Ethical Tourism

Wild Horizons at a Glance

Wild Horizons is an eco-tourism operator devoted to conserving and celebrating the pristine natural wilderness in which we operate.

From the Zambezi River to the National Park, we are wholeheartedly invested in Africa’s pristine and unique natural beauty.

We work tirelessly to preserve and protect the environment in every dimension of the business, sharing ecotourism’s benefits with the communities that we work alongside.

Behind every Wild Horizons venture is a purpose aimed at creating an enriching travel experience for our guests while conserving Africa’s wilderness and wildlife for the local communities and future generations.

Mission Statement

“Wild Horizons endeavors to minimize negative effects on the natural and social environment whilst maintaining economic viability of the company. We safeguard our land’s rich biodiversity, champion visitor fulfillment and promote community well-being for the benefit of our grandchildren.”

Lodge Eco Initiatives

Organic Gardens
Our organic vegetable garden provides fresh seasonal ingredients and herbs free from pesticides and with zero food miles.
Worm Farm
Any organic waste from the kitchen is recycled by the worm farm to provide chemical free compost for the vegetable garden and tree nursery.
Solar Heating
All geysers at The Elephant Camp West are solar powered, and we have begun the process of installing solar geysers throughout The Elephant Camp Main, where the kitchen and laundry already operate on solar power. All 24 geysers at Old Drift Lodge are solar powered and our investment in renewable energy supplies has drastically reduced our carbon footprint and emission of harmful greenhouse gases.
Grey Water Use
We are committed to ensuring that any negative impact from our operations is minimised and all positive impact is maximised. In line with our minimal waste philosophy, we use grey water for irrigation in all of our lodges, notably on our indigenous tree nursery. The sewage systems in our camps are “Bio Plants”, designed by Water Africa. The “Bio Plant” uses bacteria and ozone gas extracted from the environment to treat the sewage and produce grey water, which is pumped onto natural vegetation for dispersal. By using greywater for our tree nursery, we reduce the camps need for fresh water, which benefits the broader community by reducing the demands on public water supplies. It further saves expenses on water bills, and this revenue can be channelled into other environmental initiatives, such as the instalment of solar geysers.
Biological Monitoring And Soil Erosion Control
Our operations unfold in spectacular natural environments, and we believe that we must ensure that our presence enhances the conservation status in these areas. To help us to fulfil this responsibility successfully, Wild Horizons employs the services of a qualified Environmental Officer whose sole purpose is to monitor the biology of the Wild Horizon’s Wildlife Sanctuary. Quarterly biological surveys are conducted to monitor the impact of both the habituated elephant herd and the naturally occurring wildlife on the property. Alien vegetation species are eradicated, and soil erosion is carefully managed, both within the reserve and in neighbouring communal areas.
Indigenous Tree Nursery
To rehabilitate areas previously depleted by uncontrolled wood harvesting, The Elephant Camp created an indigenous tree nursery. Only local tree species are planted from seed and transplanted once established. Sticks coated in chili oil deter wildlife from damaging saplings. According to our Environmental Officer, this method has improved tree survival and enhanced vegetation. Recently, 155 trees were planted around the Wallow, the Sanctuary, the Wildlife Trust, and the Masuwe River wetlands, including species like Faidherbia albida, Kigelia africana, and Acacia tortilis.
Waste-Free Wild Horizons
Plastic pollution is a global issue harming ecosystems and wildlife. Wild Horizons aims to lead by example in sustainable tourism by eliminating single-use plastics. We banned plastic straws in all camps, river cruises, and The Lookout Café, and eliminated plastic water bottles in all lodges. Guests receive reusable water bottles, refillable at our camps' water purification stations, significantly reducing plastic waste. We've also established recycling stations in all offices, promoting a culture of sustainability through reduced, reused, and recycled materials in all aspects of our operations.
Our People
We believe that our employees are our most valuable assets and we strive to ensure that they feel fulfilled, rewarded and valued as ambassadors of Wild Horizons. Our operations have created employment opportunities within the region, and 80.04% of our staff is from the immediate vicinity.
Our Lodges
Our lodges are designed to enhance conservation and minimize environmental impact. The Elephant Camp's recent refurbishment replaced 1600 square meters of decking with eco-friendly material made of 60% bamboo and 40% recycled plastic, recycling 400,000 plastic bottles. Bamboo, the fastest-growing grass, is highly sustainable. Similarly, Old Drift Lodge's construction used 3000 square meters of composite decking, recycling 750,000 plastic bottles. Our commitment ensures our presence in the wilderness supports and enriches the environment.
Bio Plants
The sewage systems in our camps are “Bio Plants”. The “Bio Plant” uses bacteria and ozone gas extracted from the environment to treat the sewage and produce grey water, which is pumped onto natural vegetation for dispersal.
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Corporate Social Responsibility

Download our Corporate Social Responsibility document here.

Sustainability Policy Declaration

Download our Sustainability Policy Declaration document here.

Name

Reservations Manager: Transfers, Touring & Activities.

Name

Reservations Manager: Transfers, Touring & Activities.

Lister Team Member

Lister

Reservations Manager: Transfers, Touring & Activities.

Stan - team member

Stan

Guide

Clive - Team Member

Clive

Chief Operating Officer
tawanda - team member

Tawanda

Barista and Barman at Old Drift Lodge
Craig - team member

Craig

Chief Operating Officer
Shane - Team Member

Shane

Chief Marketing Officer
Ben - team member

Ben

Operations Manager
Barbara - team member

Barbara

Business Development and Corporate Affairs
Wirimai - team member

Wirimai

Chief Financial Officer
Gary - team member

Gary

Chief Executive Officer
Gary - team member

Gary

Chief Executive Officer

Name

Reservations Manager: Transfers, Touring & Activities.

Name

Reservations Manager: Transfers, Touring & Activities.

Lister Team Member

Lister

Reservations Manager: Transfers, Touring & Activities.

Honeymoon Special

Bride pays a reduced rate (50% of nightly per person rate).

Stay includes a romantic turn down & private dinner with sparkling wine

Sabelo

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Manager, Old Drift Lodge