Kwando Safaris, Chobe Safari Lodge, and Nata Lodge are proudly owned and hosted by Batswana citizens, and we’re serious about making a positive difference in the communities we operate in.
We developed the Kwando Compass philosophy to guide our approach to generating positive impact and social value. Our magnetic north will always be our People, determining our focus and orientation. We use Impact and Sustainability as navigational forces to chart our path and assess the success of our journey. Last but not least, our Guests provide a balancing counterpoint, reflecting our commitment to delivering the best of Botswana with warm and authentic hospitality.
The Kwando Compass philosophy is integrated into everything we do, and our education, community, and conservation projects fall under Kwando Impact, registered as a not-for-profit organisation in Botswana. Powered by guest contributions and donations, Kwando Impact champions grassroots-led impact projects, supporting an ecosystem of local partners promoting the well-being of the people of Botswana.
Find out more at www.kwando.co.bw
Empowers Africa has partnered with Kwando Impact in order to provide a cost-effective solution to fundraising in the United States by acting as their fiscal sponsor. Any donations made here will be granted to Kwando Impact.
Empowers Africa uses Stripe to process credit card donations. Stripe has very stringent security rules which may lead to declined credit card transactions. If you are experiencing trouble processing your donation, kindly contact Nadia Derelieva at (917) 328-1611 or via email: nadia@empowersafrica.org
Kwando Impact Campaigns
Early Childhood Education
Kwando Impact facilitates the expansion of a community playgroup model across northern Botswana. Alongside our key impact partner, Learn to Play, we have unlocked accessible early childhood education in the villages of Sankuyo, Xaxaba, Nata, Pandamatenga, Parakurungu and Kavimba, and we aim to reach to reach new communities in Chobe and the Okavango Delta every year.
Kwando Impact Research Scholarship
Kwando Impact has partnered with the University of Botswana’s Okavango Research Institute to develop the next generation of Batswana scientists and conservationists. The Kwando Impact Research Scholarship provides promising MPhil and PhD candidates passionate about conservation with financial and fieldwork support, including access to Kwando Safaris’ concessions for research.
Conservation Outreach
In collaboration with the University of Botswana’s Okavango Research Institute, Kwando Impact has been working on innovative ways to highlight and amplify the reach of scientific wildlife research in Botswana. We organise lively research discussion panels known as “Conservation on Tap”, held at a local brewery in Maun, which aim to make research more accessible and inclusive to the general public. We also provide logistical support to conservation research projects, such as the Trans-Kalahari Predator Programme.
Community Outreach
Kwando Impact partners with grassroots initiatives that seek to build capacity and/or protect the vulnerable in the communities where we operate. We currently support a school in Chobe that caters to children with special needs and a volunteer-led organisation in Maun that delivers baby bags filled with essentials to vulnerable new mothers.
Botswana Elephant Centre
The Botswana Elephant Centre at Chobe Safari Lodge is an education hub dedicated to sharing knowledge about elephants – their biology, behaviour, and the challenges they face – and why their protection matters. Through interactive displays and guided experiences, the Centre engages local communities and safari visitors in understanding the vital role elephants play in Botswana’s ecosystems and cultural heritage. We also support local conservation research efforts in Chobe region to build capacity and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.
General Donations
If you do not have any specific project in mind and wish the organization to use their own discretion, please click here.
Donations can also be made by check or wire transfer:
Checks should be made out to “Empowers Africa” and should be mailed to:
Empowers Africa
2 Beekman Place, Ste. 18B
New York, NY 10022
www.empowersafrica.org
(917) 328-1611
Kindly note in the memo section of the check that funds are for Kwando Impact. Or email us at info@empowersafrica.org.
For wire transfer details or more information, please email us at info@empowersafrica.org.
Empowers Africa has been approved as a U.S. public charity, contributions to which are tax deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 501(c)(3) [EIN: 32-0403737] of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Thank you for your support!