Unless we practice conservation, those who come after us will have to pay the price of misery, degradation, and failure for the progress and prosperity of our day. (Gifford Pinchot)
Question: How do you choose which safari to go on and which camp to stay at and which company to book through? Frankly, when looking through Africa travel magazines or websites most of them look the same…
As our global population reaches 7 billion and growing, the importance of wildlife conservation grows daily- if a pointed effort is not made, the wildlife you are coming to see and experience will be decimated in a matter of time. A suggestion – if you are going on safari in Africa, when you are looking at accommodation websites, look further than the photo gallery. See if there is a conservation or giving back link, and if so, take the time to read about what they are doing….is it just recycling water bottles OR have they employed people to manage the ecosystem and are anti-poaching efforts mentioned? This particular aspect will narrow down the amount of camps and lodges you are sifting through, and will ensure that the safari you are about to embark on will be sustainable, more eco-friendly and you will actually be a part of a conservation experience.
For example, Ker & Downey Tanzania works in conjunction with the Friedkin Conservation Fund - a conservation organization, which is implementing wildlife law enforcement and community development in all of the Ker & Downey camps/properties. Mwiba for instance, is fully dedicated to the long- term conservation of the area, with a law enforcement team of 40 men from the local village who have been trained and selected for their ability to protect the area.
Singita Grumeti Reserves is also a wonderful example of a company which has not only hit the very top of the travel market but which has also implemented effective wildlife security and community development through the Grumeti Fund.
Below is a list of safari companies/camps, which are dedicated to the sustainability of the wildlife in the area. Almost all of the camps listed below are run and supported privately. These types of projects and places will be the future of conservation in Africa- private investment from conservation to community development is the way forward!
Tanzania
Ker & Downey Tanzania: Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, Tandala, Malagarasi (http://www.legendaryadventure.com/LAI-photo/index.htm)
Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, Faru Faru Lodge, Explore Camp: Singita Grumeti Reserves (www.singita.com)
Kenya
Lewa Downs Safari Camp: Lewa Downs Conservancy (www.lewa.org)
Mara Conservancy (www.maratriangle.org)
Zambia
Robin Pope Safaris/African Parks Network: Liuwa Plain National Park (www.robinpopesafaris.net)
Malawi
Robin Pope Safaris/African Parks Network: Mkulumadzi Lodge (www.robinpopesafaris.net)
Zimbabwe
Singita Pamushana Lodge: Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve (www.singita.com)
South Africa
Tswalu: Tswalu Kalahari (www.tswalu.com)
The ultimate test of man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard. (Gaylord Nelson)
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
Nothing is going to get better. It's not (Dr. Suess)
