Pack for a Purpose on Your Next Holiday to Botswana

As a responsible traveller, thinking about ways to give back to the communities we visit is essential. One great way to do that when travelling to Botswana is through the Pack for a Purpose initiative. Pack for a Purpose is a global initiative that partners with camps, hotels and lodges in various countries to provide specifically requested supplies or items to communities in need — and your donations can go a long way in helping. The initiative makes it easy for you to create a lasting positive impact in the destinations you visit, which is an essential tenet of sustainable tourism.

This blog posts looks at some of the lodges, camps and hotels in Botswana that are participating in Pack for a Purpose, with some example lists needed for nearby communities. Let’s get (un)packing.

Jacana Duba Explorers Camp

Duke’s Camp Tuludi Camp

Little Vumbura Sable Alley

Vumbura Plains Little Sable

Sango Safari Camp Bush Ways HQ (Maun)

If you’re staying near or in Maun

Boteti River Camp Meno a Kwena Camp

If you’re staying in or near Selinda Game Reserve (Okavango Delta)

Selinda Camp Selinda Explorers Camp

Zarafa Camp

Some examples of the projects you can support

Children in the Wilderness (CITW)

Children in the Wilderness (CITW) teaches environmental awareness and practical life skills to the next generation of rural decision-makers. It is a grassroots project of Wilderness Safaris and one of the few initiatives to close the gap between people and animals. 

The program features rural kids who reside close to Africa's parks and reserves, educating them about conservation and motivating them to protect their natural heritage to take care of these places as stewards. CITW promotes these kids' life skills to help them reach their full potential while enhancing and strengthening their capacity to deal with life's problems.

Needs list

General School Supplies:

Book Bags, College-Ruled Paper, Coloured Pencils, Dry-Erase Markers, Erasers, Glue Sticks, Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, Markers, Pencils, Pencil Cases/Bags, Pens, Rulers, and Solar Lantern Lights

Wall Charts: (English) Laminated World Maps

Text/Reading Books: (English) Children’s Story BooksArt Supplies:

Acrylic Brushes and Paints, Beads for Bead Work, and Craft Scissors

Sports/Outdoor Activity:

Inflation Pumps, Netball/Basketballs, Soccer Balls, and Whistles

Clothing/Shoes:

New Underwear (for Boys and Girls ages 12, 13 and 14 years old)

Health/Personal Grooming:

Deodorant, Face Cloths, Soap, Toothbrushes, and Toothpaste

Office Supplies: Printer Paper and Scissors

Kavimba Village Preschool

In the Kavimba Village, Caroline — a retired teacher with a lot of heart — runs a tiny preschool in her backyard under a lovely shady tree. With the firm conviction that education is the most crucial gift to offer to the young children of this region, she is currently educating more than 30 children, ranging in age from 2 to 6. For some of them who are orphans, she also serves as a day mother.

Bush Ways — whose foundation now supports the preschool— were initially struck by Caroline's enthusiasm and concern for her students. They found it beautiful to observe young children's enjoyment of writing and reading exercises. Bush Ways is now working to construct a preschool for Caroline and her children and give her all the equipment a school needs to run successfully over the long term to alleviate the situation and offer a stable educational foundation.

Educational Games/Toys:

Bananagrams, Scrabble, and Stuffed Animals/Soft Toys

Music Instruments: Maracas, Tambourines, and Triangles

Sports/Outdoor Activity:

Jump Ropes, Netball/Basketballs, Soccer Balls, and Tennis Balls

Clothing/Shoes: New or Gently Used Children’s Clothing and Shoes

First Aid/Health: Antibiotic Ointment and Band-Aids

Kitchen:

Bowls, Plastic Serving Bowls, Plastic Serving Cups, Plastic Serving Plates, and Serving Spoons

Needs list:

General School Supplies:

Book Bags, Coloured Pencils, Crayons, Erasers, Glue Sticks, Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, Markers, Pencils, Pencil Cases/Bags, and Rulers

Flash Cards: (English) Alphabet, Math, and Word

Wall Charts:

(English) Human Body, Language, Math, and World Maps

Text/Reading Books: (English) Age-Appropriate Story Books

Art Supplies:

Acrylic Brushes and Paints, and Watercolour Brushes and Paints

Computer Hardware/Software: Tablets

Packing for a Purpose is easy to do

Once you have arrived at the hotel, you can drop off your donations at the front desk. The hotel staff will ensure that your items are delivered to the local communities. You will also have the opportunity to visit the local communities, meet the people, and see firsthand how your donations make a difference. It is an enriching experience to give back to the communities you visit, and Pack for a Purpose makes it easy to do so. Make sure to pack some extra items with you the next time you visit Botswana and make a difference in the lives of those in need.

You can book all of the lodges and camps mentioned above with Viatu, and incorporate them into your own itinerary using our trip builder here.