“Botswana has always operated a little differently than other countries. The focus has been called ‘low volume, high value’ for a Botswana private camp safari. At a time when there are questions on the rationale behind the government strategy on high-value, low-volume approach to tourism, especially in the protected areas like the Okavango Delta, tour operators and tourists have argued for the latter as it protects the environment.” I so have to agree with this, rather have less people at a time spending the right kind of money, to help with the up keep of the reserve,I have always believed less is more and this should apply to reserves such as these, because we want to keep them for future generations.

Regards
Cyndi

Dear Mr. Ngakayagae,

I have just read the latest press release titled “BOTSWANA’S POSITION ON SELF-DRIVES”. As an American regular visitor to your country, I am supportive of pro-active methods of contriolling your great park system. After my most recent visit to Chobe NP, I began a blog, http://www.ChobeSafari.com, where I promote the concept of responsible photo safari trips into your parks, as I feel they are one of earth’s great treasures.

With that background, I am a little concerned. The large lodges have reasonable access to lobby their point to the government. HATAB and other in country mobile groups also clearly have a voice. Both are excellent organizations. My concern is that the individuals that self-drive (especially those from overseas), do not have a voice. I am hoping this letter is part of that voice.

While we do not bring in the level of revenue as professional operators, we do spend a lot of money on our visits to your country for lodging, meals, fuel, art, etc. Many of us could not afford to frequent your nation if we had to pay for the luxury safari options. Further, we come to see and appreciate the wildlife. Our dollars are focused on that element rather that extra-ordinary lodges. From my experience, mostly in Chobe, these visitors are very respectful of the proper toad system and of the game. I have tried to fairly report on the options and rumors of potential change at this link. Please visit my site. Leave comments if you agree or disagree with any points made.

I would like to give more on my background. I was raised in a small town in the US. I didn’t get to travel as a youth and I had many, often bad, misconseption of the people and lifestyle of much of Africa. What I knew came from the press and movies. In particular, southern Africa was not always cast as in a good light partially due to the historical policies of South Africa, partially due to the problems as many African countries fought for independence and partly due to press around conflict diamonds.

Botswana has educated me. I have shared my experiences with those I meet. The people of your country is gracious. The parks pristine. You have stable politics. Your diamond and precious metals industries operate in a very ethical manor. With out reasonable cost effective self drive safari options, folks like me cannot visit Botswana and your world press will be limited to the more sensational topics of Africa similar to those I noted above. Visit my web site and comment. More importantly, please take into consideration my voice and the thousands of similar voices as you make your policies.

ALL CORRESPONDENCE MUST BE ADDRESSED TO
THE PERMANENT SECRETARY
24th February 2010
Editors
Media Houses
PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOTSWANA’S POSITION ON SELF-DRIVES

The Ministry of Environment Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT) has been inundated with statements from tourists and local entrepreneurs which suggest that the Ministry has made a decision to ban self-drive tourists. As much as the Ministry is concerned about the conduct of some self-drive tourists, it has never reached a decision to ban self-drives hence the allegations are false and uncalled for.

The Ministry has however realised that there are numerous self-drive tourists who disregard the National Parks and Game Reserves Regulations by congesting in one area thereby exceeding the limits, driving at night, driving off-road, littering and breaking other regulations that they were briefed on when entering the National Parks and Game Reserves. We have also noticed that some of these “self-drive” are in fact externally based operators who conduct their business illegally in the country. Without any hesitation the Ministry will “crack the whip” on those who conduct business illegally in Botswana and on those who deliberately degrade our precious environment.

The Ministry has been consulting with the tourism industry stakeholders to determine ways of decongesting our National Parks and Game Reserves to promote our unique product of the pristine wilderness. Through out these consultative meetings we have never issued statements that we would be banning self-drives.

Recently at the Mobile Safari Tour Operators meeting held in Maun on the 12 February 2010, the stakeholders in attendance concurred that there is a need to speedily act on ways of controlling this sector against illegal operators and their undesirable activities in our National Parks and Game Reserves. The Ministry will definitely, through consultation with the concerned stakeholders, come up with a comprehensive monitoring and control mechanism against this irregularities. When making a decision on operations in National Parks and Game Reserves all the pros and cons on conservation of the environment will be taken into account, including the socio-economic impact on the locals. It should however be noted that when reaching a decision, the Ministry would ensure that the environment is not compromised as we derive economic benefits from that very environment and as such, we have to preserve it for future generations.

The Ministry is also deeply concerned by some statements which were made by some self-drive tourists in the print media (esp. International magazines) and their blogs. These statements imply that Botswana’s National Parks’ and Game Reserves’ are a “play ground” where self drive tourists can act in manner and even contravene the Regulations. Such statements are negative publicity and they imply that we do not protect our environment. It should further be noted that the negative actions by some self-drive drive tourists will not be condoned and appropriate action will be taken against those who contravene our laws and regulations.”

Thank you

Archibald Ngakayagae
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Environment; Wildlife & Tourism
Tel: 3647923 Mobile no: 71605007
Fax: 3951092 E-mail: angakayagae@gov.bw