BackTravel in style and make a difference as you go...
Dreaming of Africa? Well we’re all about making dreams a reality at Wayfairer, so if you’re ready to sleep under the stars, hang out with wild mountain gorillas, swim with whale sharks and wake up to the call of a lion on your doorstep then we’ve got you covered. What’s more, with the help of our experienced Luxury Travel Specialists you can build the safari of a lifetime that has a positive impact on important wilderness areas, conservation projects and local communities.
What makes a safari a positive impact?
Safaris that are "positive impact" go above and beyond when considering the ethical factors of your trip, ensuring that your travel benefits both people and the planet. Your safari will support conservation efforts, protect the wellbeing of wildlife, and contribute to the protection of natural habitats. On top of this, you should expect to say in eco-conscious safari lodges and camps, embark on tours guided by local people, and partake in experiences which help to share culture in a respectful way.
How to choose the right ethical African safari
When deciding on the perfect trip for you, there are many things to consider, and the same applies to your ethical African safari. Let's take a look at some of the most important factors you should consider before booking:
Think about your travel style.
While the impact of your luxury safari tour may come second to none in your travel research, you also want to ensure your journey is unforgettable and fit to your desires. Think about what type of adventure best fits your ability and personality, along with those of your fellow travellers. Perhaps you'd prefer a laid-back journey, steering clear of walking tours, hikes, and thrilling excursions, or maybe an action-packed adventure safari is more your cup of tea.
Book tailor-made.
Whatever your travel style may be, tailor-made luxury travel provides you with the chance to alter every detail of your trip, with the help of a travel specialist who knows the safari best. Whether it be the type of hotel you stay in, how challenging hikes and treks are, whether your safari is privately guided, or what type of transport you'd prefer, your ethical safari is in your hands with tailor-made travel!
Research the best destinations.
With the amount of options offered within the beautiful continent of Africa, you may not know where to begin with booking your ethical safari. We offer safaris in over 15 countries across the continent, from Tanzania's iconic Serengeti National Park to Namibia's stark salt pans. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even choose to mix multiple destinations into one incredible trip, speaking to one of our travel specialists to figure out the best route for you.
To get the ball rolling we’ve pulled together five of our favourite, positive-impact, luxury African safaris. Here they are…
5 Best Positive-Impact Luxury Safaris in Africa
1. Western Tanzania Safari
Discover the wild west of Tanzania, featuring some of the most remote camps in Africa and unique chimp trekking experiences in the Mahale Mountains. This suggested itinerary is perfect for safari aficionados and adventurous explorers looking to see some of Africa’s most remote and pristine destinations. From exhilarating game drives, to seeing wild chimpanzees playing in their natural habitat - western Tanzania is a place you’ll never forget.
Greystoke Mahale Lodges in Tanzania
Positive Impact
This itinerary uses Nomad Tanzania's beautiful properties in Katavi and Mahale, and funds raised during your stay with them go directly to supporting some of the incredible work they are doing through the Nomad Tanzania Trust, like The Nature Conservancy and Katumbi Clinic & School.
2. Luxury Zimbabwe Safari
Journey to one of Africa’s best kept safari secrets in style, sleeping in some of its best immersive safari lodges and embarking on adventure tours throughout the day. This luxury Zimbabwe itinerary allows you the chance to travel through some of Zimbabwe’s most exclusive, diverse, and incredible safari locations including Hwange, Lake Kariba/Matusadona NP, Mana Pools and Victoria Falls.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe
Positive Impact
Zimbabwe's wildlife and wilderness areas are only now starting to bounce back after nearly two decades of struggling with heavy deforestation and poaching. Tourism plays a huge role in this comeback and though many parks still struggle with a lack of funding, your visit is starting to change that.
3. Tribes & Treehouses
This brilliant itinerary is unique; you will experience some amazing cultural aspects - learning about five independent tribes, as well as visiting some breath-taking wildlife destinations, topped off with some unique treehouse accommodations, all accumulating in a holiday you will never forget. This incredible trip combines tours of three different countries: Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda!
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary at Namunyak Conservancy (Image x Richard Butler for Saruni)
Positive Impact
Mgahinga National Park is one of Uganda’s smallest National Parks and part of the Virunga Conservation Area that is home to the largest population of critically endangered wild mountain gorillas in the wild. Your visit to see them in their natural habitat is not just an amazing experience for you; your visit go directly to protecting this incredible areas that they call home. We also love the Namunyak Conservancy finale on this itinerary, who have built an incredible people-first conservancy model that is 100% about sustainably integrating local communities with wildlife and tourism ventures.
Wayfairer Tip: before you leave Kigali, bound for Uganda, why not add on a few nights recovering from your international flight at Akagera National Park, now owned by African Parks and one of Rwanda’s most exciting conservation success stories.
Magashi Camp in Rwanda
4. Safari & The Seychelles
Fly away for two weeks to a bush and blue safari in some of East Africa and the Indian Ocean's best kept secret wilderness areas. If you love incredible wildlife, of both the land and the sea, then this is an adventure you won’t be able to say no to. Including four days in Kenya, exploring the iconic Masai Mara and more, and eight on a glorious private island fringed by heavenly beaches, this itinerary epitomises the best of both worlds.
Positive Impact
As well exploring one of Kenya’s most famous National Parks, that was built entirely from tourism and continues to thrive because of it, this itinerary takes you to the Seychelles Outer Islands. This is an incredible marine conservation area, a UNESCO world heritage site and the small collection of islands here are all active participants in the Island Conservation Centre, which your stay contributes to.
5. Luxury Botswana & Victoria Falls Safari
A 9-day retreat into Botswana featuring exceptional safari camps, incredible wildlife encounters, and a journey to Zimbabwe's side of the mighty Victoria Falls. With an abundance of diverse wildlife and some of Africa’s top luxury lodges, Botswana is renowned for its supreme safari experiences, and this Luxury Botswana Safari takes it all in. Traverse the legendary grounds of the Okavango Delta and the lesser-known gems of the Khwai Private Reserve.
Positive Impact
Almost a fifth of Botswana’s landmass is dedicated wildlife reserves, an incredible feat, and wildlife thrives here. As always, preservation of these wilderness areas is entirely dependant on tourism-generated income and that’s where you step in.
Discover the best African luxury safaris that make a difference...
As more incredible destinations open up across the globe and more remote areas become accessible to visitors, eco-tourism is at the forefront of our minds. Be sure to ask your Luxury Travel Specialist about the positive impact of your trip – we love nothing more than sharing the details of all the good you do when you choose to travel responsibly and support sustainable tourism enterprises.
Enquire Now through our no-obligation form to begin your journey, or explore our destinations to learn more about where you can go.
