If you're looking to leave more than footprints in the sand and make a difference by seeking a balance between the natural world and the needs of its human inhabitants, then Conservation travel is for you.
Sustainability, eco-consciousness, conservation - however you want to put it - the future of our planet is something we all need to be aware of. Whether you are looking to be a part of a conservation project or are simply looking for a sustainable off-the-grid lodge, we know that 'green' travel is the way of the future.
&Beyond was launched with the creation of Phinda Private Game Reserve in 1991, on a model that is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and successful blueprints for international ecotourism. Over the years, &Beyond Phinda has successfully showcased their Impact Model of Care of the Land, Wildlife and People, through their offering of extraordinary guest experiences.
With &Beyond you are invited to gain insight into the activities of the conservation team based at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, and actively partake in some of the research projects. Wake early and depart from the lodge with a reserve wildlife research technician. You will be introduced to the various monitoring programs that are being carried out and will have the opportunity to assist in the tracking of the various species being monitored.
Explore the magnificent mountain landscapes and wild beauty of Asturias, northern Spain. Meet the team behind the world-leading conservation organisation, Fundación Oso Pardo, and witness the results of 25 years of invaluable conservation work as you explore some of Europe’s last remaining wilderness.
As well as European brown bears, the Cantabrian Mountains are home to the Iberian wolf, Cantabrian chamois and an extensive and beautiful variety of plant life.
The hiking and wildlife watching elements of the trip are perfectly balanced by spectacular accommodation, leisurely brunches, local artisan markets and exploring the coastline. Disconnect from the stress of daily life and savour being out in the wild.
If you are looking for ideas on how to get into immersive conservation travel, we can help. We keep an avid eye on the best hotels, islands, villas and lodges where you can really get stuck in and
relax - completely guilt-free.
For example, Pacuare Lodge’s first and foremost priority is the preservation of the environment, land and culture in this protected region. They encourage all guests to join our daily Sustainable Tour and experience a behind- the –scene tour of our facilities…
Or Vamizi Island is an eco-resort off the north coast of Mozambique. With 180 species of coral and 400 species of reef fish, the island lies at the heart of one of the world’s healthiest coral reefs.
In 2018, Petit St Vincent started a coral restoration and reef monitoring project on the Atlantic side of the island. Since this time, with help from the Philip Stephenson Foundation and CLEAR Caribbean, they have conducted a number of water quality tests as well as surveys to determine the most suitable location for the first coral nursery.
They have constructed and installed their first project site, consisting of six tables anchored at a depth of 10 feet in a sandy bottom near former coral outcrops about 150 feet from the shore.
The tables have been populated with fragments of Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) collected from around the island.
Great Plains Conservation combines conservation and communities to make a lasting effect to the world’s wildlife and wilderness areas. They have been working with Rhinos Without Borders to relocate rhinos from South Africa to Botswana, plus their Selinda Explorers camp was built to have as little impact on the environment as possible.
Selinda Explorers are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travellers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few pounds or kilos of space in your suitcase and take supplies for the Conservation Education Program and the Women’s Craft Groups operating in Gudigwa and Seronga, you will make a priceless impact on the lives of local children and families.
Travel to the forested mountain of Uganda or Rwanda, which is home to the world's last remaining mountain gorilla.
These gentle giants are highly endangered, but luckily, they are protected within national parks and some of the families have been habituated to humans, making it possible to encounter these magnificent mammals on a guided trek.
Central East Africa is also home to other fascinating primates, such as chimpanzees and a large variety of monkeys. You can see chimps whilst trekking in Rwanda’s beautiful Nyungwe Forest or while on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
An immersive journey through the untamed wilderness of Romania. The pine forests, glacial rivers and flower printed meadows of the Carpathian Mountains feature a wide range of wildlife including bison, wolves, beavers and lynx.
Take to the sky in a helicopter and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the most expansive virgin forests in Europe. Get up close to Romania’s magnificent wildlife by taking a private tour of the conservation area on horseback. Spend the night in a spectacular wildlife hide, tucked away in the middle of the forest.
We grant unparalleled access to the Foundation Conservation Carpathia team and their fascinating insight into the work to restore and protect this remarkable wilderness.
Find out more about our Conservation experiences here or by calling us on +44 (0) 1993 824198.
A unique private or scheduled tour, visiting two world-renowned conservation centres which are successfully helping to preserve injured and endangered birds and animals.
Depart from your hotel and drive to the Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre near Hoedspruit, which has appeared on Animal Planet on several occasions. Let their experts take you around the centre where some of the animals and birds might be handled - depending on their condition. Learn about the rehabilitation techniques and treatment of injured, poisoned and abandoned animals & birds of prey.
Depart Moholoholo and transfer to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. On arrival, a lunch stop will be made before the educational tour of the breeding and research station during which you can view, from close up, rare, endangered species such as the African Wild Dog and Cheetahs.
Please contact us for more information on these Experiences: