At Great Plains Conservation, sustainability is not a slogan—it is the very ethos that guides us. Every decision we make is carefully considered, ensuring we leave the lightest possible footprint on the pristine, wildlife-rich landscapes we are privileged to protect. From pioneering wildlife conservation initiatives to redefining responsible tourism, and now using biogas energy, we are continually seeking ways to enhance and safeguard these extraordinary places.
One of our latest advancements is the introduction of biogas energy, an elegant waste-to-energy solution that transforms organic food waste into clean, renewable power. This initiative not only reduces our reliance on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) but also furthers our goal of achieving genuine carbon footprint reduction in travel.
One of our BioGas Slurry Tanks is paving the way for more sustainable luxury safaris.
How Biogas Energy Works in Our Camps
For those familiar with composting, the principles of biogas are similar, though more refined. In a closed, oxygen-free environment, natural bacteria decomposes food waste, producing a methane-rich gas. This clean fuel can be used for cooking and heating water in our camps, directly reducing emissions and fossil fuel dependency.
The by-product of this process is a nutrient-rich slurry that is an exceptional organic fertiliser. This fertiliser nourishes the plant life around our camps. Soon, we aim to extend its use beyond our boundaries by offering it to local farmers, thereby enhancing soil fertility in neighbouring communities. In the Selinda Reserve, our composting programmes already assist local farmers, and this additional resource will complement those efforts beautifully.
Where We Are Using Biogas in Our Eco-Friendly Safari Lodges
We have installed six bespoke biogas units at our Botswana safari camps, each thoughtfully tailored to meet the specific energy demands of the camp.
Cooking in Our Staff Villages
- Duba Plains Camp: Two biodigesters support the higher volume of food waste generated at this flagship camp.
- Sitatunga Private Island: Nestled in the Okavango Delta, this island sanctuary benefits from biogas for daily cooking needs.
- Okavango Explorers Camp: Our latest Explorer-Collection camp already demonstrates remarkable biogas efficiency.
- Selinda Explorers Camp: Here, biogas energy seamlessly supports our remote yet luxurious wilderness experience.
Water Heating
At Okavango Explorers Camp, the biogas system currently provides over 90 minutes of cooking time daily—a number we anticipate increasing to four hours as we optimise the technology. With each step forward, we significantly reduce our reliance on LPG and the need for fuel transport into these remote areas.
Why Biogas Matters for Sustainable Safari Tourism
Our adoption of this technology is about far more than operational efficiency. It is a deliberate and thoughtful stride toward truly eco-friendly safari lodges and sustainable safari tourism. This initiative allows us to:
- 🌱 Substantially cut our carbon footprint by reducing LPG consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
- ♻️ Eliminate food waste by converting it into valuable, clean energy.
- 🔋 Become more self-sufficient, reducing dependency on external fuel deliveries and decreasing the environmental impact of transport.
- 💰 Lower operational costs, furthering the sustainability of our conservation-driven model.
- 👨👩👧👦 Empower local communities by equipping staff with valuable skills in maintaining and operating these advanced systems.
Looking Ahead: Waste-to-Energy Solutions in Africa’s Wild Spaces
We are in the early stages of our biogas journey, but the results are already promising. As we continue to refine the system, our aspiration is to extend this technology across more of our safari camps, reinforcing sustainability at every touchpoint of the Great Plains experience.
This initiative exemplifies our commitment to waste-to-energy solutions in Africa, embodying the principles of a circular economy. Every aspect of our operations – from procurement and transport to usage and disposal – is designed to reduce impact. Fewer trucks, fewer emissions, and less wear and tear on delicate environments. It is a comprehensive and elegant system that respects and protects the landscapes we call home.
All of our camps are committed to sustainability and uplifting neighbouring communities. Along with biogas, our camps use solar-powered energy to power our camps. Our Great Plains Foundation has also undertaken the Solar Mamas initiative which remains committed to providing sustainable solar power to nearby villages. You can read more about this inspiring initiative here.
Join Us on This Journey
Whether you are exploring the enchanting channels of the Okavango Delta or witnessing the great herds of the Selinda Reserve, you are an integral part of this story. By choosing Great Plains Conservation, you support a vision where luxury safaris and environmental responsibility are inextricably linked—a future where thoughtful travel safeguards the wild places we all treasure.
