🌿 The Vision Behind Thobolo’s Bush Lodge 🌿
🌿 Thobolo’s Bush Lodge is the vision of Mike Gunn, legendary creator of Gunn’s Camp in the Okavango Delta and a pioneer of ecotourism and environmental initiatives across Botswana.
In 2013, Mike identified a unique opportunity to bring life back into the African bush by reviving Barangwe Pan, turning it into a thriving oasis for wildlife. But he didn’t stop there! His vision included creating a one-of-a-kind eco-lodge, allowing visitors to experience this untouched part of the bush for the very first time.
With meticulous planning and a deep respect for nature, Barangwe Pan flourished once again, and Thobolo’s Bush Lodge was born proving that sustainable tourism and conservation can go hand in hand. 🐾
🏆 Thobolo’s Bush Lodge is the first of its kind in Botswana, built using Light Gauge Steel (LGS) construction, one of the greenest building methods recognized worldwide. Thanks to this eco-conscious design, we’ve proudly achieved Eco Tourism Level Status – the highest eco-level certification in Botswana!
☀️ 100% Solar-Powered – Our lodge runs entirely on solar energy, using an advanced Sun Tracker system that moves with the sun for maximum efficiency. A standby generator is only used when needed during continuous overcast days.
🌳 Zero Indigenous Timber Used – We’re committed to protecting Botswana’s forests, ensuring that no indigenous trees were cut down during construction.
At Thobolo’s, luxury and sustainability go hand in hand, offering a truly eco-friendly safari experience! 🌿
💦 The small pans water is supplied by two solar-operated boreholes, ensuring a steady water supply. The daily overflow flows into Barangwe Pan, keeping it reasonably full year-round. ☀️
Since its revival, Barangwe Pan has flourished and now teems with wildlife! 🐘 Large herds of elephants, buffalo, eland, kudu, sable, roan, impala, and warthogs roam freely, while predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs are frequent visitors. 🐾
Guests at Thobolo’s Bush Lodge have the unique opportunity to witness this spectacular wildlife show from the comfort of our public areas, guest chalets, and campsite! ✨
🌿 Thobolo’s Bush Lodge – A Pioneer in Eco-Friendly Stays! Built using one of the greenest construction methods in the world, it’s the first of its kind in Botswana! ♻️
ABOUT MIKE GUNN
🌿 Meet the Visionary Behind Thobolo’s Bush Lodge! Mike Gunn, the mastermind behind our eco-paradise, has spent 35+ years dedicating his life to pioneering ecotourism and environmental initiatives in Botswana! His passion for the wild is what makes Thobolo’s truly special.🦁
📸 Mike’s first venture into ecotourism was with the development of luxury Tsaro Photographic Lodge , on the northern boundary of Moremi Game Reserve, along the scenic Kwaai River.
This was followed by the development of Gunn’s Camp and Gunn’s Bush Camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta—Mike’s vision to provide a more affordable accommodation option for eco-loving tourists wishing to experience the majesty of the Delta.
During his time in the Delta, Mike also established the now popular safaris by boat, offering an unforgettable way to explore the breathtaking waterways of the Okavango Delta. 🐘
🐾 Mike also pioneered the introduction of fibreglass mokoro boats to the Delta, for which he received a Botswana Tourism Industry Award. He was also a founding member of the Hotel and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB), where he served as an active committee member for seven years.
Today, Mike remains an active part of life at Thobolo’s Bush Lodge, sharing his wealth of knowledge on wildlife and the environment with guests on personally guided game drives through Chobe and beyond. 🌿