BOTSWANA – Singita, a global leader in luxury safari experiences and conservation, is set to open a new lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, marking the company’s continued growth across Africa.
Founded over 30 years ago, Singita has built a reputation for offering exceptional stays that blend opulence with sustainability.
The company operates 19 award-winning lodges and camps across four African countries, each designed to enhance the local environment and promote wildlife conservation.
As part of its broader mission, Singita collaborates with non-profits to protect large areas of Africa’s wilderness, ensuring these pristine landscapes endure for future generations.
Singita Elela will immerse guests in the beauty of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity and shifting terrain.
The Delta’s waterways expand and contract with the seasons, offering a stunning display of nature’s cycles. Singita’s design for Elela will honor this flow, incorporating elements that mirror the region’s changes.
“The spirit of the Okavango will be at the heart of our new lodge,” said Lorna Pomeroy, Singita’s Head of Operations. “With Elela, we are offering more than a place to stay – it’s about being part of the environment. This lodge is designed to blend seamlessly with the Delta, enhancing our guests’ experience of nature.”
Singita Elela will occupy one of the largest concessions in the Okavango Delta, spanning 170,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. This expansive area provides an exclusive safari experience, where guests can witness the region’s wildlife without the crowds.
The lodge is set to offer an immersive stay year-round, making it a rare opportunity to experience the Delta’s dramatic transformation in different seasons.
As a leader in conservation and eco-tourism, Singita is committed to preserving Africa’s wildlife and wilderness. Through its partnerships with various non-profit groups, Singita aims to protect large tracts of wilderness for future generations.
Elela will be no different, as it reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to support both the environment and local communities.
Tourism growth in Botswana
Botswana has long been recognized for its incredible natural resources and its tourism potential. While it’s estimated that tourism contributes less than 10% of the national GDP, the country is actively working to grow the sector.
The government has focused on diversifying its tourism offerings and expanding the reach of its tourism products.
In addition to high-end safari experiences, there is increasing interest in mid-range tourism options to bring in more revenue and create jobs for Batswana.
The government has identified several tourism projects to drive this growth, including infrastructure developments in key areas like Kasane-Kazungula.
While the focus has been on safari tourism, Botswana has also worked to build a reputation as a conference destination, hosting events like the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in 2023.
However, the country still faces challenges in terms of hotel capacity, especially in Gaborone, where the demand for high-quality accommodations continues to outpace supply.
Singita’s Elela Lodge is a bold step in the company’s mission to create sustainable, luxury travel experiences while fostering environmental conservation.
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