Tourism and energy use in lodges and camps in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

Abstract

This paper examines energy use in lodges and camps in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The paper draws from the concept of sustainable tourism. Both primary and secondary data were used. Secondary sources used include: management plans and policy documents on energy and tourism development in the Okavango Delta. Primary data collection included the use of informal interviews with key stakeholders of the energy and tourism industries. Results indicate that lodges and camps largely use fossil fuels than renewable energy sources. Fossil fuels used include petroleum products like diesel oil, petrol and paraffin. Diesel is used to generate power to meet energy demands in hotels and lodges. Renewable energy sources like solar is used minimally. Therefore, energy policy needs to address the lack of renewable energy in the Okavango Delta. That is, to achieve sustainable tourism, renewable energy like solar energy which is environmentally friendly should be promoted in policy development.