Desert & Delta Safaris have hosted travel industry partners to thank the Australian trade for driving demand to sought-after wilderness areas in Botswana.
Stephen Frenkel, Sales and Marketing Manager, told the gathering in Sydney that this in turn helped them offer guests a world-class safari experience.
“This growth is thanks to our trade partners,” said Mr Frenkel. “Australian agents and wholesalers have done an incredible job of putting Botswana in front of their clients, and tonight is our chance to say thank you.
“We visit every year because these relationships matter to us and we’re excited about what we can achieve together over the next few years.”
Stephen Frenkel (left) with Rob Gurr from Ynot Concepts (centre) and the Eclipse Travel team
Desert & Delta Safaris is front of mind for the trade, thanks to the standard of its camps, the ease of its safari circuit and a run of new openings and rebuilds.
Xugana Island Lodge reopened last year following a complete rebuild, adding a new overwater fire-deck on the Okavango Delta’s Xugana Lagoon.
In March 2026, the brand opened Sediba Sa Rona (main image) in the Khwai Concession, reviving the historic Khwai River Lodge through a partnership with a Botswana citizen-owned organisation. Next to open is Chobe Savanna Lodge in October.
Looking ahead, the company will open Mapula Lodge on March 1, 2027. Set on a private island along the Selinda Spillway in the northern Okavango Delta, the lodge will offer 12 safari suites and year-round land and water activities in a lightly visited private concession.
“These openings give agents fresh product to entice their guests with and even more reasons for clients to spend longer in Botswana.”
Mr Frenkel said Australian clients typically book three to four Desert & Delta lodges in a single trip, using the company’s Botswana circuit, which links the Chobe riverfront, Savute, Moremi Game Reserve, the Khwai Concession, Makgadikgadi Pans and the waters of the Okavango Delta.
“For agents, our Desert & Delta circuit takes the complexity out of selling Botswana,” said Mr Frenkel.
“Clients get the full diversity of safari activities that Botswana offers, from mokoro and motorboat safaris to classic game drives and walking safaris, and agents get a single booking with consistent service and values at every lodge.”
Desert & Delta is the only safari company listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange, therefore ensuring that tourism revenue stays within the country.
“Australian travellers increasingly want to know where their money goes,” he added. “With us, it stays in Botswana, supporting local jobs, conservation and communities. That’s a powerful message for agents to share.”
About Desert & Delta Safaris
Established in 1982 as one of the first safari lodge operators, Desert & Delta Safaris’ portfolio brings together some of Botswana’s most historic lodges.
Desert & Delta’s portfolio includes:
Chobe Game Lodge, Chobe Savanna Lodge, Savute Safari Lodge, Camp Moremi, Camp Xakanaxa, Camp Okavango, Xugana Island Lodge, Leroo La Tau, Nxamaseri Island Lodge and Sediba Sa Rona, with Mapula opening in March 2027.
