PASSIONS
SAFARI
36
FORTUNE.COM // MAY.1.19
MOMBO. IT ’S A NAME SYNONYMOUS with watching the world’s
most majestic wildlife. The remote camp in Botswana’s
Okavango Delta set the benchmark in luxury lodging when Wilderness
Safaris, the industry’s pioneering ecotourism outfitter, took the reins in
- By boldly deviating from the once-rustic standards in the delta, the
company transformed the camp into an upscale destination with five-star
comforts—all while maintaining an uncompromising focus on low-
footprint design and operations.
Nineteen years and a fourth
renovation later, all the premium
trappings are still dutifully con-
sidered. Mombo’s latest iteration
has private, shaded verandas with
individual plunge pools and plush
daybeds overlooking the flood-
plains, indoor and outdoor showers,
generously stocked bar carts, and
even an on-site wellness center—all
of which is 100% solar powered.
With rates starting at $1,990 a
night per person, such comforts are
certainly expected. But high thread
counts and copper bathtubs are
only part of the Wilderness appeal.
“Our competition is any tourism
destination on the planet, not just
Africa,” says CEO Keith Vincent,
who joined the company in 1993.
“While the camp is spectacular,
AN ADVENTURE
WITH PURPOSE
Ecotourism is increasingly trendy, but this African safari operator
has been walking the walk for 35 years. By Lindsey Tramuta
DAVID CROOKES
