19 Nov 2021

Wilderness Safaris Proudly Supports Vaccination Drive in Northern Botswana

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Wilderness Safaris is proud to have been part of a pioneering partnership between the private sector and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, that has seen approximately 4,500 COVID-19 vaccinations delivered to more than 77 sites in Northern Botswana (Okavango, Ngamiland and Chobe Districts) during the last three months. It is hoped that this initiative will provide a much needed boost for the tourism industry, by assuring visitors to Botswana of their advanced state of COVID-19 vaccinations in the country, and its positive implications both for guests and staff.

The vaccination project received support, both financially and in kind, throughout the process from all sectors of the tourism industry through the provision of administrative personnel, logistical and medical support (hiring of five private sector nurses), as well as transportation, accommodation, and meals for the vaccination teams.

This innovative partnership between the Government of Botswana and the tourism private sector has facilitated the delivery of vaccinations (by both air and land) to remotely located sites, and extensive coverage of lodge staff was achieved in a remarkably short period of time. Maun-based employees, those on leave, and community members were catered for at a vaccination site established in Maun. In addition to this, the project provided vaccinations to community members living in 11 remote areas; Xaxaba, Mochaba, Gabamochaa, Quxau, Morutsa, Daonara, Ditshiping, Goruku, Xharaxao, Tsutsubega, and Gogomoga villages were all visited by the partnership teams.

“We are thrilled to advise that 83% of our staff are now fully vaccinated, with around 90% staff in active camps fully vaccinated. By the end of November 2021 we expect in excess of 90% of all our Botswana staff to be fully vaccinated. We are proud to have worked closely with the Government and all stakeholders concerned, collectively coming together to achieve these extraordinary results and helping to vaccinate many people throughout the region by appointing nurses for the rollout, using internal staff resources and supporting numerous people with flights on Wilderness Air to/from the regions”, noted Kim Nixon, Wilderness Safaris Botswana MD.

“This drive follows a successful vaccination rollout in the Linyanti in August 2021, and it is inspiring to see so many of our staff vaccinated. We are optimistic to note an upward trend for the return of travel and are ready and waiting to welcome our guests to our beautiful wilderness”, Kim adds.

Health, hygiene and sanitation, in relation to both guests and staff, have always been top priorities for Wilderness, and this has only been heightened in light of the pandemic. Wilderness has bolstered already existing measures in all its offices, camps, aircraft and vehicles, and continues to refine, adapt and implement these procedures in accordance with best practice.

Click here for more information about Wilderness Safaris’ health and safety procedures, and COVID-19 FAQs.