No one can predict the future of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic climate, but that doesn’t mean its future should unravel without guidance.

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.

With a vision to conserve North West Namibia’s natural resources, social structure, and wildlife, while igniting passion in travelers, Conservancy Safaris is setting new boundaries for eco-tourism outfitters on a global scale. And the channel for which the Namibia people are turning their glorious vision into a reality is tourism.

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.