Conservation safaris

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Conservation safaris

specifically explore

the frontiers of wilderness

taking the safari experience to another level

The world of wilderness conservation is divided into two very separate sectors.

On the one hand, we have the world of responsible tourism, where we mainly operate.

This is the primary commercial driving force behind conservation, creating the revenues to protect vast areas of wild land, whilst delivering amazing experiences to a flow of sympathetic guests.

In the other camp, we have what we might think of as the pure conservationists, the researchers and the activists.

Despite the inherent common cause, rarely do these two worlds collide.

The researchers are a particularly tight group, who keep themselves to themselves Nevertheless, we have managed to forge relationships with a number of these projects, in order to enable our guests to experience what it is to work on the front lines.

These conservation safaris are not normal trips. They tend to visit marginal areas, where the wilderness is under threat and the wildlife viewing may be fundamentally more difficult. But they should enable you to meet some very interesting people and really gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the good works.

It can certainly take the whole safari experience to another level.

let us know a little about your specific interests

and we will help build an amazing safari

Frequently asked questions

In the extremely remote deserts of the Skeleton Coast in northwest Namibia, a wonderful researcher called Flip Sanders has been working with a unique and resilient population of lions for decades.

Flip has always been resistant to putting on a show for visitors, but in 2024 we managed to convince him that meeting up with a small group of selected guests from time to time might be a good idea and help alleviate his funding issues.

Sharing a campfire with Flip is enough of a treat on its own, but to head out into the desert to track his lions is a dream come true. Although nothing is ever guaranteed, there is a fair chance that you might witness one of the lions being sedated, either for health checks or for a radio-collar adjustment.

These trips are very rare and special. They are also rather expensive, largely they include a significant donation to the Desert Lion project. Every trip is specifically tailor-made to fit around Flip and the lions.

truly the ultimate desert lion experience

If you want to walk onto pumas in Patagonia, the prime location is the Torres del Paine area of southern Chile, where a well-established pioneering project has finally brought some respite for these much-persecuted big cats.

But if you want to take it to the next level, you need to head to the Los Canones area of southern Argentina, where a copycat project is in its infancy.

The difference here is that it’s still more-or-less a one man show. You will almost certainly go out walking with the lead researcher.

It is true that the area is much more difficult to get to and the chances of up-close sightings are much lower than at Torres del Paine, but at the same time, you will most likely be the only people out in these vast landscapes and any pumas you encounter will be far less familiar with humans.

Conveniently, there happens to be one very good little lodge in the area, so you don’t need to rough it. There’s also some epic rock art in the nearby canyons and caves.

It’s a great trip, but one which only appeals to people who specifically want to push the envelope, get out onto the front line and directly support a fantastic project.

the cool but inconvenient way to meet pumas

Botswana enjoys a reputation for superb safari and elevated levels of conservation across vast swathes of the country.

What is less appreciated is the vast amount of work that brought this situation to fruit and the ongoing labours that are needed to maintain the status quo.

When the current concession holders in the Khwai River area of the Okavango Delta took control of the land in 2018, the place was a mess. The bush was littered with traps and snares. The wildlife had been hammered and what animals remained were extremely skittish.

The restoration of Khwai is a 10-20 year project, which started with a removal of all the snares and other signs of human incursion.

The next step was to deploy teams of rangers, to guard against poachers and to spend time with the wildlife, in order that the animals might return to their usual relaxed state.

We are fortunate to be personal friends with the operators of Khwai and, in response to our specific request, they have allowed us to send our guests out with these tracker teams.

We have found the experience to be even more involving and enjoyable than a conventional safari. The crew are definitely not guest-trained, but they are sympathetic and friendly.

More importantly, they are extremely expert trackers, who are not afraid to get out on foot in pursuit of just about any animal, including lions.

The nice thing about this conservation safari is that you can include as few or as many outings as you like. Even a single morning will enrich a more conventional safari to Botswana.

If you are really keen, it may be possible for us to take a few dome tents over to the remote ranger camp and spend a night or two with the crew, which could take the experience to a whole other level. That could be a really good idea.