CONSERVATION
Conservation and community are the forefront of what we do. We make sure we only partner with safari camps and lodges that share this philosophy with us. At the end of the day it is up to Safari Companies like Stanley Safaris, as well as other operators on the ground to preserve and restore the environment for generations to come. Too many companies talk about their social responsibility, but few actually follow through with actions and it is up to all of us as responsible travelers to make sure we only stay at and promote responsible tourist establishments.
At Stanley Safaris we only work with small, privately owned camps and lodges in pristine wildernesses that have focus on experience, guiding as well as conservation and community. On most of our quotes you will see what percentage of your total booking value goes back into community and conservation. This is worked out by looking at various aspects of the providers we partner with.
Below are some conservation projects that guests can get involved with during their safari in Africa.
At Stanley Safaris we only work with small, privately owned camps and lodges in pristine wildernesses that have focus on experience, guiding as well as conservation and community. On most of our quotes you will see what percentage of your total booking value goes back into community and conservation. This is worked out by looking at various aspects of the providers we partner with.
- We look at what a company spends on their staff, whether through salaries, wellbeing, food, medical
- We look at what percentage of staff working at the camps and lodges are local. By employing local, you guarantee the money is flowing through to the local communities and the communities understand the true value of tourism. This ripple effect through the community means less poaching of animals, cutting down of natural vegetation and fewer wildlife/human conflicts. It is not just about building schools and houses in the communities, but it is our responsibility to employ and train local communities.
- Most camp and lodge operators work with the local communities and conservation organizations within the areas they operate and have certain projects that they contribute towards. These contributions come from the camp's bottom-line through bed night donations. Many of local foundations rely on guest donations to maintain the projects they run.
- Park fees are government fees that go towards park maintenance, research and anti-poaching, which are all essential for the survival of the national parks and other wildlife reserves.
- Conservation fees or levies are usually added to bookings which then goes directly towards privately run reserves and so is used for anti-poaching and park maintenance.
Below are some conservation projects that guests can get involved with during their safari in Africa.
