6 April 2024
chobe river
At the Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis, our commitment to the Chobe River region goes beyond mere exploration. We’re dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and uplifting local communities. Join us on a sustainable safari journey that celebrates the breathtaking beauty of this extraordinary corner of the world while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who call it home.
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at the Zambezi Queen Collection. We’re guided by three pillars of conservation, sustainability, and community development, ensuring our operations have a positive impact on the environment and the communities surrounding us.
We acutely recognise the immense privilege of operating in such a pristine environment. The Chobe River region is a natural wonder, home to an abundance of wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and truly warm and humble people.
As passionate conservationists, we are fervent advocates for sustainable adventures that leave a minimal ecological footprint. For example, the Zambezi Queen and Chobe Princess houseboats include a jet propulsion system that doesn’t use an external motor, so it doesn’t damage the riverbed or the wildlife and marine life in the river.
But our dedication extends far beyond environmental preservation. We believe true sustainability lies in the harmonious coexistence of nature and local communities. That’s why we’re deeply invested in uplifting the villages that form the fabric of the Chobe River region.
Community Upliftment
One of our most significant initiatives is the Community Development Fund, used to administer and grow infrastructure within each of the conservancies that we operate. This fund most recently has funded the build of a school hostel accommodation, built toilets and showers, connected water supply for a school and renovated 6 classrooms. Additionally, we arrange village walks and cultural tours, offering our guests an immersive experience of the rich traditions and vibrant daily life of these communities. Within each of the villages that we visit, our guests have the opportunity to purchase a souvenir or trinket from the locals.
We’re also committed to supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs. Our gift shops on the Zambezi Queen and at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge showcase a wide range of locally crafted souvenirs, including intricately carved wooden bowls and beautifully beaded jewellery. By providing a platform for these skilled craftspeople to sell their wares, we contribute to their economic empowerment and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
Waste Management Initiatives
We understand sustainable practices extend beyond preserving wildlife and natural habitats. Therefore, we’re committed to minimising our impact on the environment through the less glamorous – but vital – aspect of innovative waste management initiatives.
One of our flagship projects is our sophisticated and ‘clean’ sewage treatment system located at Nchenku. This state-of-the-art facility processes waste from all our houseboats, ensuring not a drop of contamination enters the waterways upon which local communities and wildlife depend.
Additionally, we’ve undertaken various initiatives to provide access to clean drinking water for nearby villages. One of the biggest threats that local villagers face is the access to the safe collection of water, where there is no threat of crocodile or hippo attacks.
Our team has sunk boreholes in villages like Someli, ensuring a safe and reliable source of fresh water for residents. In Ijambwe Village, we provided a water pump and building materials, enabling the construction of essential ablution facilities.
Our commitment to water accessibility doesn’t stop there – we’re continually exploring opportunities to contribute to water projects that bring fresh, potable water to local villages, improving their quality of life and promoting sustainable living.
Local Employment and Anti-Poaching Efforts
As one of the largest tourism and hospitality employers in the area, we recognise the profound impact our operations can have on creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
By prioritising local employment, we provide economic opportunities that reduce reliance on activities like poaching, which threaten the region’s fragile ecosystems. Our staff members hail from the surrounding villages, and we’re committed to their ongoing training and development, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in preserving their natural heritage.
Moreover, we actively support conservation initiatives that protect the region’s wildlife. We provide funding, resources, and logistical support to local conservancies and anti-poaching units.
Join us on a sustainable safari that celebrates the splendour of the Chobe River while making a positive impact on the lives of those who call it home. Contact us today to plan your unforgettable adventure.
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