Ngangane Game Reserve employs over 200 locals
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Tuesday February 13, 2024 06:00
In an interview with BusinessMonitor, the game reserve manager, Henry Kangootui, said the business employs over 200 locals, of which 75 are permanent while the rest are casual workers and come in seasonally. He added that the Ngangane hotel employs two foreigners and eight locals. Located 45 minutes away or approximately 40km from Francistown on the Old Matsiloje road, the business started operating in 2019. At Ngangane Game Reserve, the private family owned business, unlike the national parks where mobility is limited, one gets to go on safari without restrictions through specialised guide by 4x4, e-bike or even on foot. When the visitors come to the game reserve, they have the chance to see a variety of wild animals such as giraffes, leopards, zebras, bushbucks, antelopes, wild pigs, wildebeest, and several bird species.
According to Kangootui, of the 17, 000 hectare which make the game reserve, four hectares have been set aside for agriculture, while the remaining portion is used for game drives, e-bike excursions and hunting. North West Farms, Shaun Buffee Safaris, and Ngangane Lodge are located on the game reserve. The manager explained that North West Farm provides mixed farming, as they plough vegetables like melons and rearing of cattle. Kangootui said in addition to the administration unit, a workshop that deals with mechanics, and anti-poaching unit (APU), they also have hunting safari, which is run by Shaun Buffee.
Asked how they were performing after COVID-19, the manager said the business is booming because visitor numbers are gradually increasing. He, however, noted that amongst the difficulties they encounter are the unpredictability of future wars and cholera outbreaks. "The war and cholera outbreak have caused significant challenges for the tourism industry in Botswana," Kangootui said. "With fuel prices rising, many tourists may be unable or unwilling to travel to the country." In addition, the cholera outbreak has caused concern amongst potential visitors, who may be worried about their health and safety. These challenges have the potential to impact local businesses and communities that depend on tourism for their livelihoods, he elaborated. He also said there is a need for innovative solutions to these challenges in order to support the continued growth of the Botswana’s tourism sector. The manager said their business is different because unlike their competitors, they offer hunting and game drives. He said their future business ambitions include opening other branches in other parts of the country.