03 Apr 2022

Some tourism establishments have started receiving international tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic, which had resulted in movement restrictions.

Kalahari Tours Company which operates Mogotlho Safari Lodge is one of the companies that have reason to believe that things will be better this year, as it received the first group of international tourists after two years of a dry spell.

The lodge is situated along the Khwai River right in the heart of the Okavango delta.

The manager, Mr Andrew Clarke confirmed in an interview that after struggling for two years without business they received the first group of international tourists from America on March 28.

The group comprised of elderly people aged between 50-80 years and he said they would be in the wilderness for some days to appreciate the beauty of the Okavango delta.

Upon arrival, he said they had a fun filled day traversing the delta to appreciate the resource and the sunset adding that they were also treated to a game drive to Moremi Game Reserve.

On the second day, the group was engaged on a bush walk with the newly hired professional guide and Mr Clarke explained that bush walking was a great way to rejuvenate souls.

The group was also treated to a dinner in the bush to experience and appreciate the nocturnal noises.

 “A bush dinner is unlike any other dining experience. Our guests had an opportunity to see animals in their natural habit,” he added.

Mr Clarke also stated that they took guests to Khwaie for mokoro excursion .

After the excursion, the group visited Mababe Primary School to donate stationery and some gifts to pupils.

In the evening, he said they shared a traditional cuisine dinner with their guests and spiced it with some traditional dance and storytelling so that they appreciate the history, culture and the lifestyle of the community.

However, Mr Clarke noted that the coming of the group has boosted their business considering the fact that the industry had been struggling since the pandemic outbreak.

“The future for travel and tourism looks bright after vaccination campaigns despite the significant challenges we faced and we have faith to see a resurgence of the industry and continue to receive more bookings of international tourists,” he added.

He said most industry players used the break brought about by the pandemic to upgrade their facilities to remain competitive in the growing travel industry.

The company upgraded the lodge to a high standard, he said, revealing that initially, the facility comprised of 13 tented rooms and they were all replaced with spacious and modernised structures which were more appealing.

Mr Clarke noted that they modernised everything to ensure the visitors had more of bush feel and a fun filled adventure more so that the facility was located in an amazing and unique area with a rich diversity of life.

He said the facility was a perfect destination as visitors experienced the magnificent wildlife of Mababe and the greater Khwai area.

The facility offers game drives, bush walks, mokoro excursion and cultural activities among others

The pandemic struck the tourism industry severely resulting in closure of some businesses because of collapse in international travel.

According to the World Tourism Organization report, international tourist arrivals declined globally by 73 per cent in 2020. ENDS