Making a real difference
In the heart of Maun, Botswana, Travel for Impact, alongside Impact Fund, is redefining tourism as a force for lasting change.
Your safari with Encompass Africa powers their mission to create a circular economy, where every journey nurtures local businesses, sustains livelihoods, and uplifts communities across Northwest Botswana.
We’re sharing their story and showcasing just a handful of things they’re doing right now.
A circular vision born back in 2014
Since its founding in Maun in 2014, Travel for Impact has been driven by a bold idea: harness tourism dollars to spark social change. By collaborating with the Impact Fund, they incubate community businesses and support vetted civil society organisations, ensuring tourism’s benefits flow back to the people. These businesses, supplying high-quality goods and services to the travel industry, create resilient livelihoods that lift artisans, families, and entire communities. With over 80% of Botswana’s tourism revenue concentrated in the Okavango Delta, Travel for Impact’s work ensures local voices shape this economic powerhouse.
Their greatest strength lies in long-term relationships, uniting tourism operators, communities, and businesses in a shared journey toward sustainable development. So if you book with Encompass Africa, you’ll help us fuel the cycle, ensuring Travel for Impact can keep transforming lives on the ground – even saving lives.
The people’s path: Cultural tourism reimagined
Travel for Impact’s Economic Empowerment program fosters livelihoods through training, capacity building, and marketing authentic, community-led experiences. Their flagship initiative, The People’s Path, is Northwest Botswana’s first cultural tourism circuit. This immersive journey invites travellers to engage with local traditions—visiting villages, sharing stories, and witnessing the vibrant heritage of Botswana’s people.
From cultural performances to guided walks, The People’s Path ensures tourism dollars directly support community resilience, with 70% of proceeds reinvested locally.
Crafted Botswana: Artisans shaping the future
At the heart of Travel for Impact’s work are artisans who weave Botswana’s heritage into every creation. Basket-weavers, ostrich egg-shell jewelers, and textile artists draw on generations-old skills to craft stunning pieces. Through Crafted Botswana, an e-commerce platform co-funded by UNESCO, these entrepreneurs showcase their work to the world.
Each purchase—whether a woven basket or beaded necklace—sustains families and preserves cultural traditions. By choosing Encompass Africa, you help amplify these artisans’ voices, with every safari contributing to their thriving businesses.
Together, we change lives
Rooted in the travel industry’s commitment to give back, Impact Fund’s corporate social responsibility platform powers Travel for Impact’s vision. From funding training for artisans to supporting The People’s Path, their work creates a ripple effect of opportunity. In 2024, their programs supported over 200 small businesses in Maun, generating sustainable income for 1,500 community members. Your safari is part of this legacy, turning travel into a catalyst for prosperity.
Join the movement
Inspired by Travel for Impact? Book your safari with Encompass Africa to support their transformative work, or explore Crafted Botswana to bring home a piece of their story. Together, we can weave tourism into a tapestry of hope for Botswana’s communities… pardon the pun!
