Supporting Our Communities

Tourism is recognized globally as a vital contributor and mechanism for poverty alleviation, job creation, socio-economic growth and environmental protection. In Africa, this couldn’t be more true.
At Letaka Safaris we take this responsibility seriously. We recognize that tourism operations are vital to many livelihoods in and around wildlife areas, and the abrupt decline in tourism revenue, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, has the potential for far-reaching impacts on communities. This is particularly the case in woman-headed households and single-income households, of which there are many in the Letaka family. And the virus itself could have a devastating impact on these communities where there are very high rates of HIV.

In Botswana, 8.9% of the population are employed by the tourism sector. One employed person typically supports between five and seven other people. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, global travel bans and the temporary closure of many safari camps, lodges and mobile operations across the region, this is a time to be mindful of the vulnerability of communities living alongside wildlife areas.

For the first time, we are reaching out to former guests, African enthusiasts, agents, friends and relatives to bolster our resources and help support the hundreds of livelihoods that will be affected by the temporary ceasing of our mobile operations. Letaka would like to start a program where we will be transporting food parcels to staff members not at work, their families and the communities they live in to improve the nourishment of communities in the face of this unprecedented viral threat.

Your support in this unprecedented initiative is welcome and cherished.

“Re a leboga”. Thank you from Letaka Safaris