Since the turn of the millennium, African Parks has taken on the rehabilitation and long-term management of 15 national parks and protected areas throughout the African continent, with a presence in nine countries (Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda and Zambia). We have followed the fantastic work done by this African NGO for some time now, reporting on the growth of Zakouma National Park’s elephant herd and the successful return of black rhinos to the same Chadian park, which took place just over a month ago.

Today, we are proud to announce that we are joining with African Parks as part of their Conservation Travel Initiative, which will focus on sharing with travellers directly the work of African Parks through one-off expeditions and limited offerings. Natural World Safaris – along with travel outfitters Rob Janisch, Brad Hansen and Michael Lorentz – share in the African Parks ethos, as well as our commitment to advancing conservation work while at the same time engaging travellers in the African Parks public-private-partnership model.

Beginning in mid-2018, NWS will strive to offer special expeditions to key emerging destinations in African Parks’ conservation portfolio, including the aforementioned Zakouma National Park in Chad, where African Parks have practically eliminated poaching thanks to engagement with local communities and a raft of improved security measures. Further south, Akagera National Park has been enshrined as central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda

No country in Africa is home to more western lowland gorillas than the Republic of Congo, and it is here where the tropical rainforest of Odzala-Kokoua National Park provides vital habitat for this critically endangered great ape. In Zambia, the community-owned Bangweulu Wetlands are home to the world’s only surviving population of black lechwe antelope, while Liuwa Plain National Park lays claim to one of the oldest conservation histories in all of Africa, where people still coexist with the region’s wildlife.

Regardless of the destination, the unique expeditions we aim to provide will be designed to highlight the contemporary conservation work of African Parks, attracting individuals with a strong interest in funding conservation of African wildlife and communities.

This partnership endeavours to serve as an example of how the joint efforts of the conservation and tourism industries can protect and conserve African wildlife and wilderness in perpetuity. NWS will support African Parks’ goal of reaching its ‘20 Parks (under management) by the year 2020’. By participating in these private expeditions and visiting the select properties, travellers will be able to join a community of global conservation contributors.

Will Bolsover, our founder and managing director, said: “African Parks is leading conservation efforts in Africa and we are honoured to partner with them and champion their vital work. We hope our partnership will highlight the work of African Parks and that Natural World Safaris’ support will further the rehabilitation of protected areas. Philanthropic ecotourism proffers transformational, educational experiences and also safeguards the prosperity of natural wildlife. We share in the understanding that conservation is an integral component of sustainable tourism and vital to securing the future of African wildlife and communities.”

Image Credits

Banner image: Lorna Labuschagne

Elephant and African Parks staff member in Zakouma National Park: Kyle de Nobrega

Lioness in Akagera National Park: Vyaskh Nambiar

Western lowland gorilla in Odzala-Kokoua National Park: Marcus Westberg

Wildebeest in Liuwa Plain National Park: Mana Meadows

Community engagement in the Bangweulu Wetlands: Mana Meadows