Eco AfricaDedicated to supporting women in the impoverished and overcrowded Chitungwiza township in Zimbabwe, Eco Africa Social Ventures is a New York-based nonprofit that provides Zimbabwean women with the means and ability to supply food and other essentials for their families.

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.

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.

Namibia Safari ToursWith 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.

conservancy safarisHow 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.

African safari vacationWith 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.

mobile safarisConservancy 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.

Raising the bar for conservation activists around the world, Great Plains Conservation is taking phenomenal strides to expand its influence on Africa and India alike. In their relentless efforts to conserve and enhance the wildlife of Africa, sustain local communities and economies, and provide visitors to Africa with the ultimate experience, many of the movers and shakers of conservation efforts from all over Africa are joining forces with Great Plains Conservation to execute one of the greatest conservation visions known to the world.

Together, these conservation tourism partners are working hard to protect the many fragile eco-systems and the animals that inhabit them by initiating conservation models that fight to prevent poaching, hunting, mining, pollution, and habitat abuse.

Further, Great Plains Conservation and its partners are quickly proving that their authentic and superior accommodations and services are some of the best in all of Africa.

Such conservation tourism partners joining Great Plains Conservation include . . .

Selinda Reserve & Zarafa and Selinda Camps: Located on the eastern banks of the Selinda Spillway, the waterway that connects the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti water system, the 300-000 acre Selinda Reserve is speckled with wildlife-rich floodplains and savannas. Each of its complex eco-systems are home to a delightful mixture of wildlife including the elusive lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, water birds, leopard, and much more. Every day that you spend in the Selinda Reserve is a new day of spectacular adventure and wildlife observation.

Ol Donyo Wuas: As a symbol of authenticity, tradition, and conservation, Ol Donyo Wuas is one of Kenyas most exceptional and highly-acclaimed lodges. Its neighboring areas are home to the Big Five, making it the premier location for 4X4 game drives and walking safarisincluded in the lodge’s all-inclusive rate. Also included in the rate are horseback safaris past Mt Kilimanjaro, hiking up the Chyulu Hills, mountain biking the savannas, rooftop star beds, and exciting night drives.

Olare Orok Conservancy & Mara Plains Camp: Situated on the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Mara Plains camp is in the heart of Africas largest concentration of lions, as well as the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. With that in mind, its not hard to believe that Mara Plains is one of the best camps in all of Africa for those seeiking adventure and exceptional wildlife sightings. In an effort to preserve the 375,000 acres that make up the reserve and sustain the local community and economy, Mara Plains Camp is a major player in conservation efforts.

The Selous Project & Lekula Selous Camp: Comprised of a full team of expert staff who believe in bringing the spirit of Africa and its radiant wildernesses to life for each and every guest, highly-experienced and certified guides at Tanzanias Lukula Selous Camp have the unique ability to immerse every guest into their natural surroundings. Through their rich knowledge of the land, people, and animals, safari participants discover traditional tracking techniques and a variety of indigenous wildlife found throughout the area.

Ride Kenya: As an affiliate of Ol Donyo Wuas, Ride Kenya is a horseback safari operation that offers half- and full-day riding safaris, as well as their infamous multiday luxury mobile horse safari. With access to over 1.4 million acres of unspoiled landscape, guests have the exclusive opportunity to ride amongst wildlife as they journey past the magnificent slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, through the giraffe speckled savannas, and over the dry lakebeds of Amboseli on horseback. The possibilities are endless.

There are also several non-profit trusts that partner with Great Plains including The Big Cat Initiative, The Maasailand Preservation Trust, and The Island Conservation Society.

Photos taken from Oldonyowuas.com

Built more than 20-years ago, Ol Donyo Wuas has established itself as one of eastern Africa’s first bush lodges, and has been recognized as a symbol of authenticity and tradition ever since. As one of a handful of lodges located on the smooth slopes of the Chyulu Hills National Park, this quaint lodge offers guests an experience far from touristy hot-spots and large groups of travelers.

With traditional wildlife migration routes, a crystal clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro, and vast Kenyan plains crossing the path of this legendary lodge, guests are immersed in their natural surroundings and can relish in the privacy and tranquility of the lodge and its neighboring areas.

Photos taken from Oldonyowuas.com

Although this Kenyan gem continues to inspire the construction of other luxurious lodges, nothing compares to Ol Donyo Wuas’ superior location, ambiance, service, food, activities, accommodations, and its measurable influence on the local economy, people, and environment.

Beginning in the 1980s, founder Richard Bonham’s vision for cultural awareness, sustainable tourism, and luxury came to fruition with the creation of the Ol Donyo Wuas. Today, thanks to Bonham’s brilliant vision and dedication, the local Maasai people, as well as the visitors to the area, continue to see great benefits to the economy, environment, and local lifestyles.

As one of the few bush lodges to stay true to its historical roots for more than two decades, Ol Donyo Wuas’ continues to forge relationships with locals and integrate new conservation projects into the local community.

Photos taken from Oldonyowuas.com

What do you get from visiting Ol Donyo Wuas?

  • A sense of growth: Although the adventurous activities, surreal dining experiences, comforting ambiance, and intimate setting at the Ol Donyo Wuas are unforgettable, the trips to the local Maasai villages invoke a sense of cultural growth within visitors to the area. The ability to interact with the Maasai people and learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and community efforts is one of the most fulfilling experiences to be had in Kenya.
  • Memories that will last forever: Teeming with indigenous wildlife and the Big Five, Ol Donyo Wuas’ neighboring areas are the premier location for 4X4 game drives and walking safaris, which are included in the lodge’s all-inclusive rate. Also included in the rate are night drives, horseback safaris, mountain biking, fly camping, rooftop star beds, bush breakfasts, Maasai visits, and more.
  • The feeling of accomplishment: As a sustainable bush lodge and longtime partner with The Maasailand Preservation Trust, Ol Donyo Wuas contributes to the preservation of the local economy, community, and environment. And when you stay at Ol Donyo Wuas, you are also participating in these conservation efforts.

    Photos taken from Oldonyowuas.com

  • A new understanding for the environment: While participating in safari excursions throughout your stay, you’ll discover everything from insects and reptiles, to the Big Five and other larger animals. When you’re not taking part in a game drive or walking safari, you can learn about indigenous plants used for medicinal purposes from the Maasai people during a Maasai cultural visit.

The Maasai people also receive great benefits from your stay such as a thriving environment, a fulfilling lifestyle, a sustainable economy, and a rich learning experience.

Did you find this post useful? Let us know in our comments section.

Photos taken from Oldonyowuas.com

Built more than 20-years ago, Ol Donyo Wuas has established itself as one of eastern Africa’s first bush lodges, and has been recognized as a symbol of authenticity and tradition ever since. As one of a handful of lodges located on the smooth slopes of the Chyulu Hills National Park, this quaint lodge offers guests an experience far from touristy hot-spots and large groups of travelers.

With traditional wildlife migration routes, a crystal clear view of Mount Kilimanjaro, and vast Kenyan plains crossing the path of this legendary lodge, guests are immersed in their natural surroundings and can relish in the privacy and tranquility of the lodge and its neighboring areas.

Photos taken from Oldonyowuas.com

Although this Kenyan gem continues to inspire the construction of other luxurious lodges, nothing compares to Ol Donyo Wuas’ superior location, ambiance, service, food, activities, accommodations, and its measurable influence on the local economy, people, and environment.

Beginning in the 1980s, founder Richard Bonham’s vision for cultural awareness, sustainable tourism, and luxury came to fruition with the creation of the Ol Donyo Wuas. Today, thanks to Bonham’s brilliant vision and dedication, the local Maasai people, as well as the visitors to the area, continue to see great benefits to the economy, environment, and local lifestyles.

As one of the few bush lodges to stay true to its historical roots for more than two decades, Ol Donyo Wuas’ continues to forge relationships with locals and integrate new conservation projects into the local community.

Photos taken from Oldonyowuas.com

What do you get from visiting Ol Donyo Wuas?

  • A sense of growth: Although the adventurous activities, surreal dining experiences, comforting ambiance, and intimate setting at the Ol Donyo Wuas are unforgettable, the trips to the local Maasai villages invoke a sense of cultural growth within visitors to the area. The ability to interact with the Maasai people and learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and community efforts is one of the most fulfilling experiences to be had in Kenya.
  • Memories that will last forever: Teeming with indigenous wildlife and the Big Five, Ol Donyo Wuas’ neighboring areas are the premier location for 4X4 game drives and walking safaris, which are included in the lodge’s all-inclusive rate. Also included in the rate are night drives, horseback safaris, mountain biking, fly camping, rooftop star beds, bush breakfasts, Maasai visits, and more.
  • The feeling of accomplishment: As a sustainable bush lodge and longtime partner with The Maasailand Preservation Trust, Ol Donyo Wuas contributes to the preservation of the local economy, community, and environment. And when you stay at Ol Donyo Wuas, you are also participating in these conservation efforts.

    Photos taken from Oldonyowuas.com

  • A new understanding for the environment: While participating in safari excursions throughout your stay, you’ll discover everything from insects and reptiles, to the Big Five and other larger animals. When you’re not taking part in a game drive or walking safari, you can learn about indigenous plants used for medicinal purposes from the Maasai people during a Maasai cultural visit.

The Maasai people also receive great benefits from your stay such as a thriving environment, a fulfilling lifestyle, a sustainable economy, and a rich learning experience.

Did you find this post useful? Let us know in our comments section.

With increasing threats to the elephant population in Africa—including hunting, poaching, and habitat loss from human expansion—it’s no wonder we are beginning to see a major decline in elephant numbers. Determined to extinguish, or at least reduce these threats, Great Plains Conservation has established the Elephant Footprint program. This conservation program is focused primarily on one of the last places on earth where elephants are in large numbers, the Selinda Reserve in Botswana. Nearly 9,000 elephants reside in Selinda after each dry season, thanks to Great Plains Conservation’s exceptional efforts to help sustain the local environment.

Elephants in Africa

According to Great Plains Conservation, before they acquired the land, a whopping 75% of Selinda’s territory was used for trophy hunting. Now, elephants are less timid and more comfortable with their surroundings, and lion and other animal populations have increase dramatically.

Elephant at Zarafa Camp, Selinda Reserve in Northern Botswana

Because Selinda is a sanctuary for several endangered animals, including wild dogs, several bird species, leopards, and elephants, it’s a special treat to be able to see these creatures in abundance in their most natural habitat. In addition to a plethora of various animal species, Selinda Reserve is also known for its thriving eco-systems that sustain the delicate wildlife of the area. With 300,000 acres of land, windy rivers, and swamps, Selinda is one of the liveliest regions in Africa. Without the efforts from Great Plains Conservation, this region’s magnificent species and delicate eco-systems would still be under major threat.

Dedicated to conserving the environment through low impact, exceptional tourism, and community involvement, Great Plains Conservation is doing everything in their power to make the environment, the economy, and the community sustainable. Their belief is simple: “We believe that ownership is less about laying claim to a vast tract of land like this, than it is about taking care of it and making it better than we found it (Great Plains Conservation).”

Elephant outside the guest tent at Zarafa Camp

Great Plains Conservation is so dedicated to conserving the area that they only accommodate a maximum of 32 guests in their tented camps at all times. They believe this is the solution to having a lower impact on the region’s environment and providing each and every guest with the African safari vacation of a lifetime. With thousands of acres for guest to explore, Selinda’s camps are some of the most exceptional, unique, and intimate in all of Africa.
With the goal to expand conservation protection, Great Plains is working hard to build an elephant safe-haven that spans from the Chobe National Park, to the Moremi, to Namibia, and hopefully, to Angola.

If you’re looking to experience the Botswana family safari or honeymoon safari of a lifetime, Selinda Reserve is the place to go. Let Hills of Africa Travel create for you and your loved ones a detailed itinerary that’s customized to fit your every individual preference. Contact us today at 800.940.9344. We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true . . .

Like this post? Feel free to share it with your friends on Stumbleupon or Digg.

Share

Dyer_island_penguin_nestDyer_Island_penguinsDyer_island_penguinchicks

Dyer Island Cruises is a tour operator offering whale watching, Great White shark diving and other exhilarating marine wildlife viewing. They are based in Gansbaai, South Africa, which is approximately 1.5 hours east of Cape Town. Their tours take place in the waters around Dyer Island, a tiny island off the coast, made famous by the whales and sharks. They operate all tours with the highest standard of environmental awareness and much of their aim is to educate.

Dyer Island is home to over 4,000 African penguins, a species struggling with severe endangerment. Typically, the penguins burrow into soft guano (bird manure) to build their nests and protect their chicks. However, during the last 100 years, locals harvested the guano and used it to make fertilizer. While guano harvesting has stopped, the island will need 20 to 30 years of accumulation for there to be sufficient layering. In the meantime, the penguins are struggling to find shelter for their eggs and chicks from predators like seagulls.

Wilfred Chivell, who runs Dyer Island Cruises, is responsible for the launch of a program to install penguin homes, following a lucky visit to the island in the late 1990s. Few people can visit Dyer Island because it is off limits to anyone but researchers and most scientists are barred during sensitive nesting times. On his chance visit, he saw a shocking drop in the penguin population and that the penguins were desperate for shelter. To put it in perspective, the penguin population on Dyer Island has fallen from a peak of 22,655 pairs in 1979 to about 2,000 today.

That was all that was needed to motivate Wilfred. He got to work and in 2005, the first 40 “penguin houses” were transported to the island. The penguin houses are small, fiberglass igloos. Within a few days, adult penguins had inhabited all the penguin houses and were using them for shelter. The penguins just love their new homes. Each year, more houses are added and there are approximately 400 houses now on the island, with hopes to eventually have 2,000. The penguins occupy the new burrows like greased lightning. Anything that provides shelter is better than an open nest.

Wilfred had to jump through major hoops to get his project off the ground as he had to go through various governmental and research bodies to coordinate and to agree to let a private citizen get involved with such an ecologically sensitive place. Persistence pays off. The project has been so successful that researchers are currently taking data so that they can launch similar projects on other islands where there are more penguins desperate for homes.

The project is now run by donations from a trust called Faces of Need. To donate or learn more, please visit http://www.facesofneed.com.

Isn’t this the kind of operator you want to support when you travel?

For more information on Dyer Island Cruises, please visit http://www.whalewatchsa.com.

Hills of Africa Travel believes in the conservation of Africa’s magnificent bio-diversity and works closely with conservation organizations and ecotourism companies to help save Africa’s wildlife and wilderness. Contact us today at (800) 940-9344 to learn more about our conservation efforts and discover how you can take an African family safari or honeymoon safari trip of a lifetime.

Share

Catch up on Previous African Safari Articles