At Great Plains Conservation, sustainability is more than just a goal or some figures that need to be reached. Sustainability is a core part of our values. Sitatunga Private Island, an intimate camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta, is entirely off the grid, running on renewable energy, purified water, and responsible waste management. It’s proof that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.
100% Solar-Powered: Harnessing the Sun’s Energy
Sitatunga Private Island is exclusively powered by solar energy, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions. The solar plant, equipped with 146 high-performance panels, generates approximately 419V daily. This is more than enough to power the entire camp, including the main areas, kitchen, guest accommodations, and our two-bedroomed Sitatunga Private Island Suite.
Stored in advanced lithium-ion batteries, this clean energy supply ensures uninterrupted power, even after sunset. We have a team of skilled technicians on-hand, to ensure that everything runs smoothly and any problems that arise can be handled swiftly. By investing in renewable energy, we are protecting the Delta’s fragile ecosystem while setting a new standard for sustainable luxury in the safari industry.
The Great Plains Foundation understands the importance of solar power as a sustainable energy source and has remained committed to ensuring that the surrounding communities in Botswana have access to solar energy through their powerful (pun intended) initiative: Solar Mamas. Through this, nine women were sponsored to attend a solar power training course in India. They returned with the knowledge and skills to install and maintain solar energy units in homes and provide sustainable energy to their remote communities.
Solar Power Plant at Sitatunga Private Island
Pure, Filtered Water from the Okavango Delta
Water is one of the most precious resources in the Okavango, and we’ve designed a system that allows us to use it responsibly. Instead of relying on external water sources or disrupting the landscape with unnecessary infrastructure, we draw water directly from the Delta and purify it on-site.
The process follows multiple rigorous filtration stages, making the water safe for use throughout the camp.
The filtration process goes as follows:
- Water is drawn from the Okavango Delta and stored in holding tanks.
- AFM bulk sediment removal filters clear out large particles.
- Activated carbon filtration removes chlorine, taste, and odour.
- Organic material and discolouration are filtered out.
- A brine tank with coarse salt further purifies the water.
- A final sodium hypochlorite treatment sterilises the water.
The water is pumped into storage tanks and distributed throughout the camp using a pressurised pumping system to reduce the need for electricity.
This system self-cleans daily, with each filter undergoing its own sterilisation process in a manner that minimises disruptions. This system provides a continuous flow of fresh, purified water without the extensive infrastructure required to supply water to such a remote location.
Minimal Waste, Maximum Sustainability
Your culinary experience is an utmost priority at all of our Great Plains Conservation Camps. Our Executive Chefs and product team are highly skilled and ensure that only food that is needed is ordered and there is minimal excess. However, we understand that some days you might be less hungry than others, and food waste may occur. This is why we have installed an advanced waste disposal and composting system at Sitatunga Private Island so that the food waste is not really wasted at all. All food and biological waste is efficiently composted by means of an underground system designed to reduce odour and bacteria build-up. This ensures that waste is handled responsibly and with minimal environmental impact.
By eliminating the need for external water pipes and electricity lines, we protect the Delta’s delicate landscape and wildlife from unnecessary disruption. Instead of imposing infrastructure on nature, we work with it, creating a retreat where sustainability and luxury exist in perfect harmony.
Leading the Way in Responsible Tourism
Choosing to stay at Sitatunga Private Island means experiencing the beauty of the Okavango Delta without leaving a heavy footprint behind. It’s a conscious decision to travel responsibly.
It allows us to visit and appreciate these natural wonders without destroying them in the process.
