, allowing for efficient water management while maintaining high standards of hygiene.
We've initiated a towel reuse program, encouraging guests to participate in reducing water usage by limiting unnecessary laundry operations. For multi-night guests, bed linen isn't changed daily by default, further conserving water in our laundry processes.
In maintaining our swimming pool, we've opted for chemical-free alternatives to minimise the energy-intensive upkeep
We’re dedicated to minimising our energy consumption and constantly strive to run a more sustainable operation. To assist with this, we harness solar power, lessening our dependence on traditional fuels and cutting down on carbon emissions. By prioritising renewable energy, we make sure that at least 80% of our lighting uses LED or energy-efficient bulbs, further reducing our energy footprint.
Waste Management
Striving for sustainability isn’t always glamorous and many of our initiatives operate behind the scenes. Waste management may lack the spotlight, but it’s a cornerstone of our commitment. We take waste management seriously, continuously improving our systems not only for our benefit but also for the environment and our local communities.
Solid recyclable wastes like paper, glass, cardboard, and plastic get sorted correctly, ensuring they receive appropriate treatment. Organic waste undergoes careful sorting and recycling through composting, enriching our farming endeavours with worm cultivation and providing valuable manure to our communities. Discarded cooking oils, engine oils, and grease are collected to prevent environmental harm, stored in our onsite workshop, and shared with community members for wood and reed preservation, safeguarding against insect infestations.
Furthermore, hazardous waste undergoes proper disposal at suitable treatment facilities, safeguarding our precious river from contamination. Each step we take, though often unseen, is a testament to our unwavering dedication to sustainability.
Targeting Tigerfish
With tiger fishing being one of the most sought-after activities offered at our lodge, all our guides are experienced and have received a high level of training on the best fish-handling practices. We understand that there is always a risk taken with inexperienced guests fishing, but with the help of our guides to handle the fish caught and make sure that all fish are released safely.
Read more on fishing techniques here.
Community Involvement
We’re dedicated to our environmental initiatives and fully recognize and understand the impact our presence has on both the local communities and the environment. Our commitment to mitigating this impact goes beyond recycling and solar power utilization. We actively involve ourselves with the local communities, working closely with tribal leaders (Nduna’s) to provide essential infrastructure, education, and employment opportunities. Additionally, we create avenues for community members to participate in conservation activities.
At Ichingo Chobe River Lodge, we also encourage responsible tourism practices among our guests, such as minimising plastic usage and supporting local artisans and eco-friendly products. Our aim is to spark a positive impact that extends well beyond its premises by promoting an ethos of responsibility.
Our dedication to sustainability can be seen in the small touches too. We provide eco-friendly toiletries made from natural materials, and after use, wastewater is treated before being returned to the river.
We also enforce a ban on threatened fish and seafood species from our menus, opting for sustainable fishing practices. Our food and beverage offerings mainly consist of seasonal, local, and organic products from our vegetable garden for self-sufficiency, and offer delicious vegetarian and vegan menu options.
These practices not only improve the guest experience but also reflect our commitment to environmental integrity and responsible tourism, in the smaller details, as each small change contributes to the larger picture.
