Community | Our Impact | Kaelo Destinations

“True sustainability begins with people.”

OUR IMPACT

As the largest private employer in the region, Mashatu provides livelihoods, skills development and opportunities for growth. Our relationship with the Bobirwa District is one of partnership, empowerment and shared prosperity.

Mashatu’s People and Purpose

308 permanent employees, 98 % Botswana citizens and 79 % from the Bobirwa District (the six villages closest to the reserve).
All lodges are managed by Motswana leaders, each with over 15 years’ experience.
35 employees hold senior management positions, of which 51,4% are women.
Over 100 employees have been with Mashatu for more than 10 years. Some guides have been guiding the way for over 44 years.
Mashatu offers training to employees, believes in promotion from within, encouraging growth and development of its employees within the group.
Mashatu supports three basket weaving groups in Bobirwa, whose work is sold through Mashatu’s curio shops, returning 70 % of proceeds to the artisans.
Collaboration with Moseshz Designs, a local seamstress collective producing uniforms and soft furnishings, generating more than P50 000 in local trade annually.
Partnership with local jeweller 88 Carate Street, ensuring locally designed pieces find an international audience through our guests.
Mashatu proudly supports the traditional dance and choir cultural groups in the District, who are contracted in to entertain large groups of guests for special occasions.
Conservation levies contribute to Mashatu’s conservation and community efforts, funds the Tuli Conservation Trust and NOTUGRE anti-poaching projects, as well as Mashatu’s Health Care Fud for employees.
Cultural experiences: Guests can join immersive village visits that celebrate craft, music and heritage. 50 % of proceeds from each cultural visit go directly to the community.

Explore our Community Partnerships

Pambele’s story is deeply intertwined with the local communities of the Bazaruto Archipelago and Vilanculos Wildlife Sanctuary. Our exclusive-use home has built long-standing relationships with island residents — many of whom have grown alongside Pambele for over a decade.

Pambele’s People and Purpose

Local employment: 90 % of our team were born and raised within the Archipelago, bringing local knowledge and authenticity to every guest experience.
Loyalty and longevity: Eight out of ten team members have been with Pambele for more than five years — several since the home’s opening in 2008.
Family impact: Our 10 permanent staff directly support over 100 family members across nearby villages, extending Pambele’s positive impact beyond the home itself.
Healthcare: Construction of a new community clinic is underway — a project designed to provide accessible medical care for our staff, their families, and surrounding residents.
Sustainable supply chains: While key materials are imported to ensure quality and safety standards for guests, we prioritise local sourcing wherever possible, ensuring that every Metical spent strengthens the regional economy.

By nurturing both people and place, we ensure the region remains as rich in opportunity as it is in natural beauty.