Travel With Purpose

How does your stay contribute to the Chobe region?

Every guest stay includes a conservation and community development levy, which contributes towards initiatives supported by the Zambezi Queen Collection in the communities surrounding our operations.

These funds help support practical projects across areas including education, water and sanitation infrastructure and conservation initiatives. Where possible, projects are identified and developed in consultation with local communities and partners.

Additionally, our guests can get directly involved on the ground. One of the excursions offered is joining a village walk in one of the communities. During these walks, guests can connect on a deeper level by contributing to the well-being of local school children. While not obligatory, we greatly appreciate any donations of books, school supplies, educational materials or sporting equipment brought by our guests. These thoughtful gestures are warmly received by the local schools and serve as tangible expressions of kindness from our visitors.

Our connection to the Chobe region goes far beyond the guest experience. It shapes how we work with local communities, support conservation initiatives and consider our impact on the river environment.

As part of Mantis, whose name reflects its founding ethos of “Man And Nature Together Is Sustainable”, we share a responsibility to consider the relationship between tourism, people and the natural environments in which we operate.

We work with local communities, traditional leaders and regional partners to identify practical projects aligned with locally identified priorities.

Conservation Partnerships

Responsible tourism on the Chobe River begins with recognising the connection between people, place and ecosystem health. Through thoughtful operational practices, conservation partnerships and community collaboration, the Zambezi Queen Collection aims to support the long-term sustainability of the region and the experiences it makes possible.

Regional Conservancies +

Collaboration with regional conservancies forms an important part of conservation efforts within the Chobe River region. Through partnerships with organisations including Kabulabula, Kasika and the Impalila Fish Reserve, we support initiatives focused on habitat management, environmental education and the protection of local ecosystems.

These partnerships form part of broader collaborative efforts to support conservation across the region’s waterways and ecosystems.

Wildlife Protection +

Conservation within the Chobe region relies on the continued efforts of conservancies, rangers and field teams working across these landscapes and waterways.

Our support includes practical assistance such as transport and supplies for regional conservation and anti-poaching teams. These contributions support the wider work being undertaken by conservancies and field teams across the region.

Responsible Angling +

Our angling experiences follow a catch-and-release approach, with guidelines designed to promote careful fish handling and safe release. We continue to refine our fishing guidelines and handling practices to help minimise unnecessary stress and injury during catch and release.

Through the use of appropriate equipment, careful fish handling and an emphasis on safe release techniques, we aim to encourage responsible recreational fishing practices.

Humane Tourism Certification +

Through a Scientific Advisory Committee and a rigorous auditing process, Global Humane evaluates and certifies wildlife reserves, lodge facilities, and tour operators for their humane responsibilities toward the animal life encountered and impacted by their operations.

All three Zambezi Queen Collection properties have received this prestigious certification.

People & Community

Tourism on the Chobe River depends on more than exceptional wildlife encounters. It relies on healthy ecosystems, strong community relationships and the people whose knowledge and connection to this region shape each guest experience.

Through conservation partnerships, skills development and practical operational initiatives, we work to support the communities and ecosystems connected to the Chobe River.

Our Team Are Locals +

Our team is made up predominantly of people from the communities surrounding the areas in which we operate. Prioritising local employment means that a portion of tourism revenue flows directly into surrounding communities through salaries and livelihoods.

The knowledge, warmth and sense of place our guests experience onboard and ashore comes directly from the people who call this region home.

Community Partnerships +

Our operations on the Chobe River are made possible through long-standing relationships with local landowners, conservancies and community leaders. Access to our various mooring locations is based on ongoing agreements that aim to respect local governance structures, cultural traditions and the shared use of these waterways and landscapes.

We recognise that responsible tourism in this region depends on collaboration, mutual respect and ensuring that tourism value is retained locally over the long term.

Education & Infrastructure +

Through ongoing collaboration with local communities, we support initiatives aimed at improving educational infrastructure and creating better learning environments for students in the region.

Recent projects at Mbalasinte Combined School have included the installation of essential water and plumbing infrastructure, the renovation of classrooms, the reconstruction of the boys’ dormitory and the development of improved sanitation facilities. These upgrades are intended to help create a safer and more functional environment for both students and teachers.

Local Enterprise +

Meaningful travel often begins with human connection. Through community-led cultural experiences, guests are invited to engage more thoughtfully with the people and traditions connected to this region.

Tourism also provides an important platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs. Our curio shops stock products sourced from local artisans and small businesses, creating an additional route to market for regional craftsmanship.

Community Leadership +

Traditional leadership structures continue to play an important role in many communities throughout the Chobe River region. We recognise the importance of engaging respectfully with local customs, governance systems and community leadership when operating within these landscapes.

Our relationships with local leaders and community representatives help guide ongoing collaboration around access, employment, education initiatives and conservation participation, with the aim of ensuring tourism remains connected to the needs and priorities of the region.

Skills Development +

Many of our team members continue to build their skills throughout their careers with us. Training opportunities across hospitality, guiding, culinary development and First Aid help strengthen both the guest experience and long-term professional growth.

We believe that investing in people and creating opportunities for continued learning contributes to stronger teams, greater confidence and more sustainable career pathways over time.

Celebrate Chobe

Operating in an ecologically sensitive region brings responsibility. We continue to examine how our day-to-day operations affect the river environment and where practical measures can reduce that impact.

Water Infrastructure +

Reliable access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure plays an important role in community wellbeing across the region. Through collaboration with local communities, we support a number of practical infrastructure initiatives connected to water access and sanitation.

This has included the installation of a solar-powered borehole in Someli Village, along with support for water pump infrastructure and ablution facility development in Ijambwe Village.

Waste & Recycling +

Waste reduction and responsible disposal form part of our day-to-day operational practices across the Zambezi Queen Collection. Recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, glass and plastic are sorted and separated where possible, while organic waste is composted for agricultural use.

Used cooking and workshop oils are collected and stored separately to help prevent contamination and allow for appropriate disposal or reuse where suitable.