SUSTAINABILITY
AT XARO LODGE
We are proud to support eco-conscious tourism. Read more about our initiatives below.
![Solar at Xaro Lodge © James Gifford Solar at Xaro Lodge © James Gifford](https://xaro-lodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Xaro-Solar-scaled.jpg)
SOLAR
Run entirely on solar energy, we make the most of the bright Botswana sunshine
![Xaro Lodge Lagoon © Lesanne Dunlop Xaro Lodge Lagoon © Lesanne Dunlop](https://xaro-lodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Welcome-to-Xaro-Lodge.jpg)
SUSTAINABLE
Fresh river water is filtered and used for showers, washing, and cooking
![Standard Luxury Meru Tent © Lesanne Dunlop Standard Luxury Meru Tent © Lesanne Dunlop](https://xaro-lodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/accommodation-e1622537736205.jpeg)
PRESERVATION
All of our structures can be removed leaving no trace behind on the land
![Xhoga School © Romy Berchtenbreiter Xhoga School © Romy Berchtenbreiter](https://xaro-lodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Xhoga-school-scaled-e1634906970396.jpg)
LOCAL
We are passionate about supporting and uplifting our local community
![African Darter © James Gifford African Darter © James Gifford](https://xaro-lodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Xaro-2019-Feb-Boats-19-scaled-e1644576525532.jpg)
ENVIRONMENT
Protecting the ecosystem at Xaro for all indigenous plants and wildlife
![](https://xaro-lodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Bird-image-new.png)
BOTSWANA MADE CURIOS
As part of our initiative to support our local community, Xaro Lodge sources all of our curios from local artists across Botswana.
With an emphasis on handmade products using sustainable materials, we aim to promote eco-friendly and beautiful items that will last as long as your memories from your time with us.
![Specialist Books ©Millie Vincent Specialist Books ©Millie Vincent](https://xaro-lodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_8873-scaled.jpg)
You can buy a variety of specialist books from our curio shop, including the Okavango Companion, which has beautiful photos and descriptions to help you identify the most common birds, mammals, and plants of the Delta.
![Handmade Wire Figures ©Millie Vincent Handmade Wire Figures ©Millie Vincent](https://xaro-lodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/IMG_8864-scaled.jpg)
We stock beautiful wire figures that are handmade in Maun. Each one is unique in both colour and form, ensuring an extra special token from your time here.
![Handmade Crafts by Staff ©Johanna Heitmann Handmade Crafts by Staff ©Johanna Heitmann](https://xaro-lodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/WhatsApp-Image-2022-02-11-at-14.54.40-e1644584415118.jpeg)
At Xaro Lodge, we are fortunate to have wonderful and talented staff and their families who make traditional baskets and jewellery. All sales of these items go directly to the individuals who make them, enabling an extra source of income for the surrounding communities.
![](https://xaro-lodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Bird-image-new.png)
CURRENT INITIATIVES
- Recycling bins are available to guests and waste is recycled
- Efforts to reduce food wastage
- Water cooler/dispenser and glasses available
- Single-use plastic stirrers not used
- Single-use plastic straws, not used
- Single-use plastic cups, not used
- Single-use plastic cutlery/plates not used
- Water-efficient toilets
- Water-efficient showers
- Option to opt-out of daily room cleaning
- Option to reuse towels
- Tours and activities organized by local guides and businesses offered
- Local artists are offered a platform to display their talents
- Provides guests with information regarding local ecosystems, heritage, and culture, as well as visitor etiquette
- We fully sponsor the Xhoga pre-primary school, with a percentage of all bookings funding teachers salaries and projects
- Wild (non-domesticated) animals are not displayed/interacted with while captive on the property or harvested, consumed, or sold
- Surrounded by green spaces that we nurture and protect
- Most food provided is organic and grown locally