Wilderness Botswana says its conservation tourism operations have generated billions of pula in economic value over the past decade, while supporting jobs, local businesses and communities across the country.
According to its latest Botswana Impact Report, the company paid more than P853 million to Government, P70 million directly to neighbouring communities and almost P1.3 billion to employees over the past 10 years. A further nearly P2 billion was spent on locally sourced goods and services, highlighting the wider economic footprint of the tourism operator.
The company currently employs 960 people, with citizens accounting for 98 percent of its workforce. Wilderness says its commitment to local procurement has also strengthened domestic businesses, with more than 86 percent of its procurement by value, excluding aviation businesses, now sourced from Botswana-based suppliers.
The impact extends beyond Wilderness-owned operations. During the 2026 financial year, Wilderness travel shops globally generated P332 million worth of business for tourism operations in Botswana owned by other organisations. Over the past decade, this third-party business has exceeded P2.2 billion, according to the report.
Wilderness Botswana Chairman Kabelo Binns said the figures demonstrate the value of ensuring communities are active participants in the conservation tourism model.
“Conservation creates the greatest value when local communities are genuine partners and beneficiaries,” said Binns, adding that tourism can support livelihoods while strengthening conservation and protecting Botswana’s wilderness areas.
The company has also invested in developing specialised skills among citizens. Through Wilderness Air Botswana, 41 citizen pilots have been trained, while accredited training and leadership development programmes continue to provide opportunities for employees to advance their careers.
Education and environmental awareness form another part of the company’s social investment. Through Children in the Wilderness, more than 2,700 children participated in Eco-Clubs over the past decade, while more than 2,200 children attended annual camps hosted at Wilderness and partner properties.
Conservation remains central to the company’s operations. Wilderness operates across more than 257,000 hectares in Botswana and says P319 million has been contributed by the company and its guests over the past decade towards the use and protection of these landscapes.
The company says the investment supports biodiversity stewardship, protected area management, research and conservation initiatives through the Wilderness Trust and partnerships with other conservation organisations.
Binns said the results were the product of collaboration between Wilderness, Government, communities, employees, suppliers, conservation partners and tourism stakeholders.
The report positions conservation tourism not only as a means of protecting Botswana’s wildlife and wilderness, but also as an economic activity capable of creating employment, supporting local enterprises and keeping tourism revenues within the country.
