395 | Wake up to the sound of birds at the Xaro Lodge

CONSERVATION & TOURISM

At the Xaro Lodge situated within the panhandle of the Okavango Delta, guests become immersed in a truly African island experience.

Guests can choose between an island walk with good chances of seeing the special Pel's Fishing-Owl or boat cruises watching big game and exciting tropical water birds, or simply relax in the lodge's garden.

Pel's Fishing Owl

Solar Energy 

But what truly sets Xaro Lodge apart is the responsible tourism and the input for conservation that earned it a two penguin-rated Conservation & Tourism Support 2015 Award from BirdsConTour.

394 | In the Zambezi kingdom, the Namushasha River Lodge

WELFARE, CONSERVATION & TOURISM

Built alongside the leafy river bank of the Kwando River in the Zambezi kingdom, the Namushasha River Lodge offers sustainable tourism. This Gondwana lodge supports the Caprivians with the traditional heritage centre and participates in conservation matters in the adjacent Bwabwata National Park. BirdsConTour honors this input with a three penguin-rated Welfare, Conservation & Tourism Support 2015 Award.

Oh behalf of the lodge, Nicolene and Frieda received the award.

393 | Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Vulture at the Elephant Valley Lodge

CONSERVATION & TOURISM

Enjoy the chatter from delighted guests during dinner in the boma while relaxing around a crackling fire.

The backdrop is provided by a floodlit water hole, which is looked after by the Elephant Valley Lodge. The lodge's unique position, in the Lesoma Valley within the Kasane Forest Reserve, ensures spectacular game viewing. Large numbers of game move freely from the neighboring Chobe National Park, past the Elephant Valley Lodge, quenching their thirst at this water hole.

 Whilst conservation and sustainable tourism aspects are practiced, BirdsConTour rewarded Ronni, Sue and their entire team with a two penguin-rated Conservation & Tourism Support 2015 Award for their efforts.

392 | A pioneer in sustainable tourism - The Victoria Falls Hotel

CONSERVATION & TOURISM

Located in the Victoria Falls National Park, the Victoria Falls Hotel, a grand Edwardian-era hotel, was built in 1904, during a time when Cecil Rhodes famously attempted to link Cape Town to Cairo by rail.

Today guests can relax in tropical gardens with lily ponds and century-old shade trees while enjoying spectacular views of the Batoka Gorge and Bridge.

Because the Victoria Falls Hotel is a pioneer of sustainable tourism in Victoria Falls and plays a leading role in an eco-initiative with emphasis on reducing pollution, avoiding deforestation and rehabilitating degraded land, it received a two penguin-rated Conservation & Tourism Support 2015 Award from BirdsConTour.

391 | Experience wildlife at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

WELFARE, CONSERVATION & TOURISM

Definitely the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge lives up to its reputation as the flagship of the AAT (Africa Albida Tourism). Established over 18 years as an icon of Zimbabwe hospitality Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was awarded a two penguin-rated Conservation & Tourism Support Award by BirdsConTour in 2014. 

Thanks to an excellent combination of the people involved, the surrounding nature and tourism, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was able to secure itself a BirdsConTour three penguin-rated Welfare, Conservation & Tourism Support 2015 Award this year.

Zulu, Victor and Moses (from left to right) are proud of the award.

Because the survival of vultures in Zimbabwe, as in most other parts of the world as well, is threatened by a variety of circumstances, including loss of habitat, diminishing food sources and poisoning, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge installed a exemplary vulture restaurant, a site where carrion is deposited on a daily base at 13:00 for the endangered vultures to feed on.

Since two months guests can witness the spectacular feeding frenzy in all comfort from this professionally built hide.

Even small feathered guests are catered for.

390 | World Tourism Day 2015: Celebrating traveling, sustainabletraveling

Welfare, Conservation & Tourism

Annually on the 27th of September the world celebrates one of its most important industries, now already for the 35th year. Already in 2013 the tourism industry generated more than $ 7.58 trillion, which supplies millions of people with jobs, keeps taxes flowing to governments and enables economies to flourish. 

But tourism is about more than money and jobs. When managed responsibly and sustainably it gives wings to nature conservation around the globe. The sustainable travel consciousness is growing and becomes strong around the world. BirdsConTour continuously seeks to educate people on responsible tourism.

Here are some simple suggestions that can be easily instituted and will make you a responsible and sustainable traveler.

- Inform yourself about environmental issues in the places you are visiting

- Use water sparingly

While waiting for the water to flow warm, catch the cold water in a bucket for watering the garden for example. Sustainable accommodations will offer this service.

- Make use of a reusable water bottle

- Save electricity 

- Reduce, reuse, recycle 

- Use local and public transport 

- Buy local, eat local 

- Don't litter

- Don't buy products made from endangered species or valuable, historical, or cultural artifacts 

- Don't disturb the wildlife 

- Don't remove natural resources 

- Inform yourself about necessary permits and the rules 

- Choose to support sustainable activities 

- Support sustainable accommodations 

-Respect people and their traditions, local taboos and customs

- Choose thoughtful gifts (souvenirs)

Thank you for your support, with your travels you support people and nature.

BirdsConTour wishes you a safe and sustainable travel!

389 | Fence Hiking by Young Birder

CONSERVATION

Fence Hiking, a sub-initiative of BirdsConTour's Anti Poaching Crusade project, has no shortage of Young Birders (young people organized by BirdsConTour) with the same passion and will to stop the killing of wildlife by disarming wire loops alongside the patrolled fences.

According to Young Birder Nino Leicher Fence Hiking is hard work but the thought of possibly saving animal lifes is more than rewarding!

A big THANK YOU to Nino Leicher that he sacrificed a part of his weekend useful for animal welfare!