Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)

Imagine experiencing a trip to Africa that is built around exclusivity, pure wilderness, and complete luxury. Manyara Ranch Conservancy has the exact formula for the ultimate African safari vacation you’ve been looking for.  With 35,000 acres of pristine wilderness and cultural enlightenment, it’s no wonder Manyara Ranch Conservancy has been referred to as the most exciting tourism project to come out of Tanzania.

Below is a 4-day sample itinerary of just a few things you can experience at Manyara Ranch Conservancy:

Day 1

After arriving at the Manyara Ranch Conservancy, enjoy an energizing lunch and experience an exceptional game drive where you’ll witness the Big Five as well as other mesmerizing animals such as the African wild dog, the zebra, and exotic bird species. After a day of excitement, relax with refreshing sundowners and a scrumptious bush dinner before a good night’s rest at the Manyara Ranch Tented Camp.

Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)

Day 2

Awake to the refreshing aromas of a bush breakfast and prepare yourself for an early morning game walk where you’ll venture though the bush to discover new and exciting creatures.

When you return from your adventurous walk, visit the local primary school and enjoy a Maasai cultural visit where you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn about the Maasai culture and lifestyle, directly from the locals. Because the neighboring Maasai communities own the Manyara Ranch, everyone who visits the Conservancy has a direct contribution to helping the Maasai sustain their ancient cultural heritage.

The day ends with a night game drive through the lively bush, followed by a traditional bush dinner.

Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)

Day 3

Delight in breakfast at the camp before you embark on a horseback safari through the sprawling plains of Tanzania and the local villages. With a plethora of wilderness beauty and wild game, the Manyara Conservancy is one of the best places in Tanzania to experience a horseback safari. These breathtaking safaris are led by professional equestrian guides and are offered in one-day tours and multiday safaris.

After your adventurous horseback safari, enjoy a private dinner beneath Tanzania’s velvety and star-sprinkled sky.

Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)

Day 4

After breakfast, embark on a drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive where you’ll witness some of the most fascinating wildlife Tanzania has to offer.

You’ll then be transported to the luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge where you will take pleasure in traditional Tanzanian cuisine before you retire to your lavish suite in the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.

Day 5

Embark on one of the most unique tours of your trip, a thrilling full-day crater tour. On this tour, you’ll be able to walk through the Ngorongoro Crater and discover thousands of residential wild game within this spectacular World Heritage Site. From sightings of lions, elephants, wildebeests, gazelles, rhinos, and zebras, this once-volcanic site is the perfect way to end your adventurous stay with the Conservancy.

After your tour, enjoy relaxing sundowners before your dinner at the lodge, where you will stay until it’s time for your next adventure!

Discover more of what Manyara Ranch Conservancy has to offer by visiting their website.

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Knowing what to expect on your first trip to Africa can sometimes be a challenge. No matter how well pictures and stories can paint a picture of Africa, it’s hard to understand its potent energy and sheer beauty until you touch soil for the first time.

Therefore, to help illustrate what to expect for your first time in Africa, we asked one of our clients, Gary Harwyn, who recently returned from his very first trip to Africa, what to expect when traveling to Africa for the first time.

It is our pleasure to share our interview with Gary:

1. What false perceptions did you have about Africa prior to visiting?

Before visiting Africa I thought that the people would be uncivilized and anti-west. But what I discovered was that it was quite the opposite.

The only area of concern for us was the Zimbabwe government, which we heard about, but didn’t really witness anything—except some police road checks.

I was also concerned about diseases and bugs, which were not bad at all, except in Mana Pools in the evening.

2. When did you realize that these perceptions were in fact false?

One of the largest indicators that these were false perceptions was probably the giant airport in Johannesburg—which was equipped with a shopping mall!

In terms of the people in Africa, the Victoria Falls Hotel and Little Makalolo Camp had extremely friendly staff who made me feel like family. They are truly the nicest people / staff on the entire planet and catered to any and all of our individual needs.

Also, having access to filtered water and amazing fresh food at the camps helped put to bed some if misconceptions I had about food / water ingestions. I trusted Wilderness Safaris’ camps 100% with everything, and never felt unsafe. We did, however, watch our food and water intake in Harare. But, I stuffed my face everywhere else!

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

3. Now that you’re back in the U.S., do you perceive Africa the same way you did prior to ever visiting?

No. Africa is a BEAUTIFUL continent with FRIENDLY people (who speak English) and, as a whole, Africa should not be perceived as a 3^rd world continent overall. They need some help and support and assistance without “re-colonizing” everyone to American culture, as their culture can be progressive yet traditional.

I’m empowered to spread the word about Zimbabwe and want to help Zimbabweans to achieve the political freedom they deserve. The local people are very different than the government policy.

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

4. What’s the one thing you want people who have never traveled to Africa to know about Africa?

That it offers some of the most beautiful land, scenery, food, and people the world has to offer and that it’s safe and friendly.

5. List the top three best parts of your trip to Africa. What made these experiences so special and unique to you?

1. Pamushana was just larger than life with its stunning layout and exceptional staff—it is a real jewel.
2. The staff at ALL the camps catered to our every need—we felt like royalty for our entire trip.
3. I was extremely impressed with the knowledgeable guides and their eagerness to educate us on all the wildlife.

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

6.  Is there another trip to Africa in the future for you? If so, would you travel to the same countries or different ones?

Yes. We are ready to visit any (and hopefully all) Wilderness Safari and Singita Camps. We simply cannot wait to return!

7. After returning, what’s the one thing you wish you knew before traveling to Africa?

Actually, there are a few things I wish I knew before traveling to Africa:

• That we were not simply going on an “elephant ride” or visiting a random independent safari lodge.
• That the facilities we visited in Africa support local communities  / kids, educate people, and are involved in a much larger and interconnected network. There is a much bigger picture that should be told about the impact and importance of these facilities. Choosing between an elephant ride or a bungee jump was simply that: on the surface. Digging deeper, you recognize the elephant ride is actually supporting an elephant orphanage, anti-poaching units, and education sponsors. There are more to the facilities than is advertised on the surface.
• I also wish we had purchased a small picture book / checklist about all the variety of animals so we knew some basic things about the animals, prior to the game drives.

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

Image taken by Gary Harwyn

8. How would this information have changed your preparation for your journey to Africa?

I knew our trip to Africa involved a lot of eco-friendly tours and accommodations, but I didn’t have all the details and didn’t know what all that meant. Also, knowing some more details about the animals prior to leaving for Africa could have allowed me to have more respect for the fragility and status with certain species / populations.

The beginnings of Eco Africa Social Ventures were born in 2003 as a social enterprise called Eco Africa. At this time, Eco Africa helped groups of unemployed and unskilled women form a crafting collective.

When a catastrophic economic crisis began to occur in Zimbabwe in 2007, Eco Africa expanded their support system by forming Eco Africa Social Ventures, a nonprofit organization.

Only recently known as the breadbasket of Africa, Zimbabwe is now one of the poorest nations relying on famine relief to feed it’s ever more desperate population.

For Zimbabwean women, life is particularly bleak. Many husbands and breadwinners have fled to neighboring countries to find work. Disease and contaminated water supply in these local townships have created horrible living situations for Zimbabweans—with the average female life expectancy at a shocking 34 years.

Eco Africa Social Ventures raises funds to support the women, and seeks out sustainable markets for their exceptional crafts. 100% of the income goes back to Zimbabwe to maintain the crafting initiatives, and pay for raw materials, weekly wages, daily lunches, food packages for the artisans’ families, daycare, and scholarships for the artists’ children.

One of the many benefits women receive from Eco Africa’s craft workshops is long lasting friendships and emotional support. As the women work together, train each other, and learn from each other, a nurturing and supportive relationship forms that helps the women to cope with the daily difficulties of life.

Eco Africa’s focus is to help the women of these crafting collectives remain healthy and well nourished, despite the often appalling economic conditions that surround them and that enable them to continue to earn income from the work they love. With the vision to create more and more jobs for women, and to play a significant role in helping to revitalize the amazing crafting culture of Zimbabwe, Eco Africa hopes to expand their programs in hopes of relieving poverty, disease, and economic crisis.

Some of the gorgeous handmade gift products created from the women in Eco Africa’s crafting workshops have been included in museum stores and fair trade stores across the USA, Europe and Australia. Some of the retailers in the USA have included The Smithsonian, Disney Stores, and Kate’s Paperie.

For more information on this astounding initiative, or to learn more about how you can help, visit Eco Africa’s websites and blogs:

Non profit website: http://www.ecoafricasocialventures.org

Order fulfillment / shopping cart: http://www.helpinghandsforafrica.com

A school fundraising idea to sell products: http://ecoafricafundraising.org

Blog: http://ecoafricasocialventures.blogspot.com/

Learn more about how you can make a difference.

Today, Zimbabwe is home to an abundance of cultural and wildlife diversity, as well as a wealth of natural resources. And inside this glorious wildlife haven lays two noble World Heritage Sites: the Mana Pools, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls.

Unfortunately, Zimbabwe’s natural wealth is slowly being destroyed as a result of its crippled financial structure and colonial governed past. Because of the poor economic climate, the local people of Zimbabwe are driven to utilize the natural resources of the land in unsustainable practices. This results in deforestation, endangered wildlife, and lack of water supply. As this vicious cycle continues, natural resources become much less abundant, and scarce.

In an effort to stop this brutal cyclical pattern from depleting the natural riches of Zimbabwe, The Tashinga Initiative was established.

The Tashinga Initiative—Tashinga translated to mean “we have been on a journey of endeavor, and despite the difficulties, we have won through”—is a highly proactive organization. It was established to help conserve the fragile eco-systems of the Zambezi River Valley and the wildlife that occupy them, as well as the area’s World Heritage Sites, and legendary communities.

With a 5-year intervention plan, the Tashinga Initiative is working hard to restore roads, build bridges, develop infrastructure, increase the use of solar power, train and equip rangers, encourage the development of eco-tourism companies, and produce documentaries. The final, big picture of the Initiative is to develop a solid, sustainable foundation for the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and help them to influence the locals with socio-economic responsible practices.

Lending support to the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe, The Tashinga Initiative’s vision for the future is to establish effective wildlife protection units, spread awareness and environmental training skills, and monitor the parks that run through the Zambezi River Valley.

The efforts put forth by The Tashinga Initiative and the Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe focus on three primary areas: conservation, management, and protection.

What makes The Tashinga Initiative different from other donations and philanthropic organizations?

The Tashinga Initiative has done extensive research on past donation practices (both by governments and by individuals) and has carefully analyzed the inefficient results of these efforts to understand the reasoning behind why past donations haven’t had the powerful impact needed in Zimbabwe. Past donations have been a way for the Tashinga Initiative to recognize what hasn’t worked, and establish a model based on remedies to past failures. They’ve taken their efforts one step further than providing donations and have built a model that Zimbabwe can follow in order to see a great return on energy and financial investment.

Below is a list of scenarios that illustrate what Zimbabwe will eventually become with The Tashinga Initiative, and what it could become without The Tashinga Initiative:

Zimbabwe WITHOUT wildlife protection units: Poachers will continue to kill rhinos and elephants for commercial sales, which will eventually lead to the extinction of these regale creatures. Poaching has increased more than 900% since 2001. Can you imagine how much more it will increase in the next five years if it’s not stopped?

Zimbabwe with wildlife protection units: Rhino and elephant population will steady increase with black rhino numbers rising from a mere 450 individuals to thousands. Former poachers will find more sustainable means of making a living, helping the local economy to grow and sustain itself.

Zimbabwe WITHOUT sustainability awareness and environmentally responsible skills: The locals will continue to turn to unsustainable living practices as there is no other alternative. Deforestation will rise, natural resources will be depleted, and human / animal conflict will increase, all resulting in economic turmoil and the extinction of wildlife.

Zimbabwe with sustainability awareness and environmentally responsible skills: The Tashinga Initiative spreads awareness and training to locals who live in rural environments, teaching them how to utilize the land in sustainable practices and how to conserve their use.  These programs educate locals on natural resource management and practices that are not only beneficial to the community but also to the environment in which they live.

The Tashinga Initiative warmly welcomes donations worldwide.

Below are three Botswana eco-tourism accommodation spotlights:

Delta Camp:

Set against a lush forest and glistening Delta, the Delta Camp strives to preserve local traditions, culture, and the natural surroundings of the quaint island it claims residency. Through sustainable design, earth-conscious recycling and cleaning practices, and local employment opportunities, the Delta Camp implements both environmentally and socially responsible tourism practices.

The camp is comprised of thatched chalets built from reeds and other sustainable materials that are elevated above the ground to give guests the ultimate view of the Delta, without endangering the local wildlife and fragile eco-systems.

In addition to sustainable building practices, the Delta Camp offers traditional wooden Mokoros safaris, led by qualified natives, for a highly authentic experience one of the camp’s most celebrated activities. Using traditional handmade Mokoros instead of fiberglass boats, Delta Camp’s local guides immerse their guests into the local traditions and lifestyles of Botswana, while opening their eyes to the many natural wonders of the Okavango Delta.

The Delta Camp also prides itself on fuel-free practices. Therefore, there are no game drives or generators, simply the peace and serenity of nature.

Grassland Lodge:

With something new to experience each and every day, guests at the Grassland Lodge can take part in an array of rewarding activities both adventurous and relaxing. From cultural activities with the local Bushmen to participation in the Predator Protection Project, and horse safaris to game viewing, Grassland Lodge is built from a socially and environmentally responsible vision.

For those interested in partaking in exciting cultural activities, they can experience a day in the life of the Bushmen. During this experience, the local Bushmen welcome guests with open arms and are delighted to teach their visitors about their survival, hunting, and cooking skills, and educate them on the medicinal purposes for indigenous plant species. This cultural experience promotes socially responsible practices as it enables the ancient Bushmen culture to remain alive and be shared with others.

Aside from socially responsible practices, Grassland Lodge also utilizes environmentally friendly practices to reduce the increasing human / wildlife conflicts. These conflicts arise when an animal leaves its residential reserve in search of food and water. When they come across villages, they often stay around as there is plenty of food and water. However, the food they eat is often the livestock and the crops owned by famers a mistake that often results in the farmer killing the animal.

In order to greatly reduce human / wildlife conflict and prevent further endangerment of animals, the Grassland Lodge created the Predator Protection Project. This project enables Grassland Lodge to work closely with the Department of Wildlife to provide a living environment for animals found in villages. This project enables the animals to be held in semi-captivity in order to prohibit species from becoming extinct, and increase their breeding rates. The animals are eventually reintroduced back into a natural safe haven, far from threats.

Guests of the Grassland Lodge are allowed to see the animals in their semi-captive state at no extra cost.

Sankuyo Bush Camp:

Situated along the border of the Moremi Game Reserve, Sankuyo Bush Camp’s prime location makes it the ideal setting for experiencing highly adventurous game drives and relaxing walks. Comprised of an eco-friendly, thatched lounge and dining area, and six luxury tents, Sankuyo invites its surrounding natural elements to influence the mood and ambiance of the entire camp.

In terms of the camp’s eco-tourism efforts, Sankuyo is one of Africa’s best. With en-suite, hot water showers powered by solar power, and 50% of daily profits going to the community, Sankuyo Bush Camp is redefining sustainability in not just Botswana, but in all of Africa.

In addition, Sankuyo runs the Botswana Predator Conservation Project, which works to research lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. For visitors interested in learning more about the research projects underway, they can arrange to speak to one of the researchers.

With the discerning traveler and the local Namibia communities in mind, Conservancy Safaris dissects each decision in great detail to ensure that the result benefits all parties involved, including travelers, locals’ lifestyles, local communities, and the environment and wildlife of Namibia.

The Conservancy Safaris team is comprised of a variety of individuals including the local Himba and Herero people, and experienced safari industry professionals. All of these individuals are driven by the hope and conviction that Namibia’s people and wildlife can be conserved through tourism.

How is Conservancy Safaris different from other safari outfitters?

• Conservancy Safaris is a community-owned safari outfitter—one of the few in Africa—and is run by both locals and experienced safari industry professionals. Together, the operators of Conservancy Safaris bring an authentic and eye-opening experience to guests by immersing them in Namibia’s exotic natural surroundings and rich-cultural fabrics.

As a result of local ownership, the local Himba and Herero people are employed, have a stake in the company, are able to share their knowledge and culture with outsiders, and can work to help sustain their local economy and lifestyle. Together, locals and travelers build a sustainable community and both parties reap the rewards from such growth.

• Conservancy Safaris strives to introduce each traveler to the unique culture of Namibia, without diluting the experience with westernized elements. Because there is a large sector of safari enterprises that are built around a westernized and culturally secluded vision, Conservancy Safaris’ has crafted principles to ensure each traveler is rewarded with an experience that is truthful, authentic, and fulfilling.
• Conservancy Safaris brings a colorful medley of wildlife and cultural experiences to life for guests. Comprised of various terrain and eco-systems, Namibia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. Here, guests are introduced to beautiful natural surroundings while experiencing walking and game-drive safaris.

With jagged mountains lining the horizon, fauna and flora speckled desert terrain and ancient riverbeds, there is constant stimulus throughout each and every day with Conservancy Safaris, and go to.
During the safari tours with Conservancy Safaris, visitors witness lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and a plethora of stunning birds, and discover the ancient connections between the people and the environment. Through each of Conservancy Safaris’ safari tours, guests witness a can visualize exactly where their safari payments go.

• Conservancy Safaris’ intimate size, rich cultural surroundings, and local hosts make it one of the most rewarding and authentic camps to book with in Africa.

Their Kunene Conservancy Safaris branch is comprised of luxurious mobile tents hosted by the Himba and Herero people and is for travelers looking to experience something outside of the normal realm of pre-packaged vacations. In fact, travelers are not treated merely as tourists by locals—they are welcomed with smiles and open arms as guests.

Conservancy Safaris features six safari packages and has an additional four limited edition safari tours to choose from. The limited edition safaris are led by specialists in their field who allow guests to get a glimpse into conservation behind the scenes. These limited edition safaris include Desert Lion Safari with Dr. Flip Stander, Conservation and Culture with Garth Owen-Smith and Dr. Margie Jacobsohn, Kaokoland Naturally with Steve Braine, and Desert Elephant Project Safari with Dr. Keith Leggett.

This courageous anti-poaching organization has lent a great deal of attention and valuable resources to threatened wildlife in both the Victoria Falls National Park and its neighboring Zambezi National Park since the unit’s establishment in 1999.

Privately funded, the VFAPU works closely with the Wildlife Management Authority and the parks to ensure the unit’s wildlife conservation vision is properly implemented and supported throughout the 146,632 acres of terrain their efforts cover.

Individuals, as well as over a dozen hotels, lodges, and eco-tourism companies, also donate their support and finances to the VFAPU in order to expedite the anti-poaching unit’s vision for poaching reduction in the area.

Before the VFAPU stepped in . . .

More than 19,000 poaching snares were strewn throughout the national parks. Unfortunately, when animals are caught in these traps, it can often take them several days to die.

Subsistence poaching was occurring at a highly threatening rate. This form of animal poaching is done by locals to get bush meat to eat and sell. In fact, central and southern Africa consume more than 1.9 million tons of bush meat each year—a large contributor to the Zambezi River Valley’s wildlife devastation.  These subsistence poachers often kill kudu, impala, buffalo, waterbuck, zebra, and warthog for their bush meat and then sell the meat for profit.

Environmental poaching was a large contributor to eco-system and habitat destruction. This form of poaching involves the act of deforestation or removing plants, soil, and sand from the environment. Locals cut down trees and other flora for fuel, firewood to cook, and for building expensive furniture. Other times, they use natural resources such as sand to build shelter and structures.

Elephants and rhinos were being poached at a highly excessive rate for their tusks or horns, feet, and skin. This form of poaching is also known as commercial poaching and is primarily done by poverty-stricken locals who are looking for a form of income.

Programs initiated by the VFAPU to retaliate against poaching:

Animal rescue and rehabilitation programs: Animals who are injured or snared by humans have the opportunity to survive thanks to the VFAPU’s hard-working volunteers and support team. Often snared on the face or limbs, animals can become horribly wounded and suffer until rescued. Through private donations, medicines such as antibiotics and sedation drugs, can be administered to animals in need of rescue.

Once these animals are rescued and rehabilitated, they can be released and reunited with their offspring and herds / social groups.

Wildlife and habitat protection programs: Currently employing more than a dozen scouts to survey the Zambezi River Valley region and prevent poaching activities, the VFAPU has arrested more than 360 poachers and has taken great measures to set an example in the area.

School and community awareness programs: Through song, dance, and story, the VFAPU is working to bring poaching awareness to the local communities and educate youth on the environmental and community consequences of poaching. Through these programs, children and adults alike participate in theatrical performances that educate the local population, and kids from nearby schools are brought to visit the area’s Elephant Camp to learn about the elephants of the Zambezi River Valley and their importance to the environment.

VFAPU also provides educational demonstrations on the rapid consumption of natural resources for fuel and educates locals on alternative materials that can be used in place of these natural resources.

Ex-poacher employment programs: Working with a variety of employers, the VFAPU seeks self-sustaining job opportunities for former poachers. Some of these employment opportunities include textile making, clothing production, and legal wood carving jobs with the Forestry Commission.

Although the complete elimination of poaching in the Victoria Falls National Park and Zambezi National Park is still a great ways away, VFAPU has made phenomenal strides in Zimbabwe wildlife conservation since their beginnings, and continues to implement their vision for a poaching-free Zimbabwe.

Through their exciting programs, individuals from all around the world can lend a hand in Africa’s eco-tourism and conservation efforts. Whether you have a passion for horses, marine life, conservation, wildlife, guiding, or volunteering, Campfire Safaris has tailored courses to accommodate individual needs to better suit their volunteers and interns.

Highlighted below are three of their most renowned and popular courses:

Conservation Land & Sea: Born nearly 10 years ago, Campfire Safaris’ Conservation Land course has evolved into a more holistic approach to conserving the fragile wildlife of Africa. Through its growth, Campfire Safaris has been able to add marine conservation programs to their Conservation Land curriculum.

Beginning in June 2010, Campfire Safaris will offer their combined conservation program, Conservation Land & Sea, to individuals who want to volunteer, intern, or train to be a field guide.

During this joint, one-month education / volunteer program, which is comprised of both fieldwork and in-class lectures, students will learn the basic elements of marine eco-systems and ways to maintain and conserve their cleanliness and living organisms and animals.

During this course, students will discover . . .

• The basic elements of life found in the ocean and on land.
• The land zones of a coastline including beaches, estuaries, dunes, and coral reefs.
• The living patterns of fish, Echnodermata, sponges, single-celled organisms, and marine mammals, reptiles and birds.
• The importance of seaweed and algae in the balance of marine life.
• How to clean the shoreline.
• How to deal with the dangers of the sea including predators, currents, and tides.
• How humans impact the sea and ways to manage and conserve the sea.

FGASA Field Guiding Course: During this highly rewarding program, participants take a comprehensive look at nature and discover how to interpret its fragile eco-systems and wildlife. Students then learn how to convey this interpretation in an insightful way to visitors from all over the world.

When you partake in this course, you will have the opportunity to discover the natural wonders of the world, develop exceptional observation skills and an immense appreciation for nature, and interact with people from all around the world.

At the end of this adventurous course, participants will receive certification as an official guide to take visitors out into the wilderness and show them the many hidden treasures of the African bush.

During this course, students will discover . . .

• How to interpret the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
• Real-world applicable lessons in leadership and theoretical practices.
• The essential practices of animal management.
• The truth behind which animals are hunted and why they are hunted.
• The difference between trophy hunting, poaching, and meat hunting.

Horse Trail Guide Course: Designed with equestrians in mind, the Horse Trail Guide Course is for horse lovers who want to participate in equestrian study. The program comes in several forms including volunteer work experience, internship and practical training placement, and horse trail guide training.

For those interested in volunteer work experience, you can be trained in equestrian center management, wildlife conservation and preservation practices, and learn about the role horses play in the African eco-system.

If you’re interested in an internship and practical training placement, you can participate in a wildlife study and equestrian study while Wildlife Equestrian Centre estate. Here, you will have the opportunity to research the purpose of horse trails, learn about environmental impact, and experience hands on learning.

If you are looking to earn qualification in horse trail guiding, African Dream Horse Safaris is currently working to become a training facility.
If you are interested in earning an accredited qualification, African Dream Horse safaris is in the process of becoming a training centre in South Africa that offers just that.

During this course, students will discover . . .

• How to ride and manage a horse at an intermediate level.
• How to manage a group of horses through a safe and relaxed approach.
• How to care for horses.
• How to help tourists mount and dismount their horse.
• How to ride as a substitute or backup guide.

Image from Avondale Wine website

Autumn at the Avondale Wine Estate in the sprawling countryside of Cape Town, South Africa, signifies a time for wine tasting, rejuvenation, and owl, falcon, and heron observation. It’s a time when the vines prepare for winter hibernation, deep red wines are flowing, and the countryside is blanketed with deep red and amber flora. But one of the most spectacular elements of autumn at Avondale is dusk time.

Image and caption from Avondale Wines website: "Blue Crane chick that had 'bent leg syndrome'. He spent a week in a sling before he could stand alone but he is doing very well although he is still a bit wobbly."

As dusk sets in at the Avondale Wine Estate, some of Mother Nature’s most magnificent creatures rise to the occasion. Hooting with poise and grace, the owls are the perfect symphony to soak in as you enjoy a glass of Avondale’s rich Owl House Cabernet Sauvignon 2003. Thanks to the estate’s organic compost program and earth-responsible vineyard practices, owls and other birds of prey visit Avondale for its mineral rich land.

Image from Avondale Wines website

Often seen as the moon slowly climbs up the Klein Drakenstein Mountains, the elusive night owl and other captivating species of owls perform their musical nighttime hoots. But, many times, the trip to Avondale can be a dangerous journey. Many birds reach the outskirts of the area wounded and in need of rehabilitation.

In an effort to help conserve the owl species of southern Africa, Avondale has teamed up with the Witzenberg Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Centre. They have also made agreements with Financial Mail and Diners Club Choice subscribers, to donate a portion of the wine sale proceedings to help save the owls and other birds of prey species.

Image from Avondale Wines website

Today, there is a man-made sanctuary designed to provide owls and other bird species, such as barn owls, spotted eagle owls, falcons, and cranes, with a safe haven to rehabilitate–before venturing back out into the wild.

So, whether you’re thinking about taking your honeymoon to South Africa or taking a group trip to South Africa, Avondale Wine Estate is the place to go for a delicious wine and delightful experience. Not to mention each time that you enjoy a glass of Owl House Cabernet, you’re contributing to the rescue and rehabilitation of the adorable feathered creatures of southern Africa.

• The Cape buffalo population went from 13,000 to 15.
• The wildebeest population went from 6,400 to 1.
• The hippo went from 3,500 to 44.
• The zebra went from 3,300 to 12.
• The black and white rhino population fell to 0.

A place that once was known for its endless amount of animals was down to less than 100 individual creatures. By the late 1970s and early 80s, Gorongosa laid to rest its reputation as one of Africa’s most beloved and stunning wildlife regions—only to begin resuscitating its claim to fame, again, in 2005.

With nearly 2,500 square miles of lush grasslands and widespread floodplains, elephants, birds, lions, and antelope are now reclaiming Gorongosa has their protected home. Today, the river is abundant with active birds and Nile crocodiles, and the grasslands are swarming with joyful herds of zebra and Cape buffalo.

But how did Gorongosa reestablish its wildlife population and fragile eco-systems after nearly 20 years of barren savanna? It took the powerful vision of one man who had the hope and conviction that Gorongosa could restore its past reputation as Africa’s prime wildlife region. This businessman-turned-philanthropist, is none other than Greg Carr.

Gorongosa National Park’s uplifting transformation:
Breaking free from the norm, in every possible way, Greg Carr is raising the bar for individual conservation contributions, not only in Africa, but also nationwide. With a $40 million, 30-year-pledge to bring life back to Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, Carr’s epic contribution to Gorongosa’s conservation is one of the largest individual efforts ever seen in Africa—in both financial and time contribution.

Greg Carr, also known as Gorongosa’s father of conservation, fell in love with the area years ago and established the Carr Foundation in 2005.

For five years (and counting) Greg Carr is managing to do a complete 360-degree-turnaround with Gorongosa. He is not simply throwing in money and waiting to see what everyone will do with it. He’s taking advice, working with the locals for a better Gorongosa, and lending a hand.

Below are merely a few specific efforts Carr is implementing to help conserve Gorongosa and bring it back to its once thriving state:

• Employing over 100 game scouts: Carr’s decision to hire game scouts has not only helped to prevent poachers from entering the Park, but it has also benefited the hired game scouts, who are locals, bring money into their community. The direct and highly-effective efforts put forth by the game scouts have enabled animals to breed and increase in population, and they are now not as timid toward humans as they were before Carr’s first arrival to the Park.

• Introducing new animals to the Park: With a little help from South Africa, the Carr Foundation was able to relocate buffalo, wildebeest, elephant, and hippos from Kruger National Park to Gorongosa. Now, Gorongosa has a strong wildlife base for breeding.

• Working to increase eco-tourism companies: Bringing in eco-tourism companies can be difficult when there are too few animals for safari tours to operate. This is why Carr is working hard to bring in animals from South Africa. Through an effort to increase eco-tourism companies in the area, Carr hopes to attract thousands of tourists a year, without taking away from Gorongosa’s authenticity and exclusivity. The outcome of more eco-tourism companies is a more sustainable local environment, economy, and community. Today, Gorongosa’s yearly tourist count is roughly 8,000, but those involved in increasing eco-tourism efforts in the Park predict that in 10 years, tourist population will reach 100,000 annually.

• Providing community members with a financial stake in Gorongosa conservation: In order to drastically reduce human / wildlife conflict, and encourage support for the Carr Foundation and their epic efforts, Carr is providing an incentive to the locals. Allowing nearby communities to have a financial stake in the Park’s conservation efforts, Carr hopes to drastically reduce tension between humans and wildlife and increase community participation in helping Gorongosa thrive. Merely a year after first establishing the Carr Foundation, locals were warming up to Carr’s efforts as he hired many of them to be guide visitors around the land, build tree nurseries, and replant vital flora. He also hired more than 100 locals to be game scouts around the Park.

But Gorongosa isn’t completely in the clear. In order to seal its revitalized state into a permanent way of life, conservation models need to be put in places and strictly enforced to eliminate human / wildlife conflict, bring economic stability to the local population, help sustain fragile eco-systems, and restore and protect wildlife.